Different kinds of arm lift incisions..??

[body]

I know I want lipo of the arms, but know that i will still have loose/sagging skin.

I have researched pictures & procedures and have only seen two types of incisions: horizontal across the arm pit & vertical from elbow to arm pit. I do not think the first will sufficiently correct the sagging and I do not think I am ready for the scar left by the second- from elbow to arm pit.

My questions: 1) Has anyone had this procedure done and can share story & pics? 2) Does anyone know about any other procedure? 3) Any recommendations for ps in TJ for the arm lift?

I remember reading on another board that someone wanted a "c-incision" arm lift. I searched through google, but could not find anything.

Thank you!!

[tunny]

I had the incision in the arm pit. You'd be surprised how much of a difference it made. However, I was willing to accept a "noticeable difference" as opposed to a "dramatic change." So I guess it depends on what you're looking for. I lost almost 2 inches in each arm. I don't know how much you want and need to lose. But, research it. You may be surprised. I, too, didn't want the long incision from elbow to underarm. I'm happy with the decision I made. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures to share. I will check with my ps, though, and see if I can obtain copies of the ones he has.

[body]

Thank you.I assume you got the "minimal" incision across the pit?

[tunny]

I had the armpit to elbow incision arm lift done on 5/6/05. It has made a HUGE difference in the appearance of my arms but the scars are not pretty. The PS said they will fade over time. I knew going into this that I would have a trade off of loose saggy skin for scars and my arms were so bad with bat wings that the scar was a better solution. I have had some minor complications with this surgery, such as I lost feeling in my left arm from the elbow down into the forearm. The PS said this may or may not come back but it is just sensory feeling nothing to do with mobility. My scar on my right arm is healing thicker and I have to work on it a bit more to try to help mother nature along. I had a FTT/MR at the same time so I would have to say the arm surgery was the more painful of the 2. I still cannot stand anyone to touch the back of my arms where the scar is because it hurts to touch it. Again all of this should fade over time. Overall I am pleased with the outcome and I will be even more satisfied if I regain feeling again in my left arm. I am sorry I do not have pictures to share with you. Good luck on your decision!

[brad]

Did you have the armpit to elbow incision done? I am almost 14 weeks PO and I still experience swelling. I wish I could offer some good advice on the swelling but I have no suggestions. My left arm appears to be bigger then my right arm, but I was aware of that going into surgery. It seems that I have more swelling in my left arm then I do my right. I am still without feeling in the left forearm. I was told by my PS that is takes a good year to feel back to normal from the arm lift. Hang in there, you are still very new into the healing phase. I am sure you will notice each week that the swelling begins to get less and less. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have. Keep me posted on your recovery!! Good luck

[melmel]

The minimial incision can do a lot. I wouldn't write it off so quickly. Your PS can probably tell you whether or not the minimial incision would get rid of the sagging. It all depends on how loose your arm's skin is.

[sacback]

You can try this yourself: can you make your arm look lean just by pulling the extra skin into the armpit? If so, we may be able to limit your scar to just this area. However, if you still have extra skin or fat on your arm even when you try to pull it into your armpit, you will probably need an incision that rides down the inside of your arm. How far depends on the quality of your skin. The incisions are kept as short as possible so that they are not visible when short sleeves are worn.

Liposuction of the excess arm fat is almost always performed at the same time so the upper arm will look as slim as possible and the maximum amount of skin can be removed.
I personally want to get the lipo.