Every surgeon reconstructive plastic surgeon has their own way of doing reconstructive plastic surgery. Some plastic surgeons prefer to place their arm lift or brachioplasty incision in the inner arm between the biceps and triceps. The incision extends from the armpit to the elbow. The beauty of this type of armlift or brachioplasty incision is that the incision is hidden. This is because we usually hold our arms down by our sides. With the arms held at our sides, this arm lift incision and resultant scar are concealed. The beauty of positioning the scar between the biceps and triceps is that it is rarely visible and is typically visible only when one’s arms are raised. However, some reconstructive plastic surgeons prefer to place their incision on the back of the arm. Typically, the incision is placed on the back of the arm or triceps region. Technically, I find this technique easier to perform and may have less risks of wound breakdown. The significant downside to placing the scar on the back of the arm is that the incision and resulting scar are clearly visible. This is why I prefer to place the incision between the biceps and triceps. I think an incision placed between the biceps and triceps provides a superior result than the incision on the back of the arm. However, every plastic surgeon has their preference. What ever the technique or placement of the scar, I believe compression and silicone gel sheeting are very important. I would continue compression and silicone gel sheeting for eight weeks after the arm lift or brachioplasty.
