Arm Lift Scars: What to Expect and How to Mitigate Them
Arm lift surgery removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, and the process involves making surgical incisions. Unfortunately, even small incisions leave behind scars. Plastic surgeons can hide and minimize scarring, but it’s simply not possible to perform an arm lift without any scars at all. Any surgeon who claims they can is probably not the one you want.
The good news is that with time and proper scar care, your scars will fade and can become quite difficult to spot. We have answers to your questions about arm lift scars and are happy to share our knowledge with you, explaining everything from where your scars may be to steps you can take to minimize them during your recovery.
Where Are the Scars Located After an Arm Lift?
Your plastic surgeon will use every surgical technique at their disposal to minimize scarring for you. If you have only a small amount of excess skin, this may mean performing a limited-incision arm lift. This procedure allows your surgeon to neatly tuck your incisions and thereby scars in your armpit.
If you have more excess skin to remove, you’ll need a standard arm lift. This procedure leaves a scar along your inner arm, usually running from your armpit to your elbow. We know it sounds scary, but your surgeon will make the incision where it will be hard to see when your arms are at rest and where it can be covered by clothing. Whenever possible, plastic surgeons also tuck their incisions within the natural crease of the arm to better conceal it.
What to Expect with Arm Lift Scars
At Mia Aesthetics, we recognize that every patient is a unique individual whose surgical journey is all their own. Your individuality can impact several aspects of your surgery, including your propensity for scarring. Your age, skin type, skin tone, and level of compliance with your post-op instructions can all affect your experience with scars. That being said, scar development and maturity typically proceed as follows:
- Initial Appearance: Scars are typically red, raised, or slightly swollen during the first few weeks
- Weeks 1–6: Scars begin to close and settle as the skin heals
- Months 3–6: Scars fade to a lighter color and flatten
- Months 6–12: Scars continue to mature, becoming smoother and less visible
Factors That Can Affect Scarring
The upper arms offer some unique conditions for scar healing, and understanding them can help you combat excess scar tissue. It also helps you understand what you’re up against before you make a final decision about whether or not to have an arm lift.
Location of Incisions
The skin of the upper arm is thin, and as such it is more prone to visible scarring than the skin on other areas of the body. Arm lift incisions tend to run along the inside of the arm, which is an area known for a lot of movement and friction.
Amount of Skin Removed
The amount of skin your surgeon needs to remove has a big impact on your potential for scars. The more tissue is removed, the longer the scar becomes. Limited-incision lifts are a great way to hide scars, but this procedure just isn’t right for everyone.
Movement and Tension
The arms are highly mobile and used often. Unfortunately, repeated movement during recovery can place tension on your incisions, affecting how scars form and heal. You’ll want to be extremely mindful of this during your arm lift recovery.
Sweat and Friction
Areas like the armpit are prone to moisture and friction, which may lead to irritation or delayed healing if not properly managed. It’s important to keep your incisions clean and dry, even when they’re in tricky areas.
Tips to Minimize Arm Lift Scars
You can’t eliminate scars entirely after your arm lift, but there are many things you can do to help minimize them. To keep scars to a minimum, make sure you:
- Limit repetitive arm motions, such as reaching or lifting, during the first four to six weeks to avoid pulling on incisions
- Avoid stretching your arms above your head until cleared by your surgeon
- Wear compression garments designed specifically for arm lift recovery to reduce swelling and protect incisions from unnecessary tension
- Ensure that your compression garment fits snugly but does not irritate the incision line
- Prevent irritation from sweat by gently patting the area dry after light activity or exposure to heat
- Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing to minimize friction around the incisions
- During your consultation, discuss your clothing preferences and frequent activities so your surgeon can take them into account when placing your scar
- Wait until your surgeon clears you for strength training to prevent excess strain on the incisions
- Once the incisions are fully healed, use gentle circular motions to massage the scar tissue
- If your incision extends into the armpit, keep the area dry and clean to avoid irritation from deodorants or sweat—your surgeon may ask you to skip deodorant for a few days
Long-Term Arm Lift Scar Management
Remember that scars often take a year or more to fully settle, so patience is an important part of the healing process. If you notice that your scar is getting thicker or irritated, discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. They may be able to help or refer you to a dermatologist who can. Many scar treatments are available, so don’t assume you’re stuck if you do end up with a scar that bothers you.
Recap & Next Steps
Arm lift scars are a natural part of the healing process but can fade significantly with proper care and time. Following your aftercare instructions and using the tips outlined here are the best ways to keep scarring in check after your arm lift. Still have questions? Schedule a free virtual consultation to get answers specific to you and your needs.