Follow our tips for toned, contoured arms with minimal scarring
Arm liposuction is a proven and popular technique to achieve toned, defined arms without spending hours at the gym. But one of the biggest concerns about the procedure is the potential scarring.
Scarring is a natural part of the body’s healing process after any surgical procedure, including arm liposuction. However, the scars are generally small and inconspicuous, especially with less invasive techniques like our Arms 360° procedure, and there are ways to minimize their appearance, or even avoid them altogether.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how arm liposuction works, explain the difference between traditional arm lipo and Arms 360°, and share powerful aftercare tips to ensure optimal results and minimal scarring.
What is Arm Liposuction?
Arm liposuction is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess fat from the underside of the upper arms to improve their shape and contour. It’s a good option for people who have stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.
With traditional arm lipo, the surgeon removes a large chunk of loose skin under the arm. This approach requires several incisions cut with scalpels, resulting in more pain—and more opportunities for scarring. We created Arms 360° as a less invasive alternative with minimal discomfort and little to no scarring.
What Does Arm Lipo Scars Look Like
The size and appearance of arm lipo scarring depends on factors such as how much fat is being removed, the surgical technique, the incision location and size, and the body’s healing process. In general, arm lipo scars can appear to be:
- Small, linear incisions: Typically a few millimeters in length, strategically placed on the inner or back side of the upper arm.
- Common locations: often found near the elbow, mid-upper arm, or close to the armpit to minimize visibility.
- Color changes: these areas can appear reddish or pink initially, gradually fading to a lighter shade or blending with natural skin tone.
- Texture and healing: may feel slightly raised or firm at first, but usually smooths out and flattens within a few months to a year.
- Skin tone: In deeper skin tones, scars may appear darker or more prominent, and some individuals may develop hyperpigmentation around the incision sites.
If you have concerns about scarring, it’s best to discuss them with your surgeon before the procedure.
Arms 360°: Minimal Scarring, Maximum Results with SoftSqulpt
Unlike traditional techniques that involve harsh scalpels, stitches and needles, with Arms 360, we use miniaturized instruments and smooth vibration to gently remove the excess fat. Performed using our SoftSqulpt technology, this safe and gentle approach sets you up for significantly less scarring and an easier recovery.
While traditional lipo exclusively targets fat on the underside of the upper arm, we believe in a more comprehensive approach. Arms 360° targets the whole arm for a more toned and contoured look overall. At the underarm, we remove excess fat to reduce fullness and prevent bulging, creating a smooth and streamlined look. At the top of the arm, we create tone by targeting stubborn areas of localized fat, enhancing the innate muscle definition of the deltoids, biceps and triceps.
Arm lipo scars: What causes them?
The appearance and severity of scarring after an arm liposuction procedure depends on various factors, including:
Aftercare
Scarring is a normal and healthy part of the healing process with any surgical procedure. The extent of the scarring and how long it lasts depends heavily on how well you take care of yourself and the incision sites post-treatment. Scar tissue gradually forms over the incision sites over several weeks. During this time, it’s crucial to follow aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and minimal scarring.
Surgical technique
Traditional arm liposuction involves larger incisions and more visible scars compared to less invasive awake lipo techniques like Arms 360°, which uses miniaturized instruments and smooth vibration to gently remove the excess fat. This gentle approach results in less trauma to the skin and therefore typically leads to less scarring.
Incision size and placement
The size of the incisions in an arm lipo procedure plays a pivotal role in scar appearance. Smaller incisions tend to result in less noticeable scars. With Arms 360°, our surgeons make tiny incisions the size of a freckle, causing significantly less skin damage and less scarring. They also make the incisions in strategic locations like the armpit, where any scarring will be barely noticeable.
Genetics
Genetics play a major role in how our bodies heal after surgery, and this includes scarring. Some people are more prone to noticeable scars, while others have a natural resilience against scar formation. This genetic predisposition can influence the thickness, color and overall appearance of post-arm lipo scars.
Skin type
Skin type is another factor that can significantly influence scar healing and appearance. Darker skin tones are at a higher risk for hyperpigmentation and keloid scar formation following arm liposuction. A keloid scar is a type of thick, raised scar that grows larger than the wound that caused the scar.
Arm lipo scars healing timeline
How to care for arm lipo scars for the best results
Taking good care of your incision sites after an arm liposuction procedure is essential in helping the skin heal, and in helping scars heal flatter to blend in with the surrounding skin. Consult our SoftHealing™ Aftercare guide and follow these tips for flawless results:
Apply Neosporin
Neosporin helps soothe irritation, heal damaged skin and soften scars. Within 3-4 days of your Arms 360° procedure, your entry sites will seal over and stop draining. Once this happens, apply Neosporin pain relief over the incision sites and cover with a small band-aid to protect the treatment areas.
Transition to silicone sheets
After applying the Neosporin and keeping a band-aid on for 7-10 days, you can transition to silicone scar sheets. You can purchase a roll online, cut the silicone sheet to the size of a postage stamp and apply daily over the entry site for one month.
Silicone sheets create a barrier that protects the scar from bacteria and helps it mature. They also increase hydration in the scar tissue, which helps regulate collagen production. Silicone sheets can reduce itching and discomfort while the scar heals. And they help normalize the pigmentation of scars and help make them flatter and softer.
Protect skin from the sun
Another important tip is to protect entry sites from overexposure to the sun for the first 12 months. Apply a zinc or titanium oxide sunscreen and cover the skin as much as possible. This helps prevent the skin and any scarring from over-darkening (hyperpigmentation).
Massage healed scars
Once the scars are healed, you can massage the scar tissue regularly to break up collagen bundles, making the scar flatter and more pliable.
Eating a Healthy Diet
After arm liposuction, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for optimal healing and long-term results. Focus on nutrient-dense foods that promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation. For more detailed guidance, check out our comprehensive diet tips for post-lipo recovery to ensure you’re fueling your body the right way.
Address significant scars with other skin treatments
Less invasive arm lipo procedures like Arms 360° typically result in little to no scarring. However, if you do experience significant scarring that you want to get rid of, there are targeted treatments that can help, including:
- Laser skin resurfacing to improve scar texture and color
- Dermal fillers for depressed scars
- Microdermabrasion to fill and smooth scars
- Chemical peels to stimulate collagen and help fill in scars
- Topical lightening creams for hyperpigmented scars
- Surgical scar revision for wide or raised scars
Consult with a dermatologist if needed to find the right treatment for you.
Why compression matters for arm lipo scars
Compression garments are crucial after arm liposuction to reduce swelling and promote healing. Immediately following your Arms 360° procedure, our team will fit you with a personalized compression garment. You should wear the garment full time for 48 hours, then remove it on the morning of your second day for your first shower. From there, you’ll need to wear it for two weeks, only taking it off to shower or bathe.
Compression garments help the skin adhere to the underlying tissues as it heals, helping to reduce scar formation. Be sure to follow the instructions of your surgeon and aftercare team to minimize scarring and achieve the very best results.
When to be concerned about arm lipo scars
Scarring is normal and common after any arm liposuction procedure. However, it’s important to monitor your treatment areas as you heal and watch out for any changes in the scars, including increased redness, pain or signs of infection.
If you do experience any concerning changes, contact your surgeon as soon as possible. They can assess the situation and recommend any necessary action.
Achieve toned arms instantly with Arms 360°
Looking to remove stubborn arm fat for good? With Arms 360°, we create a toned and defined look that’s still soft and feminine with lasting results you’ll love. We permanently remove the fat cells from your arms, which means as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and consistent weight, your new look will be yours to keep.
Book a free virtual consultation with a Squlpt surgeon and body consultant today, who’ll explain our Arms 360° in detail, answer any questions you may have and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.
Check out our before & after gallery and testimonial videos to see the transformative results of our Arms 360° treatment.
