Failed Arm Lift - can this be repaired/revised to look better? (photo)

Question

I had an arm lift 6 months ago in Miami. My results are mortifying. My arms look worse than before the arm lift. My arms are still extremely saggy and The scar from the arm lift is terrible. The scar stretched out very wide and the skin in my underarm is thin. It is difficult to even look at my arms without crying. I do not wish to have a revision done by the original surgeon. I would like to know if this is repairable or at minimal can the scar be revised to look better.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

The scar is extremely wide exactly in the angle of the armpit, which make it difficult to fix in one single procedure with great results and safety. 
My approach would be partial resections of the scar in order to prevent the wound dehiscence, widening of the scar again and nerve compression. 
So, maybe I would be needed 2-3 scar removal sessions every 5-6 months in order to finally remove it all. 
Dr. Cárdenas

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about repairing or revising a failed arm lift. I would suggest waiting at least 4-6 months for the scar tissue to fully mature. If you do your scar revision too early, you may end up in the same position with a wide scar. Waiting for this allows the tissue to relax and shows the maximal extent of the scar. After you wait, I would suggest the scar be revised. I would revise the scar by direct excision. This would mean I would cut out your prior scar and stitch the edges together by eliminating the scar. It will be important in the recovery period to minimize any stretching of the area and to wear your compression garments. Don't give up hope. There is a surgical solution. Therefore, I would wait for at least another 4-6 months and revisit with a different plastic surgeon.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Scar treatment/revision can take place, but you should wait a full year to allow for complete maturation of your scars before attempting any treatments. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Houston. TX.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry you are having this problem. Your skin may be too tight for a revision, but micro-needling and bleaching creams and scar creams might be very helpful.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry you have had issues from scarring.  This will need to be addressed with scar revision surgery and possibly other interventions to get the best result.  Begin by visiting with board certified plastic surgeons in your area for consultations to hear varying options.

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