I only have fat on the upper part of the arm. 3 surgeons are telling me that can be lipoed and then the excess skin can be cut/and pulled into the armpit for more of a hidden scar. The outer arm contoured. 1 surgeon is telling me that’s absolutely not possible and won’t look good. I want to avoid a scar halfway down my arm which is what he’s saying must be done. Now I’m confused on what’s correct.
I've done a good number of arm lifts or brachioplasties and I cannot get a result I'm satisfied with using an incision that is completely hidden in the axilla or armpit. However, that does not mean it can't be done. Ask them to show you some before and after pictures of the surgery you are wanting to have done.
In my opinion the short scar brachioplasty works. This is my go to procedure. I will only use the long scar in extreme situations. Look at the website for before-and-after's for the two procedures and judge for yourself. Especially look at the pictures of the doctor you're going to to see if you like the results of the after pictures. If you don't like the after pictures you see that this procedure is not for you.
Both operations have their unique advantages and disadvantages.
The long scar brachioplasty will produce the best contour, but will produce a long scar along the inner aspect of your inner arm.
The short scar brachioplasty will produce the more hidden scar but will give less improvement in arm contour.
If your excess skin and fat is limited to the upper arm (close to the arm pit), then short scar brachioplasty is reasonable. Otherwise, the longer scar technique is preferable for a better contour.
I recommend that patients take an active role in the decision and understand the limitations of each technique.
Thank you for sharing your question. Unfortunately without an in-person examination of your tissues, or a full series of photographs, it is difficult to offer definite advice. In only very rare instances would an incision in the armpit alone provide a satisfactory result. In most cases the skin excess present extends down the back of the arm sufficiently that a longer scar is required.
If you are against a scar along the length of your arm, then you have made your decision which would be the armpit scar and lipo. You do have to understand that it may not give you the best result as to removal of the excess skin but you will avoid a scar which in many cases on the arm is unsightly. Unfortunately, most things are trade-offs.
Dr. Edward Jonas Domanskis is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Miami,Newport Beach, San Francisco, EU, Anguilla,Nassau
Assistant Clinical Professor of SurgeryWOS-Plastic,University of California (Irvine)
Orange County’s Physician of Excellence/America’s Top Physicians/Top Doctors
Plastic Surgery- 2005-2018
President,American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons
Organoderm Skin care/ScaRxTape
If you have good skin tightness, liposuction followed by compression garments for a few weeks can work very nicely for shrinking the arm skin. If there is mostly sagging skin that bothers you, however, it will need to be removed surgically in most cases. If it is along the entire are, you will need the longer scar, which can be placed in a variety of locations. If the skin is only near the armpit, you will likely be able to hide the scar in the armpit. You have gone on a few consultations and, as you have learned there are multiple ways to do this operation. The key is determining what you are willing to accept for a scar versus the limitations of the procedure and having a good understanding of expectations.