I am considering a second surgery. I had a lower body lift in September and am thrilled with my results. My arms and breasts really need skin removal/lift.

I am concerned about the scars on my arms.

Also concerned about the costs - I would need to borrow the money from my parents which makes me feel awful considering the current economy.

Does anyone have any thoughts/experience about the arm scars?

I don't know what exactly I am asking since I know there will be scars there. MY ps said that I heal well (so far) but that the scars will still be visable.

What do you think?

I've only known one person to have it and her scars are nit that bad she used vitamin E an merderma. how much have you lost. I know that I will have to get a arm lift but I still have a lot of weight to lose. my arms are huge looks like a childs thigh. Who did your lower body lift and in what state? It would be worth it. so do it.

Hi Karen. In January I am going to have my arms and breasts lifted also. The scars worry me also but I figure that I would rather have the scars than have my arms look the way the do right now. Good luck in what ever you decide to do.

Pam

Karen: I had my arms and breast lifted. My arms were lifted about 10 weeks ago. I love the breasts and am very happy with them. The scars don't bother me at all. My arms are a little different story. On my right arm the scar healed nicely and will lighten and look fine. The other arm has a very raised scar. I don't like the scar and feel a little self-concious about it. I do like the size of my arms now and they actually look small in clothes. I'm going to try and post some pictures this week end and I'll send you a link. I think I would do it all over, but not sure.

Dear Karen,

I had my breast lift (reduction) and arm lift done November 20. I had questioned whether I should do it, but after seeing the results I will absolutely say "It was worth it!" I actually cried (a GOOD cry) when I saw the results, I actually felt "normal" and "girly" for the first time in many many years (if not ever in my lifetime!) My PS took off almost 6 more lbs of skin from the top (including my back) andnow I don't feel like a "melted candle" anymore under my clothes. I even have a waist! I thought after having almost 14 lbs removed during my panni surgery in March I'd be all set, but the top needed just as much reconstruction. Iam THRILLED to have done it and the scars are minimal on the arms, certainly better than the hanging skin I had. To me it was a fine trade-off. Hope this is helpful to you in making a decision! Just know that whatever you decide it is for YOU and YOU are worth it! :Yawn:

Karen: I just posted before and after's of my arms on my thread. Here is the link if you want to see what the scars on the arms look like! Keep us posted on your decision! http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f12/kareyquilts-arms-butt-thighs-oh-my-77529/index11.html#post1114452

One good predictor of your scars is the ones you already have.

That being said, arm scars tend to be more obvious and the quality is lower than other areas. The arm skin is very thin and does not scar as well in many patients.

As always, scars are a tradeoff for the excess skin, so you'll have to determine what is best for you.

I have some photos of arm scars at 6 months (raised, red and thick) and then again at a 14 months (white, and flat) that I'll post soon.

Thanks so much everyone. I am still very conflicted about what to do! I hate my arms but am worried my scars will be awful too. If I do it I am aiming for April...

Karen G.: I just had my arms done 6 weeks ago and I am happy so far. Even now there is still a good bit of swelling, but the skin is not hanging the way with was. I had over 2lbs of skin removed just from my arms alone. The scar is obvious, but it will lighten with time and the trade off of being able to where the correct size top is definitely worth it. I would have to be a size bigger just because my arms would fit. It may be a while yet before I fill comfortable wearing a tank top, but all in good time.

The top thing is a big issue. I wear a suit for work and I am a size 6 everywhere else but suit jackets don't fit on my arms! I am so torn about this. The lower body lift was a no-brainer but the arm scars still make me nervous. Thanks for your input JFran