Do brachioplasty scars on red heads fade as well as on their other body parts?

Question

I have had tummy tuck and breast reduction surgeries. All of these scars are now only a white line. I am a red head with very fair skin and I have heard that this is the reason my scars have healed so well. I would like to undergo brachioplasty, but I've heard of and seen such bad scars. In your experience, do brachioplasty scars on red heads fade as well as on their other body parts, or will brachioplasty scars still be worse than on other fair skin body parts?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about how brachioplasty (arm lift) scars heal in individuals with red hair, and whether these scars fade similarly to scars on other body parts.
The healing process and the way scars fade can vary from person to person due to differences in genetic makeup, which influences the body's propensity to heal and create scar tissue. While it's true that some people may heal better than others, it's also accurate that if you've experienced a certain type of scarring on one part of your body, such as following a tummy tuck or breast reduction, it's likely that scars from a brachioplasty would heal in a similar fashion.
In individuals with red hair, brachioplasty scars should, in general, fade as well as scars on other parts of their body. It's important to give the scars sufficient time to heal and fade. If you are considering a brachioplasty, you can proceed with the understanding that scars from this procedure typically heal well.
During a brachioplasty, the incision is usually made from the armpit to the elbow, ideally positioned in the crease between the biceps and triceps muscles. Wearing compression garments for approximately six weeks post-surgery can aid in healing and scar management. After the incision has healed, it's beneficial to apply silicone cream or ointment, which can help in scar maturation and fading.
It's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's postoperative instructions and recommendations for scar care to achieve the best healing outcomes.
I hope this information is helpful and gives you confidence in the healing process of brachioplasty scars.
Good luck with your decision and potential procedure.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,You are not at risk for hypertrophic or pigmented scars, but you should definitely utilize tape therapy for one to three months after brachioplasty. This will ensure the best possible scar. Best of luck!

Paige C. Holt, MD · Answer

Interest in brachioplasty surgery continues to grow!  That being said, it has more scar burden than the other two surgeries you've had.  For one thing, the brachioplasty scar is in a more visible place than tummy tuck or breast reduction scars.  The tummy tuck scar can be hidden under a two piece swimsuit or some types of bikini swimsuits.  The most common reason to seek brachioplasty surgery is to resume wearing short sleeved or sleeveless outfits. Thus, the scar will be in plain sight, even as it is on the underside of the arm. That trade off is acceptable to those interested in the significant improvement in the appearance of their arms.  There is no way to predict the outcome of your brachioplasty scar.  As a red head with fair skin, with tension free closure,  wearing your compression garment until instructed by your PS, and commitment to sun protection, you have the best chance of an acceptable scar. Luckily, you are already an expert on what to expect following cosmetic surgery;) Best Wishes, PCH

Marissa Tenenbaum, MD · Answer

Brachioplasty scars can be a little different than scars on other parts of the body. A tension free closure on a safe excision surgery for an arm lift is important for scar formation. Light skinned individuals also benefit from sunscreen and keeping the scar shielded from sunlight as it heals. That being said, different surgeons place the scars on different parts of the arm. Best, MMT

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

It is never wise to generalize in life and especially in Medicine, but here we go,Redheads are normally classified as Fitzpatrick Class I skin which usually heals without raised scars.The appearance of Brachioplasty scars depends on YOUR skin type, your genes and your surgeon's skills. If the Brachioplasty scar is closed under tension or you smoke the scar WILL widen or even bust open. If the scar is closed with minimal tension and you follow all of the surgeon's instructions, it will heal perfectly nicely.In my experience, )here comes the generalization...), Fitzpatrick I skin (i.e. Redheads) heal beautifully as long as they use sun blocks and do not smoke. This is seen with Facelifts, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lifts, Tummy Tick, Butt Lifts and - yes - Arm Lifts.Good LuclPeter Aldea MDMemphis, TN

Do brachioplasty scars on red heads fade as well as on their other body parts?

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Answer: Brachioplasty scars

Answer: Appearance of Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Scars in Redheads?

Answer: Appearance of Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Scars in Redheads?

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Do brachioplasty scars on red heads fade as well as on their other body parts?

Answers (5)

Answer: Brachioplasty scars

Answer: Brachioplasty scars

Answer: Appearance of Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Scars in Redheads?

Answer: Appearance of Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) Scars in Redheads?

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Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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