Arm Lift / Scarring. Would I get the full benefits with an under arm incision? (Photo)

I understand your concern regarding an incision from armpit to elbow, but unfortunately I believe that is the trade-off for making an improvement in the contour of your upper arm.  Your photos show loose upper arm skin, which will only be worsened with liposuction.  A limited incision approach to an arm lift may only make a subtle improvement in the contour of the upper arm near the armpit.Scars associated with an arm lift do tend to be less attractive than scars elsewhere.  Though some patients heal with beautiful, thin, inconspicuous scars, other patients develop wide, raised, or thickened scars in patchy areas or along the whole length of the scar.  I  advise the use of topical silicone after surgery (sheets or gels such as Kelocote) to optimize a patient's chance of achieving a good scar (talk to your surgeon about their recommendations first before using any product).Your goal photo does indeed have a beautiful arm, though probably not achievable for most women.As other surgeons have mentioned, I strongly advise against going abroad for cosmetic surgery.  Though foreign locations may offer attractive pricing, it is not worth the increased risk of complications of surgery as well as the issues associated with taking care of complications that could arise once you are back home.  This could result in a substantial increased expense making your ultimate out-of-pocket cost much higher than if you'd just found a qualified surgeon in your area.

Thank you for your question.The scarring from a Brachioplasty can be unpredictable. Some patients heal very well and have a tiny thin line that heals nicely, others develop slightly widened scars that stay red/pink and do not fade. As you know being African American does increase your risk of developing keloids, so I would definitely put some thought in to this before making any decisions. Good luck.

Judging by your photographs it appears that he would need a full brachioplasty in order to achieve the full benefits. A limited procedure and your case will result in a limited outcome.Many patients are understandably concerned with the potential of a less than ideal scar resulting from a brachioplasty. Careful planning and placement of the incision, however, can often significantly improve the appearance of the postoperative scar. For that reason it would be best to consult a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who performs brachioplasty on a regular basis in order to have the best opportunity for an optimal outcome. Good luck.