Loose, sagging skin on the inner upper arms, often called bat wings, is one of the most common concerns among patients who have experienced significant weight loss or the natural effects of aging. This excess skin cannot be toned through exercise and is difficult to conceal. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Monica Wentworth, serving Webster, TX and the greater Houston area, provides arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) with an emphasis on natural-looking, well-healed results that help patients feel confident and comfortable in their bodies.
Loose upper arm skin develops when the skin has been stretched over time, due to weight gain, aging, or significant hormonal changes, and then loses the elasticity needed to retract. The inner upper arm is particularly susceptible because the skin in this area is thin and has limited structural support. After major weight loss, the loss of subcutaneous fat volume exacerbates the degree of sagging.
Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arm, typically from the axilla (armpit) to the elbow. The result is a firmer, more toned arm contour. The incision is placed on the inner surface of the upper arm, where it is concealed when the arms rest at the sides. In patients with minimal excess skin, a mini arm lift with a shorter scar limited to the axillary area may be appropriate.
A key element of candidacy is realistic scar expectations. All arm lifts leave a scar on the inner arm, and while this scar typically heals well and becomes less visible over time, it is permanent. Most patients find the improved contour is a worthwhile trade-off for a well-placed scar that is not visible when the arms are at rest.
In patients with excess fat in addition to excess skin, liposuction may be performed at the same time as the arm lift to remove stubborn fat deposits and refine the arm contour. Dr. Wentworth will assess whether liposuction is an appropriate addition during the consultation.
Arm lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure and takes approximately one to two hours. Dr. Wentworth places the incision carefully on the inner arm and closes it in multiple layers to support healing and optimize scar quality.
Most patients take one to two weeks off work following an arm lift. Swelling, bruising, and tightness in the arms are expected during this period. Compression garments are worn for four to six weeks to support healing. Strenuous activity, lifting, and reaching overhead are restricted for four to six weeks.
Final arm contour results are visible at three to six months once swelling has fully resolved. Scars are typically pink and visible in the early months but soften and fade significantly over twelve to eighteen months with proper scar care.
Arm lift surgery is frequently combined with other body contouring procedures as part of a comprehensive post-weight-loss plan. Common combinations include tummy tuck, thigh lift, or breast lift. Dr. Wentworth will discuss the safest and most effective sequencing or combination for your specific goals and health status.
For more information about Dr. Wentworth and the treatments and procedures she performs please click here or call us at 713-538-1455.
Two of the most commonly requested breast procedures, breast lift (mastopexy) and breast augmentation, are frequently confused or conflated, yet they serve fundamentally different purposes. Choosing the wrong procedure, or pursuing one when the other is actually needed, leads to disappointing results. Dr. Monica Wentworth, a board-certified plastic surgeon at her Webster, TX practice serving the greater Houston area, helps patients navigate this distinction with clarity and expertise.
The first step in choosing between a breast lift and augmentation, or determining whether you need both, is identifying what specifically bothers you about your current breast appearance. Is the primary issue a lack of volume? Or is it the position of the breasts, with nipples pointing downward or sitting below the inframammary fold? This distinction determines everything about which procedure is appropriate.
Breast augmentation uses silicone or saline implants to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. It adds volume, it does not change the position of the breast on the chest wall or lift the nipple-areola complex to a higher position. Augmentation is best suited for patients who are happy with the position of their breasts and who primarily want more size, fullness, or improved cleavage.
When augmentation is performed on a breast that has significant drooping, the added weight can make the ptosis more visible rather than less. This is why implants alone are not a substitute for a breast lift when meaningful ptosis is present.
A breast lift reshapes and repositions the breast tissue, elevating the nipple-areola complex to a higher position on the chest wall and restoring a more youthful breast contour. It removes excess skin, firms the breast envelope, and creates a more projected, rounded shape. Importantly, a breast lift does not add volume, it works with the existing breast tissue.
Common causes of breast ptosis that may indicate a lift is needed include pregnancy and breastfeeding, significant weight loss, aging, and prolonged sports without adequate bra support.
A commonly used self-assessment is the pencil test: place a pencil in the fold beneath your breast. If your nipple falls below the pencil, you have ptosis that would benefit from a lift. If your nipple sits above the pencil and your primary concern is size, augmentation alone may be sufficient. This is a rough guide, the consultation with Dr. Wentworth will involve a more thorough assessment.
Many women, particularly those who have experienced post-pregnancy breast changes, have both volume loss and drooping. For these patients, a combined breast lift and augmentation is the most effective solution: the lift addresses position and restores shape, while the implant restores the lost volume. This combination can produce dramatic, satisfying results and is one of the most commonly performed combinations in breast surgery.
The combined procedure is technically more involved than either alone, as the two procedures must be coordinated carefully. Dr. Wentworth will discuss the specific technique she recommends based on your breast anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals.
Breast augmentation involves small incisions, typically in the inframammary fold, around the areola, or in the axilla, that heal to fine, well-concealed scars. A breast lift involves more extensive incisions whose pattern depends on the degree of ptosis:
Breast lift scars fade significantly over twelve to eighteen months with appropriate scar care. Most patients find the improved shape and position well worth the trade-off.
Recovery from breast augmentation alone typically involves three to five days of significant rest and two to three weeks before returning to work. A combined lift and augmentation generally requires two to three weeks before returning to work and six weeks before resuming exercise. Dr. Wentworth provides detailed post-operative guidance and is accessible throughout the recovery period.
For more information about Dr. Wentworth and the treatments and procedures she performs please click here or call us at 713-538-1455.
Significant weight loss is a major achievement, but it can leave behind excess skin and changes in body contour. Body contouring procedures help refine your shape and enhance the results of your hard work.
Proper planning is essential to achieving the best outcome. Female board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Monica Wentworth provides liposuction to patients in Webster, TX and surrounding areas.
Patients often experience:
These changes can affect multiple areas of the body.
Removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles.
Improves the appearance of the upper arms.
Addresses sagging in the inner or outer thighs.
Targets multiple areas for comprehensive improvement.
It is important to wait until:
This helps ensure long-lasting results.
Some patients choose to address multiple areas at once, while others prefer staged procedures.
Treatment plans are tailored based on:
Recovery depends on the procedures performed but may include:
The goal of body contouring is to enhance your natural shape and create smooth, balanced contours.
If you have achieved significant weight loss and are considering body contouring, we can help you plan the next step. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals.
For more information about Dr. Wentworth and the treatments and procedures she performs please click here or call us at 713-538-1455.
Cellulite is a common concern that affects many individuals, regardless of body weight or fitness level. While liposuction is effective for removing fat and improving body contours, it is not always the ideal solution for cellulite.
Understanding what liposuction can and cannot do is important when considering treatment options. Female board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Monica Wentworth provides liposuction to patients in Webster, TX and surrounding areas.
Cellulite occurs when fat pushes against connective tissue beneath the skin, creating a dimpled or uneven appearance.
Common areas include:
Liposuction removes localized fat deposits to improve body contour. It is designed to:
Cellulite is primarily caused by fibrous bands beneath the skin, not just excess fat. Removing fat alone does not address these structural bands.
In some cases, liposuction may even make cellulite more noticeable if skin elasticity is limited.
Liposuction can indirectly improve the appearance of cellulite by:
However, results vary depending on skin quality and severity of cellulite.
Treatments specifically designed for cellulite include:
These target the underlying cause rather than just fat.
Many patients benefit from combining liposuction with other treatments to:
Understanding the limitations of liposuction helps ensure satisfaction with results.
If you are considering body contouring and want to address cellulite concerns, we can help you choose the most effective approach. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and explore your options.
For more information about Dr. Wentworth and the treatments and procedures she performs please click here or call us at 713-538-1455.
Weight fluctuations can significantly impact the appearance of breast implants. Whether due to weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy, or lifestyle changes, these shifts can alter breast shape, volume, and implant positioning.
Breast revision surgery can help restore balance and improve overall results. Female board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Monica Wentworth provides breast revision to patients in Webster, TX and surrounding areas.
The breasts contain both fat and glandular tissue. When weight changes occur, fat volume shifts, which can lead to:
Patients may notice:
Revision may be appropriate if:
Addresses sagging and repositions the breast.
Adjusts size or type to restore proportion.
Improves contour and adds natural volume.
Corrects implant positioning issues.
Waiting until your weight is stable ensures more predictable and long-lasting results.
Recovery varies depending on the procedure but generally includes:
If weight changes have affected your breast augmentation results, we can help you explore revision options. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and develop a personalized treatment plan.
For more information about Dr. Wentworth and the treatments and procedures she performs please click here or call us at 713-538-1455.
Choosing the right breast implant size is one of the most important decisions in breast augmentation. While many patients initially think in terms of cup size, achieving a natural, balanced result depends far more on your body proportions than a specific number.
A personalized approach ensures that your results complement your frame and look harmonious from every angle. Female board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Monica Wentworth provides breast augmentation to patients in Webster, TX and surrounding areas.
Two patients choosing the same implant size may have completely different results depending on:
This is why experienced surgeons focus on proportion rather than volume alone.
Your natural breast base determines how wide the implant should be. Implants that are too wide can extend into the sides, while implants that are too narrow may not provide enough fullness.
A petite patient may achieve balanced results with a smaller implant, while a taller patient may require more volume to maintain proportion.
Patients with more natural tissue often achieve a softer, more natural result, while those with less tissue require more careful implant selection.
Elastic skin can accommodate larger implants more easily, while limited elasticity may restrict sizing options.
The goal is not just size, but overall shape and contour. Proper implant selection creates:
These choices can lead to unnatural results or long-term complications.
Implants that are too large for your frame can increase the risk of:
Modern consultations often include:
These tools help patients better understand how different sizes will look on their body.
If you are considering breast augmentation and want guidance choosing the right implant size for your body, we can help. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and receive a personalized plan tailored to your proportions and goals.
For more information about Dr. Wentworth and the treatments and procedures she performs please click here or call us at 713-538-1455.
A breast lift, or mastopexy, reshapes the breasts and restores a more youthful position. While this surgery often dramatically improves appearance, patients understandably have questions about scarring. Knowing what to expect with surgical scars helps set realistic expectations and supports optimal healing. Female board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Monica Wentworth provides breast lift to patients in Webster, TX and surrounding areas.
Breast lift scars vary depending on the amount of correction needed. Common incision patterns include:
Each pattern is selected to achieve the best aesthetic result based on breast shape and degree of sagging.
In the first weeks and months after surgery, scars appear red, raised, or slightly firm. This is a normal part of healing as collagen forms and tissues repair.
Over the course of 12 to 18 months, scars gradually flatten, soften, and fade in color. Most patients find that scars become subtle and blend with natural skin tones, especially when incisions are placed in discreet contours.
Several factors influence scar appearance, including:
Protecting scars from sun exposure and following postoperative care instructions are essential for optimal healing.
While some scar redness is normal, excessive pain, discharge, or separation may indicate infection and requires prompt evaluation. Most scars heal beautifully with time and proper care.
For more information about Dr. Wentworth and the treatments and procedures she performs please click here or call us at 713-538-1455.
As we age, changes in facial tissues can soften the jawline and create jowls that detract from an otherwise youthful appearance. While skincare products and non-surgical treatments can improve skin quality, they are rarely enough to correct significant laxity or sagging. Surgical options offer more precise and durable solutions. Female board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Monica Wentworth provides facial surgery to patients in Webster, TX and surrounding areas.
Jowls develop due to a combination of:
These changes weaken the definition of the jawline and may create a tired or aged look.
A neck lift specifically addresses laxity below the chin and along the neck, but it is not always sufficient for prominent jowls.
A facelift targets deeper facial structures and repositions tissues along the cheeks, jawline, and neck. This comprehensive approach often provides superior correction of moderate to advanced jowling.
Patients with mild jowling and good skin elasticity may benefit from a mini facelift. This procedure uses smaller incisions and focuses on the lower face, offering improvement with shorter recovery.
During a facelift or neck lift, underlying muscles and tissues are lifted and secured, excess skin is removed, and contours are refined. Incisions are placed strategically to minimize visible scarring.
Recovery timelines vary by procedure, but most patients experience initial swelling and bruising followed by gradual improvement. Final results take shape as swelling dissipates and tissues settle.
Facial surgery provides natural-looking rejuvenation when performed by an experienced surgeon who understands facial anatomy and aging patterns.
For more information about Dr. Wentworth and the treatments and procedures she performs please click here or call us at 713-538-1455.
Weight loss can dramatically improve overall health and confidence, but it often leaves lasting changes in the breasts. Many patients seeking breast augmentation after weight loss want to restore shape, volume, or symmetry. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare mentally and physically for the process. Female board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Monica Wentworth provides breast augmentation to patients in Webster, TX and surrounding areas.
When weight is lost, fat volume in the breasts often decreases. This can result in deflation, reduced fullness, and in some cases, sagging. Skin that stretched to accommodate larger tissue may not fully retract after weight loss, contributing to a flattened or pendulous appearance.
Ideal candidates are those who have maintained a stable weight for several months and are in good overall health. A consultation with your surgeon evaluates skin quality, breast shape, and nipple position to determine whether augmentation alone or combined procedures are needed.
If there is minimal sagging and the nipple sits at a youthful position, breast augmentation alone may provide beautiful enhancement. However, if sagging is more pronounced or the nipple sits low, combining augmentation with a breast lift often provides more balanced and long-lasting results.
Early swelling, soreness, and mild discomfort are normal during the first week. Most patients return to desk work within a few days and resume light physical activity as instructed by their surgeon. Final results develop over weeks as implants settle and swelling diminishes.
Breast augmentation after weight loss can restore femininity, balance, and confidence. When paired with realistic expectations and a personalized surgical plan, many patients enjoy long-lasting results.
For more information about Dr. Wentworth and the treatments and procedures she performs please click here or call us at 713-538-1455.
A defined neck is a key component of a youthful, balanced facial profile. When vertical bands and loose skin develop along the neck, they can dramatically change your appearance and make you look older than you feel. A neck lift is a surgical solution designed to address these concerns with precision and long-lasting results. Female board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Monica Wentworth provides neck lift to patients in Webster, TX and surrounding areas.
As we age, the underlying muscles of the neck can loosen, skin elasticity decreases, and fat may accumulate beneath the chin. These changes cause visible vertical bands and sagging skin that cannot be corrected with creams or non-invasive treatments alone.
A neck lift is often recommended for patients who experience:
If aging in the neck area bothers you and affects your confidence, a neck lift can restore a smoother, more defined silhouette.
During a neck lift, the surgeon tightens the underlying neck muscles, removes excess skin, and may also contour excess fat. Incisions are usually placed in discreet locations beneath the chin and behind the ears to minimize visible scarring.
Initial swelling and bruising are common, but most patients return to gentle activity within several days. Full results emerge over several weeks as swelling resolves and tissues settle.
Non-surgical treatments such as injectables or skin tightening devices may offer mild improvement for early signs of aging. However, loose skin and prominent neck bands require surgical correction to achieve lasting and natural results.
For more information about Dr. Wentworth and the treatments and procedures she performs please click here or call us at 713-538-1455.