March 8, 2025
For many people, excess skin on the upper arms can be frustrating, especially after significant weight loss or aging. Arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) is a transformative procedure that removes loose skin and reshapes the arms, creating a more toned and contoured look. While the results can be life-changing, one of patients’ biggest concerns is scarring.
Scars are a natural part of any surgical procedure, and while they are permanent, they fade significantly over time with the right care. Dr. Kenton Schoonover at Kansas Plastic Surgery is an expert in body contouring and takes a meticulous approach to incision placement and closure techniques to minimize scarring.
This article will help you understand what to expect from arm lift scars and provide effective strategies to make them less noticeable. While scars may seem daunting, they are often a small trade-off for the confidence and freedom that come with having firmer, more sculpted arms.
An arm lift is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, improving their shape and contour. This procedure is especially beneficial for those who have lost a significant amount of weight or whose skin has become loose due to aging. During surgery, the plastic surgeon makes an incision along the inner or back of the arm, removes excess skin and fat, and tightens the remaining skin for a smoother, more youthful appearance. Ideal candidates for an arm lift are those with sagging skin who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about results and scarring.
Scarring is a normal part of the healing process after surgery. Since an arm lift requires a long incision to remove excess skin, a scar will remain after healing. However, the size, color, and visibility of the scar depends on several factors, including genetics, skin type, surgical technique, and post-operative care. Patients with darker skin tones may develop hyperpigmented (darker) scars, while those with lighter skin may experience red or pink scars that fade over time. The expertise of the surgeon also plays a crucial role in minimizing scar appearance, as precise incision placement and closure techniques lead to finer, less noticeable scars.
The location and length of arm lift scars depend on the type of procedure performed. The traditional arm lift scar runs from the elbow to the armpit along the inner arm. This is the most common incision type, used for moderate to severe skin laxity. A mini arm lift scar involves a smaller incision near the armpit and is ideal for patients with mild skin laxity. This results in less noticeable scarring but may not provide as dramatic results. For those with significant excess skin, an extended arm lift scar is required, stretching beyond the armpit and onto the chest. This provides the most comprehensive tightening but results in a longer scar.
Immediately after surgery, arm lift scars appear red, raised, and slightly swollen. As the healing process continues, the scars begin to flatten and fade. In the first few weeks, scars may be red or pink, and the incision area may feel tight. By three to six months post-surgery, scars gradually lighten but may still be noticeable. With proper care, most scars fade significantly within one to two years and become far less prominent.
The best way to minimize scarring starts before surgery. Choosing a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Kenton Schoonover ensures proper incision placement and closure techniques, leading to less noticeable scars. Other pre-surgery tips to promote better healing include maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and protein to aid tissue repair and avoiding smoking and alcohol before surgery, as these habits slow wound healing and increase scar formation.
Proper post-operative care plays a key role in reducing scar visibility. Following your surgeon’s wound care instructions is essential to prevent infection and promote better healing. Silicone scar sheets or gels like Silagen, Mederma, or BioCorneum can be applied once the incision is fully closed to soften and lighten scars. It is also crucial to use sunscreen (SPF 30+) on healing scars to prevent them from darkening due to sun exposure. Gently massaging the scar daily can help break down collagen buildup and improve flexibility. Staying hydrated and eating collagen-rich foods also supports skin repair and elasticity.
If scars remain thick, raised, or highly visible, several medical treatments can help. Laser therapy reduces pigmentation and smoothens the skin, while microneedling or radiofrequency (RF) treatments improve skin texture. Steroid injections can flatten raised scars, and surgical scar revision can correct wide or thickened scars.
Some patients may wonder if liposuction is a better alternative to an arm lift. Liposuction scars are significantly smaller because only tiny incisions are needed to remove fat. However, liposuction alone does not address loose skin, making it unsuitable for patients with moderate to severe skin laxity. If you have good skin elasticity, liposuction may be enough to contour the arms without noticeable scars. However, for those with significant sagging skin, an arm lift is the only way to achieve firm, toned arms.
The skill of your plastic surgeon plays a crucial role in how well your scars heal and how noticeable they will be over time. A board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in body contouring understands how to strategically place incisions, use advanced suturing techniques, and provide proper post-operative care to minimize scarring.
A skilled surgeon carefully places incisions along the inner or back of the arm, where scars are less visible. The use of layered suturing techniques helps reduce tension on the skin, preventing wide or raised scars. Additionally, a good surgeon will provide comprehensive post-operative care, guiding patients through proper wound care and scar management strategies.
Dr. Kenton Schoonover at Kansas Plastic Surgery is known for his expertise in arm lift surgery, helping patients achieve beautifully contoured arms with minimal scarring. His personalized approach ensures natural-looking results and the best possible healing process. If you’re considering an arm lift and are concerned about scarring, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Schoonover is the best way to discuss scar-minimizing techniques and develop a plan for optimal results.
