Question:
What kind of scar would there be for SAGGY ARM SURGERY?

I an 10 months post op of open RNY. I went from 235 to 149 so far and have about 15 more lbs to goal. I don't have much of a problem with saggy skin except for my arms. When I hold my arms out the loose skin swings back and forth. I was wondering what the scar would look like if I had it removed. Would the scar be worse then the loose skin? The only other part of my body that is sagging is my boobs.    — Peggy D. (posted on February 13, 2003)

February 13, 2003
Well, I'm scheduled to have my TT, breastlift and arms done on March 31st. The scar for the arms on me will run from the elbow, up the inner arm, armpit and then a zigzag down the side of me to get the under arm skin tightened up and some of the 'back fat' tightened. The thing with this scar is that its a trade off. It WILL be visible if I wear short sleeves, unlike the other scars that will be covered. For me, I would much rather have a scar that will fade over time than the saggy, flappy skin. You are the one who will have to decide on this for yourself.
   — Kris T.

February 13, 2003
I just had an arm lift on 1-16-03, my scar runs from the elbow to the armpit, but its so far back that you can only see it if you raise your arm above your head. but to get rid of all that saggy skin it's well worth it, i'm already buying sleeveless shirts for the summer!
   — charrise R.

February 13, 2003
You'd think that in todays day and age of laproscopic and laser type surgeries that they would develop a better way to do arms and tummys without leaving such long horrendous scars. What a tradeoff-saggy baggy arms or very visible long scars. I've seen the after scars on others who have had their arms done-not pretty-at least the TT is covered with a bikini.
   — Cindy R.

February 14, 2003
My plastic surgeon will be making a cut at the arm pit only. He says that it will be possible to pull all the skin up. There are other surgeons who choose to do a cut that is in between the two. Cut across the armpit and a small triangle about midway to the elbow.
   — Elizabeth A.

February 20, 2003
The reason the scar is so long is because they need to taper it, sort of like a dart, so that you do not end up with a "dog ear" or pucker. And, the reason it cannot be done laproscopically is that you need to actually cut out the excess skin. The reason it can not be done with lasers is that lasers actually burn the skin as it cuts and because you cannot suture two burnt edges together you must go back and cut the burnt ends with a scalpel. In addition, lasers are very expensive and in the 90's were used as a marketing tool for the "laser facelifts". Studies showed there is no significant difference in healing time or results than the conventional method. Just more expensivee. I am a nurse and have been working in a university setting for the last 10 years for the division of plastic and reconstructive surgery. If you have any further questions feel free to email me.
   — Rebecca L.