Is there a way to get an arm lift without a visible scar?

Hello fantastic750344 in Brooklyn,
Thank you for your inquiry about the possibility of an arm lift without a visible scar. Your question touches on a common concern among those considering this type of cosmetic surgery.
As you have surmised, it is indeed not possible to perform an arm lift without some form of visible scarring. This is because the procedure involves the removal of excess skin, and any surgical removal of skin necessitates an incision, which in turn leaves a scar. However, there are different types of arm lift procedures, each with varying scar placements and extents:
Crescent Arm Lift: This procedure involves an incision made in the armpit, where a crescent-shaped area of skin and fat is removed. The benefit of this approach is that the scar is more concealed within the armpit. The limitation, however, is that it doesn't allow for the removal of a large amount of skin.
Modified T-Incision Arm Lift: Here, a T-shaped incision is made in the armpit and along the arm. This method can remove more skin than the crescent arm lift but still has limitations in terms of the extent of skin and fat removal.
Full Brachioplasty: This is a more common form of arm lift that involves an incision from the elbow to the armpit, allowing for the removal of excess skin and fat along the entire upper arm. For some patients, it may also extend from the wrist to the elbow and then to the armpit if there is excess skin and fat on the forearms.
All these procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, and recovery time is about 2 to 3 weeks. While drains are usually not required, you should plan to take some time off from work for recovery.
It’s important to weigh the benefits of improved arm contour against the presence of scars. Arm lift scars do fade over time but do not completely disappear. The decision to proceed with an arm lift is a personal one, balancing the desire to reduce excess skin against the acceptance of surgical scars.
I hope this information helps clarify your options and assists you in making an informed decision regarding an arm lift.
Good luck with your decision, and I hope you achieve the results you are looking for.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thank you for the inquiry! Unfortunately anytime skin needs to be removed, there will be an incision. A brachioplasty scar can be hidden underneath the arm so that it's not as visible from the front. All scars fade overtime and scar creams / silicone scar sheets can be started as early as two weeks PO which will help the scars fade quicker. I recommend scheduling a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself so we can create a surgical plan based on your goals.

An arm lift or brachioplasty by definition will have a scar because it includes skin removal. There are instances where liposuction alone can allow the skin to retract enough to give the appearance of a lift but it is a different procedure. In these situations where only liposuction is performed, the patient needs to have good elasticity so that the skin can retract on its own. If the skin elasticity is poor wrinkles or loose skin will develop that may require a brachioplasty to correct.

Every surgical procedure has to have a scar. Do not fall for no scar techniques. They are gimmicks. A well placed scar is crucial and in the case of an arm lift and it should always be vertical, in the direction of the elbow and placed facing the torso. A short horizontal scar parallel to the armpit does not work nine times out of ten. Please understand that for some patients having the arm lift scar is a much better option, but if you are not ready for the scar then you are not ready for surgery.
I’m sure that once you accept the scars you will be very happy with the results!
Best wishes,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Arm lifts require an incision which leaves a scar. However, if the arm does not have a lot of hanging skin then it is possible to do a transverse incision in the axillary area which is less visible than the long incision down the arm.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Arms that have some lose skin can benefit from Vaser ultrasound liposuction to remove stubborn fat and tighten skin to a degree.

In my experience, many arm patients avoid removing skin and it’s scar this way.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Without photos every discussion about your particular case is difficult. Every arm lift would require some skin removal to create tighter skin envelope. In same patients it can be placed very high in inner or posterior arm that is almost all hidden in the armpit. Hope this helps.

Hi there and thank you for your question. Unfortunately, arm lift scars are unlikely to heal unnoticeable, unlike incisions on other parts of the face or body. This is because the arms have a good amount of tension from stretching and bending. Arm scars tend to take longer to fully subside, often times about 2 years. You can certainly look into scar therapy treatments to help. Most patients consider the risk versus reward when deciding if an arm lift is right for them. Good luck to you!

An arm lift without a visible scar is a common request—but here's the honest answer: completely scarless arm lifts aren’t possible if significant skin tightening is needed. However, there are minimally invasive and strategic options that reduce scarring or make it less visible:
1. Hidden-Scar or Mini Arm Lift
• Best for mild to moderate skin laxity.
• The incision is placed in the armpit, so it’s more concealed.
• Less dramatic skin removal compared to a full brachioplasty.
2. Radiofrequency or Laser Skin Tightening (e.g., BodyTite, Renuvion)
• No large incisions—tiny entry points only.
• Uses heat to stimulate collagen and tighten skin.
• Works well for patients with mild sagging and good skin elasticity.
• Results are subtler than surgical options.
3. Liposuction Alone
• If sagging is mostly due to fat (not loose skin), liposuction can slim the arms.
• Tiny scars that are less than 1 cm, typically hidden near the elbow or armpit.
• May worsen loose skin if there's significant laxity, so not always ideal.
4. Scar Treatments Post-Surgery
If a full arm lift is needed (with a scar from elbow to armpit), there are ways to reduce scar visibility:
• Laser treatments or microneedling to fade scars.
• Silicone sheeting, scar creams, or in-office therapies like steroid injections.
• Scars generally fade over 12–18 months and can be concealed when arms are at rest.

Yes, you can get some good improvement with minimally invasive skin tightening with Renuvion and noninvasive Morpheus.