Arm Lift Scars – How to Reduce Scarring after Brachioplasty

Thinking About Reducing Scars After Arm Lift Surgery? Here’s What You Need to Know

Are you considering how to lessen the visibility of scars after getting an arm lift? You’re not alone. Many people opt for arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, particularly after they’ve lost a considerable amount of weight. Sometimes, after weight loss, your skin doesn’t snap back to fit your new, slimmer shape. You might end up with saggy skin, especially on your arms, which can be particularly noticeable if you’ve lost weight rapidly. The best solution for this is often an arm lift surgery, but what does that involve?

Arm lift surgery, technically referred to as brachioplasty, is a medical procedure aimed at giving your upper arms a firmer, more streamlined look. In this surgery, a cut is made on the underside of your upper arm, usually extending from your elbow up to your armpit. From this point, the surgeon removes any extra skin and fat, whilst also reshaping the tissue that supports your arm. Once the surplus skin and fat have been taken away, the leftover skin is stretched tightly and stitched up. This gives your arms a more refined and smoother look.

If you’re contemplating having an arm lift, it’s important to know that you will have a scar as a result. Scarring is an inevitable part of the process. However, with the right aftercare and attention, these scars can fade and become less noticeable over time.

At Centre for Surgery, our surgeons are experienced in carrying out a variety of body shaping surgeries, arm lifts included. We recognise that the care you receive after your operation is vital for getting the best results. That’s why we’re committed to standing by you throughout your healing journey. We offer comprehensive advice on aftercare, are quick to address any issues or complications that might arise, and provide guidance on how to keep your new shape looking its best.

Where Will Your Scars Be After Arm Lift Surgery?

When it comes to arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, one of the major things you might be wondering about is the location and appearance of the scars that will be left behind. Your surgeon carefully decides where to make these cuts in a way that tackles the saggy skin and extra fat, while also keeping scarring as discreet as possible.

The incision for an arm lift is generally made either on the inside or the backside of the arm. It usually starts from the armpit, also known as the axilla, and can go down to just above the elbow. How long or intricate the cut is will depend on how much extra skin you have and where it’s located on your arm.

Different Types of Arm Lifts and Their Scarring:

1. Mini Arm Lift or Mini Brachioplasty: If you don’t have a lot of extra skin and fat to remove, a mini arm lift might be the right option for you. Here, the incision is made only in the underarm area. This results in a scar that’s generally hidden when your arms are down by your sides.
2. Standard Arm Lift: This technique involves an incision that starts at the elbow and goes up to the underarm, possibly even continuing onto the side of your chest. This method allows for the removal of a greater amount of skin and fat but leaves a more visible scar.
3. Extended Arm Lift: This is often recommended for people who have lost a large amount of weight and have a lot of excess skin. The incision starts at the elbow, goes up to the armpit, and continues along the side of the chest. The resulting scar is longer, but it’s often placed in areas that aren’t as noticeable when your arms are down.

After the Procedure:

Once the surgery is complete, your incisions will be sewn up using sutures that are absorbable, meaning they’ll dissolve on their own over time. The appearance of your scars will gradually improve, but how they end up looking can be influenced by several things. This includes how your body heals, the specific surgical methods used, and the care you take of your scars post-surgery.

The appearance of scars following an arm lift can vary widely depending on several factors. These factors include the surgical technique used, your body’s natural healing process, your skin type, and how well you follow post-operative care instructions. However, here’s a general idea of what you can expect one year after the surgery:

• Colour and Texture: Initially, the scars will appear red and may be raised. However, over the course of a year, they typically fade to a paler colour and become flatter.
• Visibility: Although scars lighten over time, they won’t disappear completely. However, they may become less noticeable and could blend in more naturally with your skin tone.
• Placement: Scars from an arm lift are usually placed along the inside of the arm, potentially extending from the underarm to just above the elbow. Their visibility can depend on the position of your arms.
• Softness: As the scar matures, it generally softens. During the first few months, the scar tissue may feel quite firm.

It’s essential to adhere to your surgeon’s advice on post-operative care, which may include scar creams, silicone gel sheets, and avoiding sun exposure to the scar area, to achieve the best possible scarring outcome.

Some people opt for treatments like laser therapy or micro-needling in the months following the surgery to further improve the appearance of scars.

Laser Therapy for Making Scars Less Visible

Laser therapy is increasingly popular for improving the look of scars, including those resulting from arm lift surgeries. This technology uses focused beams of light to penetrate the skin, which stimulates collagen production—key to healthy skin. Here’s a more in-depth look at the benefits and considerations of using laser therapy for scar reduction:

Benefits of Laser Therapy:

1. Improves Scar Texture: Lasers can smooth out uneven or rough scar tissue, helping it blend better with the surrounding skin.
2. Reduces Redness and Discoloration: The focused energy from lasers can target the excessive blood vessels and melanin in the scar area, diminishing redness and hyperpigmentation.
3. Boosts Collagen Production: Lasers can stimulate the collagen synthesis process, encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin cells, and thus, improving the overall look of the scar.

Risks and Costs:

1. Potential Side Effects: Like any medical treatment, laser therapy comes with its set of potential side effects. You might experience temporary redness, swelling, or a bit of discomfort, which usually goes away within a few days.
2. Cost Variables: The cost of laser therapy can differ widely. Factors that influence the cost include the size and severity of the scar, how many sessions you’ll need, and where you’re getting the treatment done.

If you’re considering laser therapy for scar reduction, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider to explore if this is the best option for you.