Banding on my arms after brachioplasty. They were there before. Surgeon wants to do a z-plasty. How does that work? (Photos)

Hello, Thank you for your questions regarding arm bands.  I have seen this before.  I believe patients are born with arm bands.  Arm bands can become more prominent with weight gain.  When a patient with arm bands undergoes a brachioplasty or arm lift, their plastic surgeon needs to be very careful.  During an arm lift in a patient with arm bands, I preferentially liposuction on either side of the band, not on the band itself.  Liposuction on the arm band itself further aggravates the arm band.  During the arm lift, I place minimal tension on the band. Therefore, the band disappears. From your pictures, it appears that you still have arm and forearm fat. First, I would suggest more arm and forearm liposuction.  I would preferentially liposuction on either side of the band.  Only after further arm liposuction would I perform the arm z-plasty.  The z-plasty is a procedure to release contractures and scar bands.  The problem with the z-plasty is the scar and the resulting increase in the circumference of your arm.In regards to your specific questions, one arm z-plasty should be enough.  The arm z-plasty recovery takes about two weeks.  The pain should be less than the arm lift or brachioplasty.  Good luck.  If you have any further questions regarding arm liposuction, arm reduction, brachioplasty, arm lift revision, arm lift z-plasty, please contact my office.

Sincerely,Dr. J. Timothy Katzen   

A Z plasty is an operation that rearranges the skin to alleviate the tension/pressure in a linear scar. The markings for the surgery resemble the letter Z and two skin flaps are elevated and then they switch positions rearranging the skin. Be sure you discuss this carefully with your plastic surgeon so you can understand the process. Recovery should not be too long, but varies from patient to patient. 

it is difficult to determine what is the best approach for this because a physical examination is needed to determine the cause. A z plasty is just a rearrangement of the tissue to lengthen the scar.