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

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.

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

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...

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. 

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.

Hi somerlr22,
Unfortunately, that's not fairly typical. The scars (at least for me) don't usually end up that far back. They'll likely need to be revised to remove that pucker. Blessings on your journey!

Hello! Thank you for your question. As I'm sure you've heard, there is no "right" way to do any procedure in plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons create individualized treatment plans for each patient based on their anatomy and aesthetic goals. It sounds like your plastic surgeon had a plan and is executing that plan as he/she thinks best. I hope this answers your question. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

In plastic surgery there is no single way to do any procedure. Therefore, people use the best techniques that they were trained in to get the best result in their hands. Your scar pattern is not the one that I use, but it is a known way to do the procedure. It is important to discuss these things before the procedure so everyone is on the same page and there are no surprises after surgery. 

Thank you for your question and sharing your pictures.When  patients come to my office because they need a braquioplasty (arm lift) I try to explain to them that this kind of work is like been like a tailor . They want for me to reduce their “suit” nevertheless we do have limitations on the amount of skin we can cut and the position of them.Your doctor have try to do this with the less scar possible . So, answering your question , Yes, this is something that can happen , and probably will requiere a small revision .Take care and best wishes .