Arm lift scars go to the back of my arm. Is it normal for the doctor to do this? (Photo)

Question

Is this normal for the dr to go to the back of my arms? I had the arm lift with a tummy tuck 7 weeks ago, he didn’t really say where it would end in our consult just that he would take the majority of it off and it would go into the arm pit, I don’t mind that it goes to the back but it has left pretty big dog ears and I haven’t seen any other arm lifts done like this, he said he could remove them at 3 months if I’m all healed if not we wait till 6 months, just want to see if this is common

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.It does appear you have a dog ear behind the axilla. Revisions should be done only when the swelling is gone and everything is healed from the prior surgery. You do not want to create any more trauma to the tissues while they are trying to heal, because that can lead to wound healing.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the normalcy of arm lift scars extending to the back of your arm. The placement of arm lift scars varies, depending on the approach of the plastic surgeon. Some surgeons position the scar between the biceps and triceps, while others place it at the back of the triceps, from the elbow to the armpit. Others, as shown in your picture, might extend the scar in the way you've pointed out with red arrows.

Generally, these scars flatten over time - this process can take approximately 4 to 6 months. Wearing a compression garment can aid this process. If the scar does not heal to your satisfaction, including any 'dog ears' (small puckers of skin at the end of the incision), these can be revised under local anesthetic in the office. If any 'dog ears' remain around 4 to 6 months post initial surgery, they can be removed in the office setting.

I hope this adequately addresses your question regarding the normalcy of arm lift scars extending to the back of your arm.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Richard Nadal, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
The brachioplasty procedure removes excess skin and soft tissues of the upper arm. We always try to place the scar on the inner aspect of the arm to minimize visible scarring. During the procedure, a degree of tailor-tacking is required to ensure a smooth surface. The incision may prove longer than  anticipated. 
The incisions are healing, the scars are still immature, and the final result is not yet apparent. The scars will soften, flatten, and lose their color. Residual contour problems can be revised, if necessary, after 6 months to allow for subsidence of swelling and the hypervascularity of healing. Scars typically heal over a span of 6-12 months. 
Best wishes...

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

In an extended brachioplasty, I can put the scar anywhere the patient desires (inside of arm, back of arm).  It is my belief that the incision in the bicipital groove is the most appropriate in most patients as most people during casual observation do not expose the medial aspect of their arms.  The posterior scar is more visible in walking in short sleeve shirts.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

When I perform my arm lifts, I take the incision up into the arm pit around and then straight down on to the arm pit area.  Some patients require extension of this further down the chest, but I cant say that I have taken the incision backwards.  The scar usually looks like an "L", hence the name L Brachioplasty.At this point you just have to be patient and see how things heal.  I would say you will likely need excision of the dog ears later on.Hope that helps.

Arm lift scars go to the back of my arm. Is it normal for the doctor to do this? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Q:Arm lift scars go to the back of my arm. Is it normal for the doctor to do this? (Photo)

Answer: Q:Arm lift scars go to the back of my arm. Is it normal for the doctor to do this? (Photo)

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Arm lift scars go to the back of my arm. Is it normal for the doctor to do this? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Q:Arm lift scars go to the back of my arm. Is it normal for the doctor to do this? (Photo)

Answer: Q:Arm lift scars go to the back of my arm. Is it normal for the doctor to do this? (Photo)

Answer: Arm Lift and Scaring

Answer: Arm Lift and Scaring

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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.