Cosmetic Question:  I want arm liposuction but I am afraid it will make my skin sag. Suggestions?

Cosmetic Answer: You are exactly right to think this through in advance. Our inner thighs and inner arms have naturally thin skin. It does not shrink down easily and can sag if too much liposuction is done.

One way to minimize loose skin is to work out 3 times a week doing 5 pound biceps and triceps exercises. This will add volume to the arm to some extent, replacing the lost volume from the fat removal. Many people do not have the time or self-discipline to do this.

Will skin loosen so much that you regret having liposuction or that you need an arm lift?  You truly need an examination to determine this and you need to tell me what your goal is because that makes a difference. If you want toned, smooth arms to go sleeveless, loose skin can be disastrous. If you want thinner arms to fit in clothes better, you might find loose skin a reasonable trade-off.

I have done a lot of arm liposuction. Using a small cannula (2-3 mm) all the way around the arm. I can usually avoid loose skin, unless my patient has a lot of fat removed or stretch marks.

Why does this matter so much?  Removing a lot of fat deflates the skin well beyond its ability to shrink down. Having stretch marks means the skin has lost its elasticity and cannot shrink down.

Will massage help skin to shrink down?  I have had several women with stretch-marked skin have aggressive and quite painful  massage starting 10 days after arm liposuction. Their skin did not loosen very much. They were convinced it was because of the massage. I truly do not know why it did not work and you are welcome to try it but only if you are prepared for it NOT to work. I do not want you to be disappointed if it does not work for you.

What about treating skin with an office skin tightening laser after an arm lift?  These machines work by shrinking the collagen in the deep layer of the skin. Thin skin has less collagen and results may be disappointing.

What about microneedling?  It actually might work because it does thicken the skin and thick skin will shrink. If you want a lot of fat removed or have stretch marks, you should plan on 3-6 microneedling treatments either before surgery or starting 6 weeks afterwards.

You may actually be better off with an arm lift. This is an important decision and the best way to figure out what is best for you is to see me for a consultation. Everyone is different and every skin is different – what we want is the plan for you that is most likely to give you a result that makes you truly happy!

I love to help my patients get the look they want in the best way possible.

Give us a call so we can help you!