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Arm Lift Scar Position Favored by Most Women?

I know it depends greatly on the individual, but could you give me an idea of which Arm Lift scar position is favoured by most women, inner arm incision or incision at the junction of the inner and posterior aspects of the arm? I read that the skin on the back of the arm is tougher than inner arm skin and the scar may be pulled more centrally to the back of the arm. Is that a frequent complication? Thank you.

Asked 31 months ago by Muriel
Sort 12 expert answers by:
+3

Arm Lift Scar

I think this is the same, there is no different between the inner arm and the junction of the inner and posterior incision. There are really two places to put the incision, one is the inner aspect of the arm, the other is on the posterior aspect. By far, the most cosmetically appealing position for this incision is the inner aspect of the arm.
Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+2

Arm lift scar locations

You are correct, the scar will depend upon the patient - by their anatomy, and not their preference.  For really loose skin (usually following significant weight loss)  the large amount of excess skin will require a scar along the inner upper arm that goes from the elbow to the armpit.  For lesser amounts of skin, a scar entirely in the armpit (mini-lift) may be enough.  Additionally, liposuction may reduce the excess fat.  For even lesser problems, liposuction... more
Randy J. Buckspan, MD
Austin Plastic Surgeon
+1

Arm lifting and scars

The arm lifting procedure is a great procedure to remove excess skin and adipose tissue of the upper arms. However, this procedure carries a major drawback: difficult scarring that may require scar revision (more so, in my experience, then other procedures). I have tried placement both placements of the resulting scars in the bicipital groove (between the biceps and triceps muscles) as well as a long the inferior–lower aspect of the upper arm. I have found higher... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Scars for an armlift

For a full arm lift (also known as a brachioplasty) the scars run from the elbow up into the armpit and often down the side of the chest to the bottom of the bra line. The scars can be placed in two positions - on the back side of the arm or on the undersurface of the arm. Different surgeons have different preferences. The more posterior scar is visible when the arms are down at the side while the scar along the undersurface of the arm are visible when the... more
Susan E. Downey, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Scar location for brachioplasty

I prefer to hide the scar on the inner aspect of the upper arm so that when the patient's arms are down at her side, no one else should be able to see them. Putting it on the posterior arm, means that the scars will be noticeable to others.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Arm lift scar can be place to be inconspicuous.

The place ment of the scar for the armlift can be in the armpit, or extend down the inner arm.  The placement can be either down the inner aspect or just a little to the back, depending on the patient's anatomy and how much skin needs to be removed. Sometimes liposuction is added to thin the flaps and remove some bulk.
Anne Taylor, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Scar location for an arm lift

The location of the scar for an arm lift (brachioplasty) varies depending on a patient's anatomy and skin laxity.  Generally the scar is located on the medial or inner aspect of the arm, extending from the elbow to the armpit.  Sometimes this scar can located slightly more posteriorly or towards the back of the arm.  The goal is to provide a good contour while at the same time concealing the scar when the arm is down by the patient's side.  Regardless of... more
William Bruno, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Best Brachioplasty Incision Site

The most favored position of the brachioplasty incision is along the inner aspect of the arm. The extension into the armpit varies depending upon the mount of skin and fat to be removed. Unfortunately, these are not tiny fine line  scars, but can be worth it to reduce a large lax skin and fat excess.
Paul C. Zwiebel, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ideal scar placement in Arm Lift

Before making a final decision on scar placement, the surgeon needs to analyze the arm anatomy.  Typically there is skin excess both in circumferential dimentions ( lilke the sleeve is too bit, skin hangs from lifted arms), and in longitudinal dimentions, (like the sleeve slipped down the arm).  Both of these issues need to be addressed. The surgeon will advise you on ideal scar placement.  Typically plastic surgeons have been taught to leave the final scar just below... more
Boris M. Ackerman, MD
Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Arm lift scar position

Most women with arm skin laxity look best with a 'long scar' brachioplasty which addresses all of the skin laxity along the length of the upper arm. This can also be extended into the armpit and upper thorax region to address the laxity that women frequently have in this region. I place scars in the bicepital groove- which is the groove below the biceps muscle along the inner aspect of the arm. Scars that are placed lower than this level tend to migrate toward the back of the... more
Scott Sattler, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
+1

Most women favor inner arm scar from Arm Lift

The vast majority of women want the LEAST CONSPICUOUS scar. Once they understand that in an arm Lift they will exchange a Bat Wing Deformity for a permanent, long scar their next question (just as you are asking now) is WHERE can it BEST be hidden. The INNER aspect of the arm is the hands down favorite and best option.
Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Arm Lift Scar

Muriel, Thanks for the question. In our practice, the arm lift scar is routinely placed along the line of the inner arm. In my hands, this approach produces the most aesthetically appealing, reproducible results. The vast majority of women who come in for a consultation request this scar positioning. I would recommend following up with your plastic surgeon to discuss the options of scar positioning, the risks and benefits of each, and his/her preferred approach. Best of luck.... more
Glenn Vallecillos, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
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