What will my upper body lift incisions and scars be like?
Your incisions will vary based on the upper body lift procedure you get. Your surgeon will make several incisions when performing your upper body lift but make every effort to make incisions and scars as small and inconspicuous as possible. Board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeons can skillfully hide incisions in body creases whenever possible. Although incision lines are permanent, in most cases, they will fade and significantly improve over time.
Liposuction
Because liposuction incisions are small, the scars are also small. Most liposuction scars fade and are barely perceptible over time.
Upper Arm Lift
Upper arm lift incisions and the resulting scars will depend on the extent of skin and fat removal.
- Limited Incision Brachioplasty: Your scar will most likely be limited to the underarm area.
- Standard Brachioplasty: Incisions are generally on the inside of the arm and may extend from the armpit (axilla) to just above the elbow.
- Extended Brachioplasty: Your scar may run from just above the elbow to the armpit then extend down the upper chest wall to remove loose skin and fatty tissue under the arm and along the chest wall
Breast Lift
With a breast lift, your surgeon will likely make three incisions: one around the areola, one extending from the bottom edge of the areola down to the breast crease (the inframammary fold), and the final incision underneath the breast, following its natural crease and curve. It is common to use three incisions in a breast lift; however, your surgeon may forego one or more of these incisions, depending on the shape and contours of your chest. For male chest reduction, see gynecomastia surgery.
Back Lift
Your surgeon makes incisions on both sides of your mid back (where their folds used to be) or near the bra line for women.
Your incision healing and resulting scars will depend on the surgical technique, the steps you take to prevent infection (nutrition, not smoking, hydrating), and any underlying medical conditions or genetic tendencies.