No one wants to be left with scars after surgery, particularly in the case of a cosmetic procedure that is meant to enhance your appearance. With a skilled surgeon and cutting-edge technology, it is now more possible than ever to reduce visible scarring after plastic surgery. Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime S. Schwartz fully understands and shares in his patients' desires to minimize cosmetic surgery scars, and utilizes the most effective tools and techniques to make this possible. Discover what kind of scarring you can expect after arm liposuction, which is an exciting and transformative fat removal surgery.
HOW TO GET RID OF ARM FAT
If you have stubborn fat on your upper arms, you know just how frustrating and embarrassing it can be to wave hello, raise your hand, or even find clothing that you feel comfortable in. Oftentimes, men and women who are in good shape overall still struggle with arm fat that does not respond to diet and exercise as it should. For these patients, arm liposuction can be a fantastic solution.
WHAT DOES LIPOSUCTION DO ON YOUR ARMS?
Arm fat removal with liposuction is a minimally invasive solution for ridding yourself of stubborn fat and achieving a smoother, slimmer, more natural-looking arm shape. During arm lipo in Beverly Hills, Dr. Schwartz will place a small incision near the treatment area, through which a cannula—or wand—is inserted. The fat is then suctioned from the arm, and the incisions are closed. In most cases, arm liposuction recovery is relatively quick and comfortable, though postoperative swelling can mask the final results for several weeks. During liposuction recovery, patients may be required to wear compressive garments to help reduce swelling, and exercise may be restricted for a period of time.
UNDERSTANTING HOW SCARS DEVELOP AND MATURE
Scars develop as the body’s healing process replaces injured tissue with scar tissue. Early on, scar texture and color may look pink or firm. As the body’s natural healing process continues, the scar texture softens and the scar flatter and lighter. Visible scarring usually improves for 6 to 12 months. Sensitive skin or darker skin tones may experience more visible scars; early guidance helps minimize scarring.
WILL I HAVE SCARS AFTER ARM LIPOSUCTION?
Scarring is a normal and unavoidable consequence of any surgical procedure requiring an incision. However, the majority of arm liposuction patients are left with little to no visible scarring after they have fully healed. This is due in part to the fact that the incisions used during liposuction are exceptionally tiny, requiring only a few sutures to close. Furthermore, Dr. Schwartz takes great care to strategically place arm liposuction incisions in areas where they can be easily disguised within the natural contours of the body and/or concealed underneath clothing. In many cases, the patients themselves are barely able to identify their own liposuction scar!
WHAT AFFECTS ARM LIPOSUCTION SCARS
Factors you can control
- Surgeon choice. A board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Jaime Schwartz who is experienced with arm lipo can optimize incision location and minimize tissue trauma.
- Aftercare. Keep incision sites clean. Avoid sun exposure. Use silicone sheets once cleared. Follow all post operative instructions closely.
- Lifestyle. A healthy diet, hydration, and avoiding smoking support the body’s natural healing process.
Factors you cannot control
- Genetics and skin tones. Some people form more visible scars. Darker skin tones can be more prone to pigment changes or wide or raised scars.
- Anatomy. Thicker arm fat or limited hidden creases may influence scar placement on the upper arms.
- Healing variability. The healing process differs and some scars develop firmness longer before they soften.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE ARM LIPOSUCTION SCARS TO FADE?
Healing times may vary slightly from person to person, but the majority of patients' arm lipo scars have fully healed and started to fade around 4-6 weeks after surgery. Over the next several weeks and months, the scars will continue to fade from pink to a white or skin-colored tone.
A typical arm liposuction scar timeline might look like this:
- Week 1 to 2. Focus on rest, keeping incision sites clean, and wearing compression garments to reduce swelling.
- Week 3 to 6. Begin silicone sheets and gentle scar massage if cleared. Avoid sun exposure to protect scars.
- Month 2 to 6. Scars typically fade and the scar texture improves. Continue silicone and sunscreen.
- Month 6 to 12. Scars mature and become less visible. Consider laser therapy or scar revision surgery if prominent concerns remain.
TIPS FOR MINIMIZING SCAR APPEARANCE
To ensure the most aesthetically pleasing scar result possible after arm liposuction, patients should:
- Follow all postoperative guidelines closely. Start silicone sheets after your surgeon approves them. Consistent use supports scar healing.
- Massage as instructed to keep scar tissue flexible and to minimize scarring.
- Avoid heavy lifting
- Eat a healthy diet
- Drink plenty of water
- Keep the incisions clean while healing
- Protect scars from sun exposure for a full year. UV can cause more visible scars.
- Wear sunscreen
- Keep the scars moisturized
- Use scar ointments and creams as recommended
HOW TO PREVENT FIBROSIS AFTER ARM LIPOSUCTION
Fibrosis describes firm scar tissue that causes irregularities. To minimize scarring and prevent fibrosis:
- Wear compression garments as prescribed to reduce swelling and support even healing.
- Begin gentle lymphatic massage when cleared to minimize tissue trauma and smooth scar formation.
- Keep activity light during early healing. Avoid strenuous arm use that can inflame incision sites.
- Report firm nodules early. Early treatment may include massage, ultrasound, or laser therapy.
HOW TO TIGHTEN ARM SKIN AFTER LIPOSUCTION
Arm liposuction removes fat cells but does not tighten loose skin. Skin tones and elasticity vary. For mild laxity, compression, time, and noninvasive energy treatments can help the skin heal and retract. If sagging skin is significant, arm lift surgery may be recommended to address laxity. Your board certified plastic surgeon will advise on the best surgical procedure for your goals.
WHEN TO CONSIDER SCAR REVISION
If you have significant scarring or persistent raised areas, it might be a good idea to discuss scar revision after the scars mature. Options include steroid injections, laser therapy, or surgical scar revision. These treatments can help make liposuction scars smaller and smoother and can make arm lipo scars blend with surrounding skin.
When arm lipo is not enough
If stubborn fat deposits are removed but sagging skin limits your result, discuss noninvasive tightening or arm lift surgery. Combining procedures or staging care can optimize contour while balancing scar appearance.
DO I NEED ARM LIPO OR AN ARM LIFT?
While arm liposuction can certainly be effective for patients with stubborn arm fat, it may not be the most appropriate option for everyone. In many cases, patients with sagging arm skin or “bat wings” think they may need liposuction, when in fact, they may be much better served by an arm lift (brachioplasty) to remove the excess skin. During your initial consultation for cosmetic arm surgery in Beverly Hills, Dr. Schwartz will thoroughly evaluate your concerns and determine whether an arm lift or arm liposuction (or, perhaps both) will be most beneficial to you.
KEEP YOUR BEVERLY HILLS ARM LIPOSUCTION A SECRET WITH VIRTUALLY NO VISIBLE SCARRING!
Everyone deserves to feel confident and proud of their body, even after having cosmetic surgery. If you are worried about visible scarring after arm liposuction, don't be! Countless men and women have undergone successful arm liposuction in Beverly Hills, CA and are now able to show off their new look confidently with little, if any, visible scarring. To learn more about the exciting possibilities of arm liposuction, call us to schedule your private consultation with internationally renowned board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime S. Schwartz today!