I have had an Arm Lift with a Z-plasty

Question

My op was 1 week ago and all is good But the z plasty worries me and is quite painful My ps wants to take these stitches out after 2 weeks Why? I think I will ask for them to be taken out after 10 days They are not weeping or bleeding but are quite inflamed

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello JDanon, thank you
for your question. This is difficult question to answer without photos.
However, the time line seems appropriate. It sounds that you are reacting to
the sutures and the sutures should be removed to decrease the inflammation and
redness that you have described. I would follow your board certified plastic
surgeon's wisdom, advice, and experience. Every plastic surgeon has a different
way of performing this operation and every patient is slightly different.
Please discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon.

Sincerely,

J.
Timothy Katzen, M.D.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

You are still very early in the post operative period.  Plastic Surgeons use the Z-plasty to take tension off a straight line closure and prevent the scar pulling down where you don't want it to go.  There may be significant tension on the wound.  Most Plastic Surgeons will leave the suture in longer if there is tension in the area.  Best to talk to your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and share your concerns.  Together, you will come up with an appropriate plan.

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

Arm lifts often have a z-plasty to prevent the scar from pulling on the armpit and "bowstringing".  The z-plasty allows the scar to lie flat and helps to add length without altering your result.  Many plastic surgeons like to wait about two weeks to take the sutures out of the armpit.  This is because the armpit is prone to moisture and the skin can become macerated/red, slowing down the healing process.  Sometimes when the sutures are removed, the skin will slightly separate d/t the macerated skin.  Plastic surgeons often leave the sutures in to avoid this problem.  Check with your surgeon if things change, but the plan of care sounds reasonable

I have had an Arm Lift with a Z-plasty

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