Hidden Scar Arm Lift

(310) 361-2517

15503 Ventura Blvd #370, Encino, CA

“Hidden Scar” Arm Lift - Arm Lift Surgery Hides Scars in Armpits

Also Known as Transverse Brachioplasty

Did you ever wave to someone only to be horrified at how the skin underneath your upper arm flaps back and forth? Unfortunately, as we age our skin becomes stretched and loose. The upper arms give away a person’s age, as the excess skin can’t be hidden, except by clothes. The traditional surgery for this condition is an arm lift. This surgery used to involve a long scar down the inside of the upper arm, from armpit to elbow. This has the effect of removing the excess, hanging skin but results in a scar that is worse looking than the original flabby skin.

Dr. Steven Varkony has developed an operation called the “Hidden Scar” Arm Lift. Utilizing his unique approach, this surgery gets rid of the old-fashioned, ugly, vertical scar and replaces it with a “hidden scar,” a scar lying transversely (horizontally) across the armpit. Now you can have tighter, younger-looking arms with hardly anyone knowing that you had surgery. Yes, you can wear short sleeves again! After surgery, your arms are tighter, slimmer, and younger-looking. People love the results of this very special kind of arm lift. Over and over again, we hear how great a difference this surgery has made in our patients’ lives.

How is a Scarless Arm Lift (Hidden Scar) Different from a Traditional Arm Lift?

As aesthetic procedures become more advanced, people are seeking less invasive alternatives to achieve desired results. One area of interest is the upper arm, where sagging skin and excess fat, often referred to as “bat wings,” can develop due to aging, weight loss, or genetics. Traditionally, the solution to this has been a surgical arm lift, known as brachioplasty. However, a new approach, known as the scarless arm lift or hidden-scar arm lift, is offering a less invasive option with minimal scarring.

But how does a scarless arm lift differ from the traditional approach? Let’s explore the key differences in terms of technique, recovery, and outcomes.

1 Surgical Techniques

Traditional Arm Lift: This procedure involves a significant incision that typically extends from the armpit to the elbow along the inner aspect of the upper arm. During surgery, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat, tightening the remaining skin. The longitudinal incision allows for comprehensive reshaping of the arm, making this approach suitable for individuals with significant skin laxity.
Scarless Arm Lift: The term “scarless” is somewhat misleading since an incision is still required. However, this incision is placed horizontally across the armpit rather than longitudinally down the length of the arm, hiding it in the armpit, hence the name, hidden scar arm lift. This method usually involves liposuction, allowing the surgeon to shape the arms as well as to remove more skin.Dr. Varkony utilizes the latest method of liposuction, VASER liposuction. VASER liposuction uses sound waves to break up fat more evenly and thoroughly and targets fat rather than blood vessels or nerves. This results in faster healing with less bruising and discomfort. It is especially useful to correct lumps and bumps from a previous manual liposuction.

2 Suitability and Results

Traditional Arm Lift: This procedure is ideal for people who have experienced significant weight loss or aging and have considerable loose skin on the upper arms. It provides the most dramatic results in terms of reshaping and tightening the arm, but the trade-off is the visible scarring. For individuals with severe skin laxity, the traditional arm lift is often the only option.
Scarless Arm Lift: Best suited for those with mild to moderate skin laxity and excess fat, this procedure doesn’t offer the same degree of skin removal as traditional surgery. It is often chosen by individuals who want a more toned appearance without the long scars associated with longitudinal brachioplasty. However, it can be used in patients with significant excess skin on their inner arms, provided that the skin is located closer to the armpit. Patients with more extreme sagging, or sagging of skin that continues to the elbow, may not achieve their desired results with this method alone.

3 Incisions and Scars

Traditional Arm Lift: The major downside to the traditional approach is the scarring. A long, visible scar usually runs along the inner aspect of the upper arm, which can take months to fade. For some, these scars are a significant cosmetic concern, especially when wearing sleeveless clothing.
Scarless Arm Lift: As the name suggests, this procedure leaves a scar that is hidden in the armpit.. Although there is a scar, it is only visible if someone looks in your armpit. This is why the procedure is usually called a hidden scar arm lift. The scar is also much shorter than in the traditional, longitudinal method and most patients find it aesthetically acceptable.

4 Recovery Time

Traditional Arm Lift: Recovery from a traditional arm lift is longer and involves more discomfort. Patients can expect to take up to two weeks off work and refrain from strenuous activities for 8-12 weeks. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common, and it may take several months before the incisions are completely healed and full results are visible.
Scarless Arm Lift: Recovery from a scarless arm lift is typically quicker, with most patients returning to work within 3-5 days. Also, there is usually less bruising and swelling. Compression garments are still required to help manage swelling, but overall, the downtime is shorter .

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5 Long-Term Results

Traditional Arm Lift: Results from a traditional arm lift can be dramatic and long-lasting, especially if the patient maintains a stable weight. However, the trade-off is the permanent, visible scarring that may fade but never completely disappear.
Scarless Arm Lift: Although less invasive, the scarless approach still offers lasting results, particularly in terms of fat removal and skin tightening. While the skin can relax somewhat post-operatively, most patients are very happy with the amount of skin tightening that they achieve and with the new contour of their arms.

cropped view of doctor in medical costume checking elbow of his young female patient, healthcare

6 Risks and Complications

Traditional Arm Lift: Since this is a more invasive procedure, it carries higher risks, including infection, bleeding, wound breakdown and delayed healing. There’s also the risk of unsatisfactory scarring and asymmetry.
Scarless Arm Lift: Being less invasive, the scarless arm lift comes with fewer risks. However, like any procedure, there is still the potential for complications such as infection or poor wound healing. Patient selection is key as some patients may not achieve the degree of tightening they desire, especially if they have severe skin laxity or the excess skin is not located closer to the armpit.

Conclusion

The choice between a traditional arm lift and a scarless arm lift depends largely on the amount of excess skin and fat a person has in their arms and where the excess skin is located. The traditional arm lift offers more dramatic results for those with significant sagging but comes with larger scars and a longer recovery period. On the other hand, the scarless arm lift offers a less invasive option with shorter recovery times and less scarring but may not be suitable for everyone. VASER ultrasound liposuction is a useful adjunct to help shape the arms and allow for more skin removal.
Ultimately, a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to determine which procedure best fits your needs and goals.

References

International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Liposuction: An Overview of the Technique. Online.

We are here to answer your questions!

For more information about arm lift surgery, call (310) 361-2517 or fill out the form. We will get back to you shortly to answer your questions and schedule the free consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Varkony.

Frequently asked questions about the “Hidden Scar” Arm Lift procedure.

Am I a good candidate for a “Hidden Scar” Arm Lift?

Most people qualify as candidates for the Amazing “Hidden Scar” Arm Lift, especially those people with loose skin from aging, heredity (inheriting loose skin from their parents), or from moderate weight loss. This surgery is not, however, for those who have lost a substantial amount of weight from stomach stapling procedures, etc. For other arm procedures, please see the section on cosmetic surgery following weight loss surgery. If you feel you are the right candidate, please contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation, and get one step closer to being the new you.

What is the difference between the “Hidden Scar” Arm Lift and a Traditional Arm Lift?

The traditional Arm Lift surgery involves a long scar down the inside of the upper arm, from armpit to elbow. This has the effect of removing the excess, hanging skin but results in a scar that is worse looking than the original flabby skin. The “Hidden Scar” Arm Lift has a scar lying transversely (horizontally) across the armpit. Offering tighter, younger looking arms without anyone knowing that you had surgery.

What is the cost of a “Hidden Scar” Arm Lift?

The fee for a “Hidden Scar” Arm Lift varies from person to person, as no two people are the same. Dr. Steven Varkony and his patient care coordinator will be able to provide you with a quote following your complimentary examination.

What is the recovery time and when will I be able to return to work?

There is little discomfort and although it depends on the person and of course the job (!), most people can be back at work within 3 days. By 7-10 days, the incisions are usually healed well enough to allow patients to resume lower body exercise, including various forms of cardio (stair- stepper, elliptical machines, biking, walking and running). Also, possible at this time are lower body weight exercises. Arm exercises are delayed longer, however, usually 6-8 weeks.

Will I need someone caring for me following the procedure?

One should generally have someone with them the first day or following any surgery.

Will I need to stay overnight following the procedure?

You can have surgery in the morning and be back home or in your hotel room in the afternoon. An overnight stay in a post- operative nursing facility or a private nurse in your home or hotel room for the first day can be arranged if desired.

What type of anesthesia is used?

General anesthesia will be used, which means you will be completely asleep and pain-free during the entire case. During surgery you will be closely monitored by one of our board-certified anesthesiologists.