Scarless Arm Lift vs Traditional Arm Lift Surgery

If you’re looking to achieve slimmer, more toned arms, arm lift surgery in NYC can be a great solution. But with advancements in cosmetic procedures, you now have two options – a traditional arm lift and a scarless or minimally-invasive arm lift. While both procedures remove excess fat and skin to improve arm contour, they differ in approach, recovery time, and scarring.

So, how do you decide which one is best for you? This blog explores the key differences between a scarless arm lift in NYC and its traditional counterpart, helping you choose the right option based on your goals, skin elasticity, and desired results.

Traditional Arm Lift Surgery

A traditional arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is an effective way to address flabby arms or dreaded batwings. This surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia. It removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, between the armpit and elbow.

An incision is made along the inner arm, extending from the armpit to the elbow. The excess fat is removed and the underlying supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped. The skin is then pulled back over the tissue and the surgical wound is closed with stitches or absorbable sutures or stitches, which are removed in about one to two weeks.

In addition to the risks associated with general anesthesia, arm reshaping surgery comes with risks like excessive bleeding, fluid buildup, and permanent scarring.

Scarless Arm Lift (ArmTite)

This minimally-invasive arm lift in NYC is performed using the FDA-approved BodyTite™ device and needs only local anesthesia. Similar to the traditional alternative, it address stubborn fat and skin, but without the long incisions, scars and extensive downtime.

BodyTite sculpting technology involves only a small incision to deliver radiofrequency energy to heat the skin and underlying tissue, causing fat cells to melt and the skin to tighten. By removing excess fat, the procedure provides a sculpted and toned appearance to the upper arms. The heat from the radiofrequency energy stimulates collagen production, leading to improved skin elasticity and firmness.

With its ability to safely and precisely heat the soft tissue that is being contoured, is designed to provide superior skin tightening effects. Patients remain awake during the procedure and typically experience mild to no discomfort.

The key benefits of the BodyTite on Arms are

• Arm contouring without scars
• Collagen stimulation
• Significant loose skin reduction
• Minimal blood loss
• Immediately visible arm reshaping
• Less pain, swelling and bruising
• Shorter downtime
• Outpatient procedure under local anesthesia

Scarless and Surgical Arm Lift: Key Differences

The major differences between a scarless arm lift and the conventional arm lift can be categorized into three key areas:

• Anesthesia – The traditional approach usually requires general anesthesia, while the minimally-invasive procedure is performed under local anesthesia, reducing anesthesia-related risks.
• Procedure – The traditional procedure involves surgically removing excess skin and fat, which results in a visible scar along the inner arm. In contrast, the scarless option uses minimally invasive techniques to contour the arms without large incisions.
• Recovery – Recovery from the conventional procedure can take several weeks, with some discomfort and restricted arm movement. The scarless procedure has a much shorter downtime, allowing patients to return to daily activities more quickly.

Whether the traditional procedure or the less invasive one, patients need to wear a compression garment during post-op period to control swelling. Surgeons also recommend avoiding smoking before the surgery and during the recovery stage, as it slows down the healing process and can lead to permanent scarring and other complications.

Consult an Expert Plastic Surgeon

Several factors influence the choice between a traditional arm lift and a scarless arm lift, including the extent of excess skin, desired results, scarring tolerance, recovery time, and preferences for anesthesia and invasiveness.

If you’re unsure which option is best for you, consult an experienced plastic surgeon. A skilled specialist will assess your concerns and goals to recommend the most effective approach for optimal results.