Can my Arm Lift Surgery Scar Be Moved? I Ask That the Scar Be Placed on the Inside and This is What I Got.

Question

I had arm lift surgery 3 months ago. I understood there would be a scar and the scar is not the real issue here. I really hate that the scar is visible in the back of my arm. Could this be redone and scar turn in under the arm more? If so, how long should i wait before trying to have it corrected? (I had makeup over it that toned down the scar and the reddness.) I did not want to deal with hiding a scar with makeup or anything else, I hid my large arms long enough. Any other suggestions?

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

The scar after three months of any surgery will look the worst.  It is usually pinkish /purple in color and will lighten within the first year.  You may try applying a skin bleaching agent to expedite the lightening effect, such as Hydrocodone.  It is difficult to tell if the scar is raised, but if so, steroids could be injected directly into the scar.  It may take a couple treatments but the redness and raised areas seem to respond accordingly.  Also, remember how important it is to keep any scar out of the sun - and use sunscreen.  Thank you and good luck.  I really feel you will probably be happy with more time passing.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether your arm lift surgery scar can be moved and placed more on the inside of your arm. The answer is generally yes; the scar can be mobilized to a less visible area on your arm. It depends on the laxity of the skin and the amount of excess scar tissue in the arm. I would wait approximately 6-8 months after your original surgery. This will allow plenty of time for scar tissue to soften and allow for potential revision. During your revision, an incision is made posterior or on the dorsal side of your prior arm lift. Tissue dissection is then carried toward your bicep, the intervening skin is removed, and the scar is relocated to the inner portion of your arm. This is an effect of a reverse arm lift but will help to mobilize your arm scar. During a revision, I would also suggest arm liposuction for maximum results. I hope this helps to answer your questions regarding whether your arm lift surgery scar can be moved and placed more on the inside of your arm. 
I specialize in arm lifts.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction.  If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, please contact my office.  Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

Revising position of existing arm lift 
scar
 
 Brachioplasty patient need to be aware that 
in exchange of getting slimmer more athletic looking arms they will have a 
permanent scar. An experienced brachioplasty surgeon will design the scar in 
least noticeable location, so the scars are usually not very perceptible, but 
they can be seen with certain arm position.  Your result is quite 
satisfactory.  Nevertheless, you could benefit from circumferential liposuction 
of the arms and concurrent  revision of arm lift, attempting to place the scar 
more medially, as you desire.

Janet Woodyard, MD · Answer

Your scar is going to improve over a year period so you may not need to consider revision. I would recommend treating the scar with silicone while you wait. Brachioplasty scars will be visible from either the front or the back depending on your arm position so it is important to obtain the best quality scar that you can, so be aggressive with scar management.  You could discuss this with your surgeon. If after a year you are still unhappy, you may be able to move the scar a small amount if there is enough looseness to allow for additional skin removal which could reposition the scar a small amount.

Luis Suarez, MD · Answer

Hello , Good Afternoon , 
	The scar depends a lot on the technique of the Doctor doing your surgery. Most of the time the scar is done more to the side on the outer part of the arm , but is can be done on the inner part of the arm. But to be honest with you the Doctor who did your surgery did a very good job on your arm the scar looks great and barley noticeable , but if in fact you want to have it corrected or moved slightly more inside you still would have to wait at least 3-5 more months. It is normal for the scar to be red and thick it is the process of the arm lift and you only have 3 months you have to be patient but so far aside from the makeup I consider it looks good. 

	 

	Hope this helps ,
	Regards !

Can my Arm Lift Surgery Scar Be Moved? I Ask That the Scar Be Placed on the Inside and This is What I Got.

Answers (6)

Answer: Can brachioplasty sacrs be moved?

Answer: Can brachioplasty sacrs be moved?

Answer: Arm Lift Scar

Answer: Arm Lift Scar

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.

Can my Arm Lift Surgery Scar Be Moved? I Ask That the Scar Be Placed on the Inside and This is What I Got.

Answers (6)

Answer: Can brachioplasty sacrs be moved?

Answer: Can brachioplasty sacrs be moved?

Answer: Arm Lift Scar

Answer: Arm Lift Scar

Browse related questions

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.