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.

In performing a brachioplasty an incision is made on the inside of the arm extending from the elbow into the armpit. Sometimes it is necessary to extend the incision further into the armpit and sometimes past it. Utilizing this incision excess skin is removed and the wound is closed. It is very important to position the scar properly so that it is concealed as much as possible. A well-placed incision should result in a scar that is only visible when the arms are raised. This operation is normally performed as an outpatient. It is very important for the surgeon to discuss the resultant scar thoroughly with the patient preoperatively. Very commonly this scar takes a longer time to undergo the full healing and maturation process. Maturation refers to the process whereby the scar becomes less apparent. Brachioplasty scars commonly take up to 2 years to fully mature.