What are the preferred scar treatments for arm lifts? Is there one or combinations to use.

Hello, and thank you for your question. There are many options regarding scar creams and we have utilized many elbow. We currently recommend BioCorneum which is a silicone-based treatment starting to proximally 1-2 weeks following the procedure. In addition at that we have recently utilized a new product called embrace scar therapy

Thank you for reaching out with your question about scar treatment post-brachioplasty. Scarring is a common concern, but with the right care, the appearance can be minimized. Here's a multifaceted approach:
Silicone Cream: Medical-grade silicone creams are an excellent first step. Apply them directly to the brachioplasty scar 2-3 times daily, letting it dry before moving to the next step.
Silicone Strips: Once the silicone cream has dried, apply silicone strips directly onto the scar. These should ideally cover from elbow to armpit, and be approximately 4 cm wide. While various brands offer these strips, it's crucial to research and choose high-quality ones. Keep them on as much as possible, removing only for showers.
Compression Garments: To reduce swelling, flatten scars, and hold the silicone strips in place, wear compression garments consistently. Like with the strips, remove these only when bathing.
It's essential to understand that the scar maturation process can take up to two years. During this time, various interventions can further enhance the scar's appearance. These might include:
Microneedling
Camouflage tattooing
Steroid injections
5-FU injections
Dermabrasion
Fraxel laser treatment
Surgical revision
It's always best to consult with your plastic surgeon regarding the optimal combination of these treatments for your individual case. Wishing you a smooth recovery and satisfactory results!
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Traditionally, brachioplasty is associated with very poor scarring. This is because of the good amount of tension on the wound and its position on the arm. Fortunately, over the last several years, several scar treatment modalities have emerged that have significantly improved the results of the scar. I typically recommend the following:Aggressive massage of the scar for several months after surgeryScar treatment with a silicone strip initially after surgery, Continuing for at least three months if possible. The Embrace Scar system has emerged as a very good treatment choice, but can be a little bit pricey.Use of a silicone gel like Biocorneum after silicone strip treatmentPossible use of laser or microneedling/dermapen treatments if the scar remains thick and unsightly. I generally don't consider these treatments for at least 6 – 12 months after surgery. It is imperative
that you seek the advice of a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American
Board of Plastic Surgery and has extensive experience in brachioplasty / arm
lift.

I wish you the best.

Dr. Gabbay.

Scars can be of significant concern after arm lifts because of their visibility. My preferred treatment is to have my patients apply tape to the wound for the first six weeks and if there is concern about the scar beyond this period, have them start applying silicone sheeting. A trial of silicone sheeting should be at least 12 weeks to start.

The arm lifting procedure is one of the hardest areas to control scarring. Scars look worse when they are under tension. This procedure is phenomenal for removing extra skin and getting tight arms; the major drawback is tension. Applying tape for long term, compression garments, silicone sheeting or silicone gel, all can be helpful in taking tension off the scars to allow for better healing.  There are also laser treatments that are available  such as fractional ablation (CO2) or Erbium lasers can help improve the look.

Even with perfectly performed surgery, the brachioplasty scar tends to be wider and thicker in general.  We have used silicone gel sheeting, topical solution etc, but over the last 2-3 years, we have been using the anti-tension scar therapy using Embrace. We found this product works very well and tolerated by the patients too. You will start the treatment about 3 weeks after the procedure.  A clear plastic material is applied to the skin and scar firmly adhered keeping the edges together. You will change the material every week until about 3 months after surgery. Plastic surgeon's office may carry the product. Good luck. 

Due to the tension on the scar and constant movement of our arms, scars tend to be wider.  Silicone gel or silicone sheeting may be useful in helping to reduce the appearance of the scars and can be used once your wounds have completely healed.

Hello NoBuss,Great question. We often see arm (and thigh) lift incision scars heal with a wider and thicker scar. This is mostly due to the tension that occurs when pulling around a horizon (around a cylinder). The same tension that gives us a nice, tight result can also cause wide scars.To prevent this, I place most of the tension on the underneath stitches in your fascia and I try not to remove too much skin. Liposuction at the time of arm lift can also help the skin to retract without having to remove too much.  After surgery, I place patients in compression like you are in, and I generally start silicone gel scar treatment at week 2 continuing to 2-3 months after surgery. I hope this helps!

Good Afternoon and thank you for your question, Silicone topical gel or sheeting can be very useful in helping to heal and reduce the appearance of scarring.  With arm surgery, the arms (no matter how hard we try to avoid it) are always moving and therefore there tends to be more tension on the healing areas than say an abdomen or breast.  Try to be aware of big stretches or repetitive movement as this can cause more tension and remember to check in with your surgeon for your follow up visits so your healing can be tracked.  Best of luck!Dr. K.