It is one of the most common questions patients ask before an arm lift: is the scar worth it?
Dr. Douglas Forman is a board-certified plastic surgeon at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington, where body contouring after significant weight loss is a core part of his practice. His answer, informed by decades of experience and patient outcomes, is consistent.
“If you ask 95 out of 100 women or men who have lost significant weight, they would tell you the scar is absolutely worth it.”
Where the Scar Is Placed — and Why It Matters
Not all brachioplasty scars are created equal. There are two primary placement options: along the inner aspect of the arm, or along the back of the arm. The placement decision has a meaningful impact on how visible the scar is in everyday life.
In the vast majority of cases — approximately 95 percent — Dr. Forman places the incision along the inner aspect of the arm. The reason is practical. When the arm rests naturally at the side of the body, the inner arm scar is effectively hidden from view. A scar placed along the back of the arm, by contrast, can become visible to someone walking behind the patient — a detail that matters to patients who prefer to keep their procedure private.
Thoughtful scar placement is not an afterthought. It is part of the surgical plan from the beginning.
Not Every Patient Needs a Full Arm Lift
For patients who have not experienced significant weight loss but have mild skin laxity, a full brachioplasty may not be necessary. In those cases, a crescent lift — a more limited procedure where a small incision is made in the armpit to gather and reposition excess skin — can produce meaningful improvement with a far less visible scar.
The right approach depends entirely on the amount of excess skin present and the patient’s goals.
The Role of Liposuction
Because most brachioplasty patients have already lost a significant amount of weight, liposuction is not typically part of the procedure — the excess fat has already been addressed. However, for patients who still carry localized fat above the elbow or along the back of the arm, liposuction can be incorporated to refine the overall contour and improve the final result.
What to Expect During Recovery
Healing after a brachioplasty takes approximately two to three weeks. During that time, patients have limited use of their arms while the tissue heals. It is a temporary restriction with a lasting payoff — and in Dr. Forman’s experience, patients are consistently pleased with their results once recovery is complete.
The Bottom Line
The scar is real, but for the overwhelming majority of patients who have undergone significant weight loss, it is a worthwhile trade. With careful placement, a skilled closure, and the right surgical plan, the brachioplasty scar becomes a minor detail in the context of a result that genuinely changes how patients feel in their own bodies.
If you are considering an arm lift and want to understand what the procedure involves and whether you are a good candidate, schedule a consultation with Dr. Forman at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington today.
