Is there any way to minimize the appearance of arm lift scars?

Question

Does lifting the arm skin always cause a long scar? Any way to hide it? Thanks

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Hi there.  The length of the incision depends on the type of brachioplasty procedure you and your surgeon plan for.  Discuss with your surgeon postoperative scar treatments available and which ones would be best for your skin type.  Most patients are advised to avoid UV exposure for the first year and apply a silicone based scar cream to the incision.  Good luck to you!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Scars are a common concern of those considering an arm lift.  Depending on the amount of skin laxity you have you may be eligible for other options to improve the contour of the arms.  One is BodyTite.  This minimally invasive procedure melts fat and tightens skin using RF technology.  It can be combined with liposuction for sculpting and requires no general anesthesia.  I've included a video on it that I hope you find helpful.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Bridget,

Thanks for your question, and I understand your concerns about the appearance of scars after an arm lift, also known as brachioplasty. The length of the scar following an arm lift largely depends on the extent of skin laxity and where the loose skin is located. In cases where there is significant loose skin that extends from the armpit to the elbow, a longer incision (and hence a longer scar) may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic result.

However, there are several strategies that can help to minimize the appearance of scars:

Scar Placement: I aim to position the scar in the least visible area possible, usually along the inner aspect of the arm. This way, it's less noticeable when your arms are at your sides.

Scar Care Post-Surgery: Good wound care post-surgery is crucial to ensure scars heal well. Keeping the wound clean, avoiding sun exposure, and refraining from smoking can all contribute to better healing.

Topical Treatments: Silicone-based creams or gels, or silicone sheets can be used once the wound has fully healed. These products help to keep the scar hydrated, which can make it less visible over time.

Laser Treatments: Certain laser treatments can help to reduce the redness and thickness of scars, helping them blend better with the surrounding skin.

Steroid Injections: For hypertrophic or keloid scars that become raised and thick, steroid injections can sometimes be helpful in reducing their appearance.

Remember, scars from a brachioplasty will typically fade and become less noticeable over time. It's also essential to have a detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon about your concerns so that they can give you an accurate understanding of what to expect and how to manage the healing process for the best possible outcome.

I hope this information helps! If you have more questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, the arm tuck or any other tuck will require long scars to remove excess skin. If you do not too much excess skin, consider minimally invasive radiofrequency skin tightening like Renuvion, with or without liposuction.  After surgery, if you choose to do the lift, you can do micro-needling to help improve the scar along with scar products.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

To minimize the appearance of arm lift scars, consider keeping the area moisturized with scar creams or ointments, avoiding sun exposure to prevent discoloration, and massaging the scar tissue to promote healing. Consult with your plastic surgeon for recommendations based on your specific situation.

Is there any way to minimize the appearance of arm lift scars?

Answers (8)

Answer: Scars

Answer: Scars

Answer: Is there any way to minimize the appearance of arm lift scars?

Answer: Is there any way to minimize the appearance of arm lift scars?

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Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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Is there any way to minimize the appearance of arm lift scars?

Answers (8)

Answer: Scars

Answer: Scars

Answer: Is there any way to minimize the appearance of arm lift scars?

Answer: Is there any way to minimize the appearance of arm lift scars?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.