Can circumaxillary arms lifts be done so there is not a long scar down the arms? (photo)

Question

Can circumaxillary arms lifts be done so there is not a long scar down the arms?

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

A circular cut in the arm is something very risky, it can produce a vicious circular scar that can compress the circulation of the arm have catastrophic consequences, ideally they are longitudinal cuts hidden in the Hidden in the lower edge of the arm, it is a surgery in which you must put on a scale that is what bothers you the most the leftover skin or the scar on the arm

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your query about circumaxillary arm lifts.

To clarify, a "circumaxillary" approach would encircle the axilla (armpit) 360°. This would cut off blood supply and disrupt lymphatic flow, leading to severe complications, including potential skin death and chronic arm swelling.

Instead, the recommended procedure is a longitudinal brachioplasty. This involves:

Removing excess arm skin and fat via liposuction.
Making an incision from the armpit to the elbow.
Typically requires a 2-week recovery and arm garments for six weeks post-surgery.
There will be a scar, which usually fades significantly over two years.
In essence, you're trading excess arm skin and fat for a scar. It's crucial to weigh this trade-off and consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for personalized advice.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! In your photo I notice moderate to severe skin sagging/excess of the entire length of the upper arms. The best operation to help address this in my opinion is the traditional brachioplasty which does involve an incision down the length of the arm. We place it so it is well hidden during most typical, conversational activities, but there will always be a scar present. The short scar brachioplasty, in which the incisions are limited to the axillary region, is good for addressing mild-moderate skin sag/excess of only the proximal 1/3 of the of the upper arm (only the portion closest to the arm pit); it will not address the extra skin looseness near the midpoint or portion of the arm closer to the elbow. An in person consultation with a thorough physical exam will be helpful in explaining which operation is best for you.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

No, not really because not tissue would be able to be removed and you would have a long scar across the shoulder that would stretch widely because of movement.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on your photo the incision pattern you suggested would not work.  It wouldn't be able to address the loose skin adequately and there would be a bunching of the tissues leaving an odd contour.  Typical brachioplasty incisions are what would be needed to give you a good result.

Andrew T. Cohen, MD, FACS · Answer

The best scar for an arm lift in my opinion is the posterior arm scar.  I am not sure how a circum axillary skin incision will remove the excess skin hanging in the posterior arm.   These scars fade really nicely.  Its definately a great procedure and I have many happy patients. 
Hope this helps.

Good luck.

Andrew Cohen, MD

Diego Ampudia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,A circumaxillary arm lift can be performed with the same effectiveness as a traditional arm lift.

Can circumaxillary arms lifts be done so there is not a long scar down the arms? (photo)

Answers (7)

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