Postero-medial Incision Placement in Brachioplasty

These are both the same incisions, just worded differently. You should have your surgeon drain with a red sharpie where the incision would be. You can also visit my website at feplasticsurgery.com where you can see photos and the incisions.

There is a trade off on this procedure so be prepared for the incisions and scars.

 

When women undergo brachioplasty surgery, an incision is made from the elbow to the axilla. Through this incision, excess skin and fat can be removed in both the transverse and vertical dimensions of the upper arm. The exact placement of this incision is dependent upon several variables.In the majority of cases, the incision is placed on the inner arm between the biceps and triceps muscles. In this position, the scars are well hidden when the arms are at the patient's side. When patients raise their arms, the scars become more noticeable.Occasionally, women prefer scars that are more posteriorly located. In this position, scars don't tend to spread as much because the skin is thicker in this location.It's important to understand that scarring is inevitable with this procedure, irregardless of the incision placement. The most important variable in scar formation is the patient's wound healing biology. This varies from patient to patient and for this reason, incision placement needs to be individualized.If you're considering brachioplasty, it's important to discuss these issues with a board certified plastic surgeon before proceeding. This surgeon would be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses this issue.

There are multiple locations to place an incision for an arm lift or brachioplasty. Typically, the incision can be placed anywhere from the inner arm to the posterior arm around the triceps.  For the best hidden scar, this scar should be placed in the line drawn between the biceps and triceps extending from the armpit to the elbow  Some surgeons make an incision over the back of the arm extending from the armpit to the elbow. However, the resulting scar is on the posterior triceps.  The difficulty with this incision and resultant scar is at the scars are highly visible when your arms are down by your side and when you're walking away from someone. However the most important thing to do before undergoing a brachioplasty is to go to a board-certified plastic surgeon with a significant amount of experience in arm lifts.   Arm lift scars can be difficult to revise. Accurate incision placement during the first surgery is critical to maximize the concealment of the final scar.  Again, I would suggest making the incision between the biceps and triceps.  Good luck with your surgery.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

I think the most important part of arm lift scar management is dealing with the scar redness and thickening that often develops in these patients. The scar should be positioned beneath the biceps muscle in the groove along the inside of the arm. More posterior placement risks migration of the scar onto the back of the arm, where it is always visible.

I think you're getting caught up on terminology.
Think of it this way. Do you want your scar visable when your arm is raised or do you want the scar to be only visable to people walking behind you? I don't think theres a single "right" answer...
Just to warn you... both locations tend to give heavy and noticable scars. This is NOT a procedure to enter lightly or without consideration (not that any procedure is).