While scars are a necessary part of surgical procedures, many patients are concerned with how these scars will look. This blog discusses where arm lift incisions are created, what you can expect scars to look like, and tips for scar care post-surgery.
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Setting Expectations for Arm Lift Surgery
Scarring is often a main concern for those considering plastic surgery procedures. Most people thinking about getting an arm lift want to feel more confident in their arms and comfortably wear short-sleeved and sleeveless clothing, which can make a visible scar on the arms unappealing. However, scars are a necessary part of the arm lift procedure because they allow your surgeon to remove stubborn fat and excess skin.
Before committing to arm lift surgery, all prospective patients need to understand that this procedure leaves scars. Yet it is also important to stress that the arm contouring results from trimming sagging skin and eliminating stubborn fat are incomparable to any non-surgical method. In short, if you are looking to transform the appearance of your upper arms and create a slimmer, firmer, and well-defined appearance, then arm lift surgery is likely your best option.
What Do Arm Lift Scars Look Like?
Each arm lift procedure is tailored to suit the patient’s physique and goals. The resulting scar will depend on the techniques used during the surgery. At Dr. Jennifer Boll’s plastic surgery practice, she uses limited-incision and standard arm lift techniques, as well as liposuction.
The limited-incision arm lift is performed by creating a small incision in the armpit, allowing your surgeon to pull the skin up and tuck any excess into the underarm. This is a desirable option for patients since the scar is shorter and mostly concealed in the armpit. The best candidates for a limited-incision arm lift typically have sagging arm skin close to the armpit and minimal excess arm fat.
The standard arm lift technique involves an incision starting in the armpit and extending across the inner arm to the elbow area. This method is usually suitable for patients with excess skin and fat across the entire upper arm region.
Liposuction is often used during arm lift surgery to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat that cannot be removed with other arm lift techniques. Scars from liposuction typically appear as tiny round dots.
Your arm lift scar may initially be red, raised, and puffy after surgery. This is when the scar is most visible, yet with proper aftercare and healing, it should significantly improve and fade.
Tips for Arm Lift Scar Care
Your surgeon will go over aftercare instructions with you prior to your surgery. These instructions will include how to care for your arm lift scars to best support your recovery process and help your incisions heal as seamlessly as possible.
Some tips for healing arm lift scars include:
- Keep the incisions clean
- Wear your compression garment as instructed
- Moisturize the scar area with a gentle, non-scented lotion
- Use silicone scar sheets
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear long sleeves during early recovery
- Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more whenever the skin is exposed to the sun
- Follow all post-operative instructions from your surgeon
Want to Know More About Arm Lift Surgery in Phoenix, AZ?
If you’re tired of excess arm skin and fat and want a solution to flabby arms, it may be time to consider arm lift surgery. To learn more about arm lifts and your options in Phoenix, AZ, call Dr. Boll’s office at (480) 833-5200 or fill out our online contact form today.