Is minimal scarring brachioplasty as effective as the traditional long scar?

Question

Is the minimal scar brachioplasty as effective as the traditional long scar? Will your arms be as tight?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear HarperSye,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, longer incisions will allow more skin removal. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether minimal brachioplasty is as effective as the traditional long scar brachioplasty. Also, will your arms be tight with a minimal versus traditional long scar brachioplasty? In plastic surgery, there is a saying. The saying goes, "The longer the scar, the better and more extensive your results." Comparing the minimal or crescent arm scar to the traditional long arm scar is comparing apples and oranges. With a minimal brachioplasty, a small crescent area of skin is taken from the upper inner arm, usually with the width of the specimen being about 3 centimeters. It affects the upper inner arm and tightens it. It does not affect the middle or 1/3 of the upper arm. In contrast, the traditional long brachioplasty provides a much better result.
An incision is made from the armpit to the elbow during a traditional Brachioplasty. Excess skin and fat are permanently removed in an elliptical fashion. The arms are much tighter than a traditional longitudinal brachioplasty. In comparison to a minimal scar brachioplasty. Also, the overall effect of a traditional long scar brachioplasty is much more apparent than a minimal scar brachioplasty. My suggestion is to undergo the traditional underarm scar brachioplasty for maximal results. Scars fade. And multiple options can be done to minimize scarring. I hope this helps answer your question regarding whether minimal brachioplasty is as effective as the traditional long scar brachioplasty.
I specialize in arm lifts.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction.  If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, please contact my office.  Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.

Kristopher Day, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Harper, 
The short answer is maybe. A select group of people need only a short scar technique, which is usually combined with liposuction. There is generally more overall impact for larger surgeries, though these also have more of a scar. So it's a tradeoff and depends on your expectations and starting anatomy. You would be able to learn more in a consultation. 
Thank you,Dr. Kris Day

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

No, the minimal scar is short and less skin is removed. Those with weight loss and lots of lose skin all the way to the elbow will do better with the traditional scar. You might be a candidate for minimally invasive radiofrequency skin tightening like Renuvion, and this can be combined with liposuction if needed. Since you did not post photos, go for consultation.

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

The effectiveness of minimal scarring brachioplasty versus traditional long scar brachioplasty depends on individual factors and desired outcomes. Minimal scarring techniques may offer less visible scars, quicker recovery, and fewer complications for some patients. However, the choice between the two should be based on consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon who can assess your specific case and preferences.

Kaitlyn Paine, MD · Answer

Hello, That is a great question. In general, longer or more scars will almost always allow a surgeon to make the area of concern tighter, so a traditional long scar will almost always let the surgeon do more tightening. Now that being said not every patient needs a long scar, since the amount of tightening the surgeon would get with that long incision may not create a dramatic enough improvement to be "worth it". Also sometimes a patient will have more laxity in one direction than another direction on the body (think of if a sleeve needs to be shortened versus a sleeve that is too big around), in those cases the surgeon may only need to tighten the skin in only certain areas. In a consultation, a board certified/eligible plastic surgeon could evaluate your areas of concern and discuss a treatment plan that would be specific to you. The surgeon would discuss the placement of the scars and if additional procedures like liposuction are needed to meet your goals.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The length of the scar will influence the amount of tissue that is able to be removed.  A shorter scar brachioplasty will remove less tissue, however it is all that is needed for some patients.  During a consultation with your board certified plastic surgeon you can discuss your goals for surgery and it will be determined which scar pattern is best for you.

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!While long incision brachioplasty allows for direct removal of excess redundant skin and underlying fatty tissue, the surgical scar often proves unfavorable.Short transverse incision brachioplasty offers a degree of improvement in skin tone and can be utilized in patients who have minimal-moderate skin laxity. 
The long scar technique is more effective but with greater scarring. 
Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and discussion.Best wishes...

Is minimal scarring brachioplasty as effective as the traditional long scar?

Answers (8)

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