Brachioplasty Scars: What to Expect and Tips for Scar Healing

Brachioplasty, also known as arm lift surgery, is a procedure designed to remove excess skin from the upper arms. Like any surgery, it always leaves a scar. While the scars are permanent, there are many strategies that can help them fade over time. Understanding what to expect and following scar care recommendations can make a significant difference in how the scar eventually looks.

Where Are Brachioplasty Scars Placed?

The location and length of the incision depend on the type of brachioplasty performed. Surgeons carefully plan incision placement to balance the removal of excess skin with the goal of making scars as discreet as possible.

Mini Brachioplasty

A mini brachioplasty involves the shortest incision. The cut is usually hidden within the natural fold of the armpit, making it relatively discreet. This approach is best suited for patients with only a small amount of excess skin, typically confined to the uppermost part of the arm. While the scar is smaller than other types of arm lift surgery, it is still permanent.

Full Brachioplasty

A full brachioplasty involves a longer incision that runs from the armpit down to the elbow. The incision is usually placed along the inner aspect of the arm so it is less visible when the arms rest at the sides. This option is appropriate for patients with moderate excess skin along the length of the upper arm. While the scar is longer than that from a mini brachioplasty, the positioning helps to keep it discreet in most daily activities.

Extended Brachioplasty

An extended brachioplasty is performed when the excess skin extends beyond the arm into the armpit and chest wall. In this case, the incision not only runs from the armpit to the elbow but continues through the armpit crease and down along the side of the chest. This allows the surgeon to remove redundant skin from both the arms and adjoining chest areas. Although the scar is the longest of all brachioplasty types, it can provide the most comprehensive improvement in patients with significant skin laxity after major weight loss.

Each of these approaches leaves a different type of scar, and the choice depends on the amount and distribution of excess skin that needs to be removed.

How Long Do Brachioplasty Scars Take to Heal?

Scar healing is a slow and progressive process. Patients should not expect scars to fade quickly, as the body takes months to remodel the collagen in healing skin.

• In the early weeks after surgery, scars often look red, raised, and firm. This is a normal part of healing.
• After three to six months, the scar usually begins to soften and the redness gradually reduces.
• Between six and nine months, patients often notice a more noticeable improvement in scar appearance.
• Final scar maturation generally occurs within 12 to 24 months, when the scar becomes flatter, paler, and blends better with surrounding skin.

Even with excellent healing, scars will not disappear entirely, but they can fade into fine lines over time.

Why Do Brachioplasty Scars Vary?

No two patients heal exactly the same, which means scar appearance can differ significantly between individuals. Some patients naturally produce thin and faint scars, while others may form scars that are thicker, raised, or darker.

Factors influencing scar appearance include:

• The type of brachioplasty performed and the length of incision required
• The patient’s natural wound-healing biology
• Compliance with aftercare instructions
• Complications such as infection or wound separation

Because of these variables, scar results can never be predicted with complete certainty.

Tips to Support Brachioplasty Scar Healing

Post-operative care has a major influence on scar appearance. There are many strategies patients can adopt to encourage good healing.

1. Avoid Picking at the Incision

As the incision heals, it may form scabs or dry skin. It is important not to pick at these areas, as doing so can disrupt healing and increase the risk of poor scarring. Allowing the body to heal naturally gives the best chance for a fine scar.

2. Protect Scars from the Sun

Sunlight can cause scars to darken and remain more visible. Protecting the scar from UV rays is essential, especially during the first year when scars are most active in their healing process. Patients are advised to use sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing such as long sleeves when outdoors.

3. Use Medical-Grade Silicone

Silicone strips or gels are widely recommended by surgeons. They help maintain skin hydration, regulate collagen production, and reduce itching. Studies have shown they can reduce the likelihood of keloid or hypertrophic scars, making them one of the most effective non-surgical scar treatments.

4. Consider Laser or Light Therapy

Non-invasive treatments such as LED light therapy or laser scar treatments can be beneficial. These therapies reduce redness and encourage scar fading by stimulating the skin’s natural repair mechanisms. Multiple sessions may be needed, and they are best considered as part of an overall scar management plan.

5. Keep the Incision Clean

Clean wounds heal better. Proper wound hygiene reduces the risk of infection, which can otherwise lead to poor scar outcomes. Surgeons usually provide detailed aftercare instructions, including how to clean and dress the incision.

6. Avoid Smoking

Smoking has a well-documented negative effect on wound healing. It decreases blood flow and oxygen supply to the tissues, increasing the chance of delayed healing and thickened scars. Avoiding smoking before and after surgery is strongly recommended.

7. Eat a Balanced Diet

Nutrition supports healing from within. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with zinc and protein, are beneficial for skin repair. A balanced diet can give the body the resources it needs to heal optimally.

8. Prescription Scar Creams

Certain prescription creams, such as tretinoin, may be used to improve scar texture and encourage collagen turnover. These are best prescribed and monitored by a doctor.

9. Over-the-Counter Scar Creams

Some non-prescription creams containing ingredients like centella asiatica (gotu kola) may help by keeping scars hydrated and reducing inflammation. While results vary, these products can be a useful addition to a scar care routine.

10. Be Patient

Healing takes time, and scar improvement can be slow. Patients should set realistic expectations, as scars may take 12 to 18 months or longer to reach their final appearance.

11. Stay in Contact with Your Surgeon

Regular follow-up appointments allow your surgeon to monitor healing. Any unusual changes such as redness, swelling, oozing, or widening of the scar should be reported immediately. Early treatment of problems can prevent long-term issues.

Factors That Can Lead to Poor Scarring

Some factors are outside a patient’s control. These include:

• A personal or family history of keloid scars, which are raised, dark, and extend beyond the incision line
• A tendency for hypertrophic scars, which are raised but confined to the incision site
• Post-operative complications such as wound infection, delayed healing, or skin necrosis

Patients with a history of abnormal scarring should discuss this with their surgeon before undergoing brachioplasty, as it may affect the surgical plan and aftercare.

What If My Brachioplasty Scar Doesn’t Heal Well?

If scars remain wide, raised, or red after 12 months, there are several medical treatments available to improve their appearance.

• Steroid injections – Corticosteroids help reduce excess collagen, flattening raised scars.
• Scar revision surgery – In cases of severe scarring, surgical adjustment may be considered.
• Laser therapy – Light-based treatments can reduce redness and smooth scar texture.
• Skin resurfacing techniques – Procedures such as dermabrasion, microneedling, or chemical peels can improve texture by removing the outer skin layers.
• Cryotherapy – Freezing treatments are sometimes used for smaller scars, though less commonly for brachioplasty.

Scar Fading Timeline

• 0–6 weeks – Scar is red, raised, and firm
• 3–6 months – Redness reduces, scar softens
• 6–12 months – Noticeable fading and flattening
• 12–24 months – Scar reaches its final appearance

Key Takeaway

Scarring is an unavoidable part of brachioplasty, but it does not have to define your outcome. With good surgical planning, careful aftercare, and patience, most scars fade significantly with time. There are also many treatment options available if scars heal poorly. The most important step is to follow your surgeon’s advice and allow the body the time it needs to heal.

Disclaimer: Operation performed by Dr Bernard Beldholm. Adult content, surgery carries risks, results vary between individuals, seek a second opinion. Please see the full disclaimer.