Scars Following Arm Lift Cosmetic Surgery

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there were 15,457 upper arm lift cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2012. This number increased from 14,998 procedures in 2011 from 338 in 2000 (an increase of more than 4,000 percent). In many of these cases, patients may be inspired by seeing toned, fit arms on some of their favorite celebrities. Patients may have already made a considerable commitment and amount of progress to their weight loss goals, but may find that they cannot lose excess, flabby skin, particularly on the upper arms. This may lead them to seek out the doctors at Jefferson Plastic Surgery for an arm lift procedure.

However, as with any surgery, an arm lift procedure does carry some risks, including scarring. This is particularly difficult for arm lift procedures, as the scars may often run down the length of the inside of the upper arm, from armpit to elbow, and be very noticeable. Because patients will want to show off their new arms in short sleeves or sleeveless outfits, scarring is a major concern.

Arm Lift Cosmetic Surgical Procedure

In an arm lift procedure, an incision is made into the upper arm. The skin and tissue are then gently lifted away, tightened, and sutured back into place. This procedure can also be done in conjunction with a liposuction procedure to remove any excess fat. Initial recovery from the procedure generally takes one to two weeks. The most common problems following surgery are excessive bruising and swelling. Patients will be given special compression garments to wear to reduce the amount and duration of bruising and swelling. Taking the herb Arnica montana, as well as using ice and cold compresses once the sutures are fully closed, will also help reduce bruising and swelling.

Scarring from an Arm Lift Procedure

The incision scar from an arm lift procedure generally runs down the inside length of the upper arm, from the armpit to the inner elbow crease. However, depending upon the placement and amount of excess skin, shorter incisions that are less visible may be created. In cases where there is minimal excess skin that is limited to the upper half of the upper arm, a shorter incision can be used. This scar will be easier to hide inside the armpit. In other cases, the surgeon may opt to run the incision down the inside of the upper arm. While there will still be a scar, it may not be as noticeable, depending upon scar placement and length.

Proper Care to Minimize Scarring

Perhaps the best way for patients to minimize scarring from an arm lift procedure is to take proper care of the incisions as they are healing. Wash hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap before changing any dressings or bandages, and try to avoid touching the incisions directly until they have fully healed over. Keep dressings and bandages clean and dry. Once incisions have healed, patients may use silicone sheeting to help reduce the appearance of scars.

The arms are often the most difficult part of the body to tone. With careful consideration of incision placement, as well as proper care following the procedure, patients will be able to show off a set of arms that are as toned and fit as the rest of their body.