12 months post op, can my botched arm lift be fixed? Scars are uneven and left with dog ears and excess skin. (photos)

Question

I had an arm lift almost 12 months ago and have been left disfigured. the scars are uneven and I have been left with dog ears, and excess skin, which falls to my elbow region.

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and the photo you provided. Arm lift notoriously leaves the patient with widened scars, because there is so much tension at the elbow and shoulder. Speak with your performing surgeon, in many cases these dog ears can be corrected with additional liposuction to the area or Morpheus 8 Microneedling. Do not fear, this is treatable!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding revision arm lift surgery. I appreciate your history and the pictures you provided.

If your arms are still bothering you, I encourage you to consult with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Based on your description, the issues you are experiencing—uneven scars, dog ears, and residual excess skin—can typically be revised and improved.

It’s important to note that full healing after arm reduction surgery (brachioplasty) can take up to two years. However, if the scars are significantly uneven or you have persistent dog ears, most plastic surgeons agree that these areas can be revised before the two-year mark. Revision surgery would involve excising any remaining excess skin, smoothing out the scars, and reshaping the affected areas for a more natural and symmetrical contour.

When considering revision arm lift surgery, please consult with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of arm lifts. Be sure to ask to see their before-and-after photos, ideally of at least 200 patients, to ensure they have the expertise to handle your case.

Good luck, and I hope this helps answer your question regarding revision arm surgery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ferrari2018,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The small areas of fullness, or dog ears, can be revised in the office under local anesthesia. Micro-needling can be helpful for the scarring.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes, you can consider a revision of your scars if in office treatments are not satisfactory.  The dog ears that bother you can also be addressed either with small excisions or liposuction.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more.

12 months post op, can my botched arm lift be fixed? Scars are uneven and left with dog ears and excess skin. (photos)

Answers (5)

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