Hi, I am 10 days out post brachioplasty (I also had a breast lift w/ implants at the same time. I had my drains removed at my 1 week appointment but everything seems to have gone downhill from there. My arms are profusely leaking, mostly clear/bloody fluid to the point that I am soaking through layers of gauze, my compression, and clothing. My armpit incision seems to have opened up. I called my surgeon, they said to put Vaseline and cover with gauze but I am still very concerned. Please advise.
Answer: Arm lift brachioplasty arm reduction complications post-op draining arm wound arm liposuction Hello, thank you for your question regarding what to do with your arm wound after your arm lift (brachioplasty), or more accurately, arm reduction. I am sorry that you are having this complication. After an arm lift or brachioplasty, wound break-down is not uncommon in the axillary region. This armpit wound breakdown can be due to a variety of reasons. There are functional reasons why the arm wound opened. Reasons include moving the upper arm too much ( especially upper arm abduction), the post-operative resting position of the arm was too elevated, or the arm dressing were too tight. There also anatomic reasons why your arm lift incision opened. There are many lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes in the armpit. Unfortunately, lymphatic vessels are almost invisible. During your brachioplasty, these lymphatic vessels may have been transected inadvertently. It is almost impossible to perform a complete brachioplasty without transacting some lymphatic vessels. Now, these transected lymphatic vessels may be leaking clear lymphatic fluid. Also, in the armpit there are many hair follicles. Hair follicles harbor bacteria which can lead to localized infection. It is extremely important that you follow up with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Each plastic surgeon has their own way of treating wounds. This is not the forum to seek for wound treatment. Fortunately, in my 20 year experience, all arm wounds heal over time with conservative care. Thank you for your question regarding an arm lift or brachioplasty won’t break down. If you have anymore questions regarding the arm lift or brachioplasty, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr.Katzen. (Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Cosmetic Academy, and International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.)
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Answer: Arm lift brachioplasty arm reduction complications post-op draining arm wound arm liposuction Hello, thank you for your question regarding what to do with your arm wound after your arm lift (brachioplasty), or more accurately, arm reduction. I am sorry that you are having this complication. After an arm lift or brachioplasty, wound break-down is not uncommon in the axillary region. This armpit wound breakdown can be due to a variety of reasons. There are functional reasons why the arm wound opened. Reasons include moving the upper arm too much ( especially upper arm abduction), the post-operative resting position of the arm was too elevated, or the arm dressing were too tight. There also anatomic reasons why your arm lift incision opened. There are many lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes in the armpit. Unfortunately, lymphatic vessels are almost invisible. During your brachioplasty, these lymphatic vessels may have been transected inadvertently. It is almost impossible to perform a complete brachioplasty without transacting some lymphatic vessels. Now, these transected lymphatic vessels may be leaking clear lymphatic fluid. Also, in the armpit there are many hair follicles. Hair follicles harbor bacteria which can lead to localized infection. It is extremely important that you follow up with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Each plastic surgeon has their own way of treating wounds. This is not the forum to seek for wound treatment. Fortunately, in my 20 year experience, all arm wounds heal over time with conservative care. Thank you for your question regarding an arm lift or brachioplasty won’t break down. If you have anymore questions regarding the arm lift or brachioplasty, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr.Katzen. (Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Cosmetic Academy, and International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.)
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Answer: 10 days post brachioplasty (arm lift). My armpit incision seems to have opened up. Vaseline and gauze would not be my choice of treatment for an opening would following surgery. I suggest you see your plastic surgeon immediately. This could be an infection and needs to be treated accordingly.Thank you for your question, and good luck.
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Answer: 10 days post brachioplasty (arm lift). My armpit incision seems to have opened up. Vaseline and gauze would not be my choice of treatment for an opening would following surgery. I suggest you see your plastic surgeon immediately. This could be an infection and needs to be treated accordingly.Thank you for your question, and good luck.
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November 11, 2019
Answer: Post Op Wounds Wound healing difficulties are not uncommon following brachioplasty. These are especially common in the axilla as this is a high tension high traction area. Most will resolve on their own with local wound care. Patience is paramount in these cases. 10 days is early in the healing process. Given time all should improve. As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).Donovan Rosas MD
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November 11, 2019
Answer: Post Op Wounds Wound healing difficulties are not uncommon following brachioplasty. These are especially common in the axilla as this is a high tension high traction area. Most will resolve on their own with local wound care. Patience is paramount in these cases. 10 days is early in the healing process. Given time all should improve. As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).Donovan Rosas MD
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October 24, 2019
Answer: Wound openings after brachioplasties Hello,
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October 24, 2019
Answer: Wound openings after brachioplasties Hello,
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August 14, 2019
Answer: Brachioplasty wound Hi, Thanks for your enquiry
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August 14, 2019
Answer: Brachioplasty wound Hi, Thanks for your enquiry
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