In short: No arm lift is truly invisible. Removing loose skin from the arm always leaves a scar. Dr Kumar places it so that it is not visible from the front and stays hidden in most everyday arm positions, although, like any scar, it can be seen from behind. A short scar confined to the armpit suits only minor looseness at the top of the arm, which is uncommon after major weight loss, and liposuction alone avoids a long scar but does not remove loose skin.
Searches for an “invisible arm lift” or “scarless arm lift” are common, and it is easy to see why: the arm lift (brachioplasty) scar is one of the most visible in body contouring. This article explains what is realistic, the options that do exist, and how the scar is managed so that it settles as well as possible.
Why an arm lift leaves a scar
Loose skin can only be removed by cutting it out and closing the wound. Skin does not shrink back after major weight loss, and no device or treatment reliably tightens hanging arm skin. The trade is simple: a scar in exchange for the loose skin being gone.
The options that exist
| Option | Scar | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Liposuction alone | Small entry points | Extra fat with good skin. It does not remove loose skin. |
| Short scar arm lift | Confined to the armpit | Minor looseness at the top of the arm only. Uncommon after major weight loss. |
| Standard arm lift | From the armpit towards the elbow, placed so that it is not visible from the front | The most common pattern after major weight loss. |
| Extended arm lift | As above, continuing across the armpit onto the side of the chest | Looseness that continues onto the chest wall. |
Choosing a shorter scar than the looseness needs usually leaves skin behind, and a second operation is then more likely. The pattern is chosen to match the amount and position of the loose skin.
Where the scar is placed
Dr Kumar places the scar using a technique he has developed, so that it is not visible from the front and stays hidden in most of the arm positions used in everyday social contact. There is no tell-tale sign of an arm lift when the arms are viewed from the front. Like any scar, it can be seen from behind, and in Dr Kumar’s experience it tends to become finer and less noticeable over time. Before and after photographs of Dr Kumar’s patients are in the arm lift gallery. Individual results vary.
How the scar is looked after
- Prineo and Micropore dressings for six weeks, and a compression garment for six weeks
- No nicotine in any form for eight weeks before and after surgery
- No lifting over 5 kg for six weeks, and a gradual return to exercise, because tension widens the scar
- Silicone, massage and sun protection once the dressings come off
- Reviews through the first 12 months
The scar is usually at its reddest and firmest around three months, then softens and fades, and is pale and flat in most patients by 12 months. Some people form thickened scars, and scar quality varies.
Medicare
After major weight loss, an arm lift may meet Medicare item 30169 (removal of redundant non-abdominal skin) when its criteria are met: at least five BMI points lost, weight stable for six months, and functional problems. Dr Kumar assesses this at consultation.
Common questions
Is there a scarless arm lift?
No. Removing loose skin always leaves a scar. Liposuction alone has very small scars but does not remove loose skin.
How long is the arm lift scar?
Usually from the armpit towards the elbow, placed so that it is not visible from the front. A short scar in the armpit suits only minor looseness at the top of the arm.
Will the scar fade?
It is pink and firm for several months, then fades and flattens in most patients by 12 months. Scar quality varies between people.
How long will I be in hospital?
Usually one night.
Next steps
Read more about arm lift after weight loss, or download Dr Kumar’s Arm Lift guide below. To talk to Dr Kumar’s team, request a call back or call 1300 267 726.
All surgery carries risk and individual results vary. Read the risks and considerations of surgery before deciding. This article is general information, not medical advice.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney
