Reducing the Appearance of Arm Lift Scars
Patients that wish to eliminate excess skin from the upper arms can benefit from an arm lift procedure at our Dallas, TX plastic surgery practice. As with any surgical procedure, post-operative scarring is a reality. While these scars will never fade completely, there are several ways to minimize them.
Here, Dr. Ken Smart discusses the arm lift procedure and reducing the appearance of scars.
Scarring: What to Expect
During your arm lift procedure, an incision will be made on the underside of the upper arm, from the armpit to the crease of the elbow. In some cases, however, qualifying patients may only require a short scar arm lift, which leaves a small scar in the armpit area.
Dr. Smart understands that patients undergoing this procedure are concerned about the appearance of scars. While they will be visible to some degree, scars can be minimized with strategic placement, skill, and expertise.
How to Care for Your Incisions
In order to reduce the appearance of your arm lift scars, it is important to properly care for your incisions from day one.
First, it is essential that you keep your incisions clean and dry. This will help prevent infection, poor healing, and extreme scarring.
Second, your incisions should not be directly touched at all until they have fully closed.
Third, before changing your bandages and dressings, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.
Finally, make sure you take all antibiotics exactly as directed by your surgeon.
During the first two weeks of recovery, your arms will be bruised and swollen. This is not a cause for concern, as it is simply part of the body’s natural healing process.
To reduce these side effects, cold compresses can be applied to the areas. In addition, arnica montana can be taken to reduce inflammation. This will accelerate healing and help prevent excessive scarring.
Reducing the Appearance of Scars
While an arm lift offers numerous aesthetic benefits, the most significant disadvantage is that the scars will never diminish completely. However, there are a few tips and tricks that can help minimize the appearance of arm lift scars, making them far less noticeable. For example:
- Avoid harmful UV rays. Too much sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation, making your scars more visible. Therefore, high-SPF sunblock should be used for at least the first two months after surgery. However, we recommend that everyone use sunscreen daily, whether they have undergone surgery or not.
- Try massage. If your arm lift scars feel tight, gentle massage can help remedy the problem. This process will gently break up the thickened scar tissue and improve the appearance of the incision site.
- Apply concealer. Until your scars diminish, you can use concealer makeup. This should only be applied to incisions that have completely closed. To eliminate concerns about makeup transfer to clothing, patients can try a pressed powder concealer, which is less likely to come off than a liquid one.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you are about to undergo an arm lift procedure, knowing what to expect post-operatively can help abate fears and worries of the unknown. To learn more about reducing the appearance of scars, contact us online or give us a call at (972) 334-0400.