Don’t let the idea of having an arm lift scar outweigh the benefits you’ll receive from undergoing this surgery. Arm lift surgery can permanently remove excess skin and stubborn fat on the upper arms.
If you’re considering arm lift surgery but are worried about scarring, this article is for you. Below, we’ll go over the major benefits of this procedure and touch on what arm lift scars typically look like. We’ll then review ways you can minimize the appearance of arm lift scars.
What Is Arm Lift Surgery?
Arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty (sometimes called batwing surgery), is a procedure that improves the appearance of the upper arms by removing sagging skin, fat, and tissue. Most patients who undergo arm lift surgery are those who’ve undergone significant weight loss. Sometimes, excess upper arm skin can be due to genetics or aging.
During the surgery, your plastic surgeon will remove the unwanted excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a more toned and youthful look. Typically, an incision is made from the armpit to the elbow. Sometimes, the incision can be shorter and remain closer to the underarm area. Arm lifts are great for helping people feel more confident about their appearance, especially when wearing short sleeves or tank tops.
Minimizing the Appearance of Arm Lift Surgery Scars
The very first thing we recommend is looking up some arm lift before and after scar photos for reference.
You’ll notice right away that incisions usually flatten out and fade very nicely with the surrounding skin so that they’re hardly noticeable. As long as there was no trouble with wound healing (rare), the scar texture is typically smooth. This bodes well for people who are worried about the scars they’ll have after arm lift surgery.
Moreover, when you undergo your surgery, never forget that you’re getting rid of stubborn fat and excess arm skin that is impossible to remove in any way other than surgery.
With that said, it’s perfectly understandable to want to minimize visible scarring as much as possible. So, here are some scar reduction techniques we recommend.
Follow your post-surgery recovery instructions closely.
Follow your post-surgery arm lift recovery instructions closely throughout your arm lift recovery. Whatever your surgeon says to do after surgery, be sure you’re doing it. If there are any problems with the instructions you receive, contact your surgeon directly to figure out a solution.
Stay away from the sun.
The healthy skin cells that regenerate after your incision lines heal must be kept out of the sun. Getting even a slight tan or mild redness from the sun can cause an enhanced scar texture (scars that are raised) and extra pigmentation.
Maintain a healthy diet.
Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet will promote an overall healthy lifestyle and help you stay at a stable weight. Gaining a significant amount of weight following surgery can wreak havoc on your skin elasticity and create extra tension on your arm incisions, causing a more visible scar on each arm.
Don’t be afraid of exercise.
Once you have healed from your loose skin removal surgery and are cleared for physical activity by your surgeon, be sure to get right back into exercising. Start slow, but you can promote great muscle tone and a healthy weight by taking part in regular exercise — both cardio and strength training.
Use silicone sheets.
Many patient find that using silicone scar sheets can help to reduce the appearance of their scars and help their scars blend better with the remaining skin on their arms.
Massage bumpy scar tissue.
As long as you are cleared to do so by your plastic surgeon, consider arm massage. You can either do self-massage or get a massage from a licensed therapist. Palpating and gently manipulating the scars (after the incisions are healed) can help to break up bumpy scar tissue and create a smoother appearance.
Seek help if necessary.
Lastly, if you notice that your scars aren’t healing the way you want them to, talk to your plastic surgeon. In some cases, steroid injections or laser therapy may be recommended.
Scarring After Arm Lift Surgery FAQ
What will my arm lift look like after one year?
Your 1 year arm lift scar appearance will typically be minimal. Most patients find that they are so pleased with their results, they don’t even think about their scars. Upon close inspection, you will likely see that your scars are flattened out and faded in color at this time.
Do arm lift scars go away?
Brachioplasty scars don’t completely disappear, but they do fade significantly over time. After one year, most patients find their scars are flattened out and faded in color, becoming only slightly noticeable. The scar texture is typically smooth, and they blend well with the surrounding skin tone so they’re hardly noticeable. With proper scar treatment, the appearance of scars becomes minimal.
Is brachioplasty worth the scar?
Absolutely. Most patients find they’re so pleased with their results that they don’t even think about their scars. You’re getting rid of stubborn fat and excess saggy skin that’s impossible to remove any other way. The confidence boost from having toned, youthful-looking arms typically far outweighs any concerns about minimal scarring, making this one of the most worthwhile plastic surgery procedures.
Is arm lift surgery worth it?
Yes, arm lift surgery is worth it for those dealing with excess upper arm skin and fat, especially patients who lose significant weight. The surgical technique creates permanently toned, youthful-looking arms that boost confidence, especially when wearing short sleeves or tank tops. With proper care and a skilled surgeon, scarring becomes minimal while the aesthetic benefits are long-lasting and significant.
Book Your Personal Consultation with Dr. Mohan
No one wants noticeable scars following any type of cosmetic surgery. Fortunately, with a top board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Raja Mohan, the arm lift surgery scar you have on either arm should be only slightly noticeable. At the same time, you’ll benefit from slimmer, more toned arms you can feel proud of.
To learn more about surgical procedures like upper arm lift surgery cost and the scar healing process, please contact our office and schedule your consultation with Dr. Raja Mohan.