When you lose a significant amount of weight, the skin may not shrink back to its previous size. This is especially true for areas like the upper arms. Aging can also lead to sagging skin here.
One of the most common concerns for individuals with loose skin on the upper arms is the desire to eliminate it without leaving noticeable scars. That’s where the idea of a scarless arm lift surgery comes into play.
What Is a Scarless Arm Lift?
The term “scarless arm lift” can be a bit misleading. While it suggests no incisions, there’s no such thing as an incisionless arm lift. If you’re not interested in traditional surgery but want to tighten excess skin, a non-invasive skin tightening procedure might be an option.
However, it doesn’t deliver the same results as a full surgical arm lift. To make it “scarless,” one option is a mini arm lift, which involves a small incision at the upper armpit area. This procedure works best for those with only a small amount of loose skin on the upper arms.
What Is a Mini Arm Lift?
A mini arm lift is a less invasive option compared to a traditional arm lift. Instead of making a long incision along the arm, a mini arm lift typically involves a small incision in the armpit area. This procedure is ideal for those who have minimal excess skin and want a subtle improvement.
The mini arm lift focuses on tightening and lifting the skin without the need for a larger incision. However, it’s important to note that it won’t be as effective for those with more significant excess skin or fat.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Mini Arm Lift?
Mini arm lift candidates typically have only a small amount of excess skin or minimal sagging. People who have experienced slight weight loss or aging may benefit from this procedure.
Candidates should also be in good health and have realistic expectations.
Those who have more excess fat or loose skin might need a traditional arm lift for more effective results.
What Do Arm Lift Scars Look Like?
Scarring from traditional arm lift surgery typically involves a long incision along the inside or back of the arm. The scar can extend from the elbow to the armpit. With a mini arm lift, the scar is much smaller and typically located in the armpit.
While it’s less noticeable, it’s still an incision, and the extent of scarring will depend on your individual healing process. Look up scarless arm lift before and after photos for more information.
How Can You Minimize the Appearance of Arm Lift Scars?
Several strategies can help minimize the appearance of arm lift scars:
1. Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully. Keeping the incision clean and moisturized is key.
2. Avoid sun exposure. UV rays can darken scars and make them more noticeable.
3. Use silicone gel sheets. These can be applied to the scars once the wounds have healed to help reduce their appearance.
4. Consider massage therapy. Gentle massaging of the area once healing allows can help reduce scar tissue formation.
5. Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition to promote healing.
FAQs: Arm Lift Surgery Scars
Will I have visible scars after an arm lift?
Yes, traditional arm lift surgery will leave a scar, typically along the inside of the arm. However, the mini arm lift leaves a smaller scar in the armpit, making it less noticeable.
How long does it take for arm lift scars to fade?
It can take several months after your arm lift procedure for your arm lift scars to fade. The scars will initially be red, but over time they will lighten and become less noticeable.
Can I avoid scarring with a scarless arm lift?
While a mini arm lift can minimize scarring, there will still be a scar, just a smaller one. A true scarless arm lift doesn’t exist unless you’re talking about a topical procedure, such as a way to tighten skin with a BodyTite arm lift procedure or similar.
Is an arm lift the same as arm liposuction?
Is an arm lift the same as arm liposuction?When it comes to arm lift vs arm liposuction, an arm lift focuses on removing excess skin, and liposuction focuses on removing excess fat. If you have both excess skin and fat, you may require both procedures.
Where can I get a scarless arm lift near me?
If you live in the Houston area, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg performs this surgery for patients at her Houston practice.
How do I choose between a traditional arm lift and a mini arm lift?
If you have a large amount of excess skin (“bat wings”), a traditional surgical arm lift may be your best option. For small amounts of loose skin, a mini arm lift can provide good results with minimal scarring.
Call Today to Schedule a Consultation
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg performs a range of body contouring procedures, including arm lift surgery to correct severe skin laxity.
If you think you may qualify and benefit from this surgery, please call today to book your initial consultation appointment with Dr. Steinberg. We can discuss topics such as scarless arm lift cost, scars, brachioplasty recovery, and more. We look forward to your call!
