Any advice on what I can expect regarding scarring from a body lift?

Dear Charina:
Scarring is multivariable. It depends on your skin color, maximum weight loss, age, and genetics, to name just a few. Other factors that impact your scar include the surgical technique, tension of the wound and sutures used. Postoperative events that can positively impact scars and make them look better include application of compression, application of silicon strips, and application of scar creams containing silicon. Scars can also be revised if they are unacceptable though this has been extremely rare in my practice. If scars need to be revised, they can perhaps be lasered, or even the scar directly excised. Arm scars usually are well-tolerated amongst my weight loss patients. Almost all of my patients would rather get rid of the excess skin inside of their arms and live with the scar than forever live with the excess skin trapped at the arms. Body lift scars around the center of your abdomen, hips and buttocks also heal very well. Again, very few of my body lift patients have needed scar revisions, but the options mentioned above are available should it be necessary. Please view link for more pictures of arm lifts and body lifts. Thank you, Dr.J Timothy Katzen, M.D.

Thank you for your question. As with any surgery, scarring is expected. There are various scar gels that can be used as treatment post surgery. I would advise you to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed examination to discuss all possible treatment options and what your expectations are.

Hello and congratulations on your weight loss! 
Wait a least  6 months or even longer to have your skin retraction and stabilisation after weight loss.
Scars are inevitable but can be placed quite inconspicuous and sometimes look better than stretch marks. Arms would be more difficult to hyde but if contour is a problem many patients would prefer scars. Talk to your surgeon and have a look at the photos to define "acceptable" and expectations.
Take care!