If you are considering arm lift surgery, you may have come across scarless arm lift or invisible arm lift surgeries during your research. You may be wondering, “What is a scarless arm lift?”
There is not really any actual invisible arm lift or scarless arm lift, but the technique used to perform this type of arm lift uses very small incisions, or they are hidden in spots where they are less noticeable.
Many people end up with loose skin on their upper arms after losing weight, genetics, or getting older. Exercise can help strengthen and build the muscles underneath, but it cannot remove saggy, excess skin.
Dr. George Min at NewVue Plastic Surgery offers arm lift surgery in Seattle and the surrounding areas in Washington.
What Is A Scarless Arm Lift?
A scarless arm lift is a newer phrase that is being used to describe brachioplasty surgery that is done to eliminate loose, hanging skin and possibly excess fat from the upper arm with very minimal scarring.
You also may have heard the term “invisible arm lift” and are wondering, “What is an invisible arm lift?” This is referring to the same type of “scarless arm lift” technique that places the necessary incisions in the most hidden and discrete places possible.
The plastic surgeon may use some of these techniques to provide the results you desire:
- Very small incisions
- Incisions that are strategically placed to be well hidden in the armpit or inner arm area.
- Liposuction to get rid of any excess fat deposits
- Non-surgical skin tightening procedures.
- A mini arm lift to correct mild loose skin.
Unfortunately, there is almost no way a surgical incision will not create some sort of scar. The visibility of resulting scars left behind after any surgery depends on your skin tone, texture, length of incisions used, and how much skin must be removed from the area.
Dr. Min does all he can to place your arm lift incisions in locations that make any scars much less noticeable.
How Does Invisible Arm Lift Surgery Compare To A Traditional Arm Lift?
A traditional arm lift can offer correction for more severe amounts of loose skin than an invisible arm lift.
The official medical term for arm lift surgery is “brachioplasty,” and the description as stated by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, says that “brachioplasty reshapes the underside of the upper arm from the underarm area toward the elbow.”
Brachioplasty surgery can correct large amounts of excess skin and normally requires a longer incision that can run anywhere from the armpit to the elbow. An “invisible arm lift” normally uses much smaller incisions that can be well hidden in the armpit, with minimal skin removal, liposuction, and provides less extensive correction vs. traditional brachioplasty surgery.
Who Might Be A Candidate For A Scarless Arm Lift?
A scarless arm lift may be a good fit for you if:
- You only have a mild or moderate amount of loose skin on your upper arms.
- You are close to your ideal weight.
- Your skin has good elasticity.
- Are in good health
- You are not a smoker, or you will quit several months in advance of your surgery.
- Have realistic expectations about potential scarring and the possible results .
Set up a consultation to see if a scarless arm lift is right for you.
What To Expect During Recovery
Your recovery experience will depend on the extent of your arm lift surgery and the technique used. If you have a “scarless arm lift,” then your recovery will be shorter and less involved than traditional arm lift surgery.
People who have traditional arm lift surgery usually experience more swelling, tightness, and activity restrictions because more skin and tissue are removed. Also, they normally need to wear their compression garments for around 6 weeks and have a significantly longer period of activity restrictions.
Patients who are candidates for a mini arm lift or “scarless” arm lift normally have a shorter recovery, and many are able to return to their normal daily activities within a few weeks. They typically wear compression garments for about 3 to 4 weeks. Your surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to care for yourself after your arm lift surgery.
Will Scars Really Be Invisible After A “Scarless Arm Lift”?
Unfortunately, no surgeon can guarantee that there will be no scars after a surgery. The visibility of scarring after an arm lift will depend on many different things, including:
- How much loose skin needs to be removed during the surgery.
- Your skin tone and texture.
- The length of the incision.
- How well your body heals.
- The location of the incision.
- The aftercare of the incision.
- Exposure to the sun while healing.
When people talk about “scarless arm lift” or “invisible arm lift,” they normally mean a mini arm lift where the incisions are made in less noticeable locations, such as the armpit or inner arm. Scars normally fade gradually but most likely will not disappear altogether.
Benefits Of A Scarless Arm Lift
Brachioplasty surgery has many benefits, and the less intense version known as a “scarless” or “invisible” may have some additional benefits, including:
- Helps define, contour, and slim your upper arms.
- Eliminates loose, hanging skin from the upper arms.
- Your clothing may fit better.
- Your arms will look more toned.
- It can increase your confidence when wearing sleeveless clothing.
- The scars can be well hidden and discreet compared to a traditional arm lift.
Where Can I Learn More About Less Invasive Arm Lift Surgery?
Dr. George Min is a board-certified plastic surgeon with NewVue Plastic Surgery who offers arm lift surgery in Seattle, Bellevue, and the surrounding areas in Washington.
Dr. Min and the team of experts at NewVue Plastic Surgery can create a treatment plan that may include scarless arm lift surgery and possibly a non-surgical procedure used together to help you get the results you desire.
Set up a consultation today to find out if you may be a candidate for a scarless arm lift.
FAQs
Can a “scarless arm lift” be combined with other procedures or surgeries?
Yes. Some patients combine liposuction surgery or other non-surgical treatments with their scarless arm lift surgery to get optimal results. Your surgeon can discuss your options with you at your consultation.
How long do the results of a scarless arm lift last?
Results can last for many years as long as you maintain a stable weight and practice healthy lifestyle habits. There is no way of stopping the natural aging process, so changes may gradually occur, but strength training and eating healthy can help.
Can a scarless arm lift get rid of stretch marks?
A scarless arm lift might be able to remove some stretch marks if they are on the skin that is eliminated during your surgery. The scarless technique can only be used for those with a mild amount of loose skin, so it will not be able to remove any stretch marks that are outside of the surgical area.
Is there any type of non-surgical option for a scarless arm lift?
Yes. There are some cosmetic procedures that can tighten a mild amount of loose skin without surgery, like microneedling with radiofrequency, or PHYSIQ. Your plastic surgeon can help you determine the best plan to eliminate your loose arm skin and give you the results you are looking for.
Is there an age limit for having an invisible arm lift?
Aside from having to be at least 18 years old to undergo arm lift surgery, there is no specific “cut-off” age. The surgeon determines your suitability for surgery depending on your skin quality, the amount of excess skin you have, and how healthy you are, rather than only your age.
