7 Tips for Reducing Arm Lift Scars

Posted on December 23, 2024 | by Donald Conway

Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, removes excess skin and fat along the upper arms to sculpt toned, attractive arm contours. While the results can be transformative, the inevitable scarring is a common concern among many patients. Arm lift scars are a natural part of the healing process, but with the right care and strategies, you can minimize their appearance. In this post, Asheville plastic surgeon Dr. Donald Conway shares essential tips for reducing arm lift scars for the best possible outcome from your procedure.

1. Choose an Experienced Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

The first and most important step in minimizing arm lift scars is to select a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing this procedure. Your surgeon’s expertise determines the placement and length of arm lift incisions, which directly impacts scar visibility. A skilled plastic surgeon has a deep understanding of surgical techniques that can help keep your scars as discreet as possible. I strategically place incisions along the inner or underside of the arm or within the natural creases to make the scars much less noticeable.

2. Follow Post-Operative Care Instructions Carefully

How visible your arm lift scars will be also depends on how well you follow post-operative care instructions. For my Asheville plastic surgery patients, I provide detailed guidelines to care for the incisions. These instructions typically include keeping the incision sites clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities that could stress the healing tissues, and watching for any signs of infection. Adhering to these recommendations can significantly improve your scars’ final appearance.

“I would give this Doctor and his staff 22 stars if possible. Everything was throughly explained and they took great care of me. The surgery center is state of the art and everyone made me feel completely comfortable. Dr. Conway gave me outstanding results and always listened to me carefully. Anita and Tammy are just exceptional nurses and always made me feel like I was the only patient they had. Love the office. Highly recommended if you are considering any type of possible plastic surgery.”

—5-star Google review

3. Use Scar Treatments as Recommended

After your incisions have healed sufficiently, we may recommend specific scar treatments to enhance the healing process and reduce scar visibility. Silicone-based products, such as gels, creams, or sheets, help flatten and fade scars over time. Consistent use of the recommended scar treatment for your arm lift scars is the key to seeing the most improvement. We will discuss the timing and application of your scar treatment to maximize its effectiveness.

4. Consider Laser Therapy or Other Advanced Treatments

Laser skin resurfacing can help smooth out and lighten scars. These treatments are excellent for patients who desire more scar reduction than topical treatments can achieve. During your follow-up appointments, we will assess your arm lift scars and discuss when you can schedule laser treatments or other skin treatments like microneedling that could further reduce arm lift scars.

5. Stay Out of the Sun

Protect your scars from sun exposure, especially for the first 18 months after surgery when they are the most susceptible to damage. UV rays can cause scars to become discolored and thicken, which makes them more prominent and may be permanent. During recovery, keep the scarred areas covered with clothing or bandages when outdoors. Once your incisions are healed and no longer require bandages or compression garments, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF regularly when your arms are exposed to UV light. Daily SPF will help keep your scars as light as possible.

“Dr. Conway and his staff are WONDERFUL! I trust Dr. Conway 100%. I am extremely happy and excited for what he has done for me already. He and his staff make you feel very comfortable and want you to ask any questions you have. They explain everything in great detail. I give them 10 out of 5 stars!”

—5-star Google review

6. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Stay Hydrated

A diet rich in protein, vitamin C, and zinc, can support collagen production, which is vital for healthy skin and scar formation. Additionally, staying well-hydrated helps maintain skin elasticity and aids in the healing process. Nourishing your body with the right nutrients and getting plenty of water can help speed healing and promote the least conscious arm lift scars. 

7. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact your body’s ability to heal properly. Smoking restricts blood flow and limits the oxygen and nutrients needed for effective healing. Alcohol can also interfere with your body’s immune response and hydration levels. It’s best to avoid these substances before and after your arm lift surgery to enjoy a smoother recovery and to reduce scarring. 

Choose Dr. Conway for arm lift results that heal beautifully

You can experience beautiful arm lift results and minimal scarring by working with a skilled arm lift surgeon like Dr. Donald Conway, following post-operative care instructions, and considering advanced skin treatments when needed. If you’re considering an arm lift in Asheville, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Conway by calling (828) 210-9333.