I had bilateral Brachioplasty over 2 years ago and have periodic burning on the incision sites, is this normal? (Photo)

Question

I continue to have periodic burning sensation on the incision sites. Could this be expected?

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

Incisions of Brachioplasty are notoriously difficult to heal and take longer than most incisions. The incisions are put under tension whenever the arm is moved. Due to this, burning sensations can be expected.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Agarner899, Thank you for your question regarding burning pain in your arm lift scar two years after your arm lift (arm reduction) or brachioplasty.  "Periodic" pain is normal, but two or three times a day is not normal.  If by "periodic", you mean pain once or twice a week, that may be normal.  I would suggest you revisit with your plastic surgeon and discuss the "frequency" pain.  If you arm lift scar pain is unbearable, you may need an arm lift scar revision.  This arm lift revision would not necessarily be for the cosmetic appearance of the arm lift scar, but for the scar tissue inside your arm.  Your arm lift scar pain is probably due to scar tissue under the dermis.  However, especially if arm liposuction was used, there may be deeper arm scar tissue than just scar tissue under the arm dermis.  This deep arm lift scar tissue may be wrapped around sensory nerves and could be causing you irritation. Until you see your plastic surgeon, I would suggest deep tissue massage.  You may also want to consider ultrasound therapy to help break up your arm scar tissue.  Than you for your question regarding arm lift scar pain two years after your arm lift.  If you have any more question regarding arm lift, arm reduction, or the brachioplasty, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I can see some pink discoloration in your incisions which is likely caused by an accelerated metabolism in the scar and histamine release. Your incision is still actively healing, in other words. Once it goes completely white then it is fully healed and no longer metabolically active. Having periodic burning is normal in an active incision. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD · Answer

It appears that you do have spreading and hyper plastic scar, additionally you do have some residual excess skin and fat deposits in your arm. I suggest topical application of kenalog for 6-8 weeks before consideration for scar revision which may improve your condition , however no guarantee that would help 100 per cent.

Donen Davis, MD · Answer

It is not expected that a patient would be experiencing burning sensations beyond the normal time of healing, 9 to 12 months. You may have thickened hypertrophic scars and these can be uncomfortable. It is important for you to have a proper examination and the surgeon may be able to offer relief. Best of luck.

I had bilateral Brachioplasty over 2 years ago and have periodic burning on the incision sites, is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Arm lift

Answer: Arm lift

Answer: Burning sensation two years aftre surgery

Answer: Burning sensation two years aftre surgery

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I had bilateral Brachioplasty over 2 years ago and have periodic burning on the incision sites, is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Arm lift

Answer: Arm lift

Answer: Burning sensation two years aftre surgery

Answer: Burning sensation two years aftre surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.