For women and men who have lost a significant amount of weight, the upper arm is an area that can be problematic. With weight gain, the skin expands to cover the increased size. This happens any place on the body that fat is stored, not just the upper arms. The arms, abdomen, breasts, thighs, face and back are frequently lifted and tucked after massive weight loss and post-bariatric surgery. The tailoring of excess skin is an important component of cosmetic plastic surgery, and can dramatically improve appearance. If you have lost a large amount of weight, removing the excess skin completes the transition.

Before and After Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

Right Arm after weight loss and before Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Right Arm after weight loss and after Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Above is a woman who has lost about half her weight. She was left with a large amount of skin on her upper arms, sometimes referred to as “bat wings”. Brachioplasty (arm lift) before and after pictures are shown. The picture on the left shows the amount of excess skin present before her arm lift. The picture on the right reveals her appearance after brachioplasty. The incision is placed along the inferior border of the arm to keep it out of sight.

After Weight Loss, When is it Time to Consider a Lift?

If you have recently lost weight, or have had bariatric surgery, it is worth giving your body a year to adjust. This gives your skin a chance to contract, and your body’s digestive system a chance to absorb the nutrients you need to heal. If it has been a year, and there is still too much skin, cosmetic plastic surgery can help.

I have had the opportunity to discuss post weight loss plastic surgery live on KRON4‘s Body Beautiful. The 800 number appearing on the video was only for the live show. To contact my Walnut Creek plastic surgery office for additional information, or to schedule a private consultation appointment, please call (925) 943-6353. Alternatively, a contact form on the lower left side of this web page has also been provided for your convenience, or click on this link for an expanded contact form.

Topics covered in this segment of Body Beautiful include:

• Arm Lift Surgery, with Brachioplasty before and after pictures.
• How do age and health effect plastic surgery?
• How do I get rid of my baby pooch? Exercise, Tummy Tuck, both?
• How can lumps left after liposuction be corrected?
• What is the difference between liposuction and lipodisolve?

Post Bariatric Procedures

More information about Post Bariatric Plastic Surgery can be found on the Post Bariatrics page of DrMele.com. Here are links to video presentations about the more common Post Bariatric Plastic Surgery Procedures, and links to the first 3 parts of the above video can be found at the bottom of the page.

• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Lifts
• Breast Reduction
• Gynecomastia Reduction
• Face Lifts
• Liposuction
• Arm Lifts (Brachioplasty)
• Thigh Lifts
• Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty)
• Lower Body Lifts

Post Bariatric Surgery (Plastic Surgery after Massive Weight Loss) Links:

Post Bariatric Surgery San Francisco – Part 1 of 4
Post Bariatric Surgery San Francisco – Part 2 of 4
Post Bariatric Surgery San Francisco – Part 3 of 4
Post Bariatric Surgery San Francisco – Part 4 of 4 (You are here.)