Can You Get a Thigh and Arm Lift at the Same Time?

Given the popularity of tummy tucks and breast augmentation, it can feel like much of the focus in plastic surgery is on the torso. Yet, that’s not the reality.

For some patients, the “problem areas” are the limbs. After weight loss, they are satisfied with their midriffs. Yet, the extra fat or saggy skin of their arms and legs is embarrassing. And no amount of diet and exercise seems to help.

This is why there are procedures like the thigh and arm lift that remove unwanted skin and fat while targeting deeper structures to create a sculpted contour. Plus, these procedures can be done at the same time to lessen overall recovery time.

The Arm Lift Procedure

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to an arm lift (also known as brachioplasty). The incision length and pattern will be determined by your surgeon and will depend on the location of excess skin and fat and how much needs to be removed.

Generally speaking though, incisions are placed either on the back or the inside of the arm. They may extend from just above the elbow to the underarm. However, incisions may be more limited – depending on your situation.

Whatever the case, if there is excess fat, it will be removed with liposuction or directly excised. The supportive tissue underneath is then tightened and reshaped using internal sutures, and the skin is smoothed over to create a new contour.

Types of Thigh Lift

Similar to the arm lift, the type of thigh lift performed will depend on your specific situation and your desired goals.

Your plastic surgeon will recommend either an inner (medial) thigh lift or a standard thigh lift. With the former, excess skin is removed to give the top part of the inner thigh a more toned appearance. This is the most common type of thigh lift.

Meanwhile, a standard thigh lift aims to reshape and tone the entire upper leg. This type of thigh lift is more appropriate for those who have excess skin as a result of weight loss.

Are You a Good Candidate for a Thigh and Arm Lift?

A large number of patients who opt for this combination surgery have lost significant weight and are unable to get rid of saggy skin and stubborn pockets of fat through diet and exercise. If this is the case with you, you may be a perfect candidate.

As with all surgical procedures, it’s important that you be in good health with no pre-existing conditions that might negatively impact healing. In addition, you need to be at a stable body weight with no intention of losing or gaining weight in the near future.

What to Expect During Recovery

You’ll likely experience some swelling after surgery so you’ll want to avoid strenuous activity. For an arm lift, you’ll need to keep arm movement at a minimum and avoid lifting anything over your head. You may feel some arm and hand weakness at first. This is normal.

As for a thigh lift, expect compression wraps around the thighs and keep your legs elevated as much as possible in that first week. You’ll be able to shower within the first few days post-surgery.

Depending on the sort of work you do or your activity level, most patients return to basic activities of daily living within two weeks after surgery. Exercise and heavy lifting, however, will be restricted for longer.

You CAN Tone Your Thighs and Arms

If a tightened and more youthful appearance to the inner thighs and arms feels like only a dream, it doesn’t have to be. Contact us today to set up your free consultation. Let’s make that dream a reality.

And when it comes to combining surgeries, you’re not limited to the thigh and arm lift pair. You may decide to combine your thigh lift with breast augmentation instead. Or perhaps a tummy tuck with an arm lift.

Your board-certified plastic surgeon will discuss all of the (nearly endless) possibilities with you.