Is developing a hole under your armpit after an arm lift normal? How can I repair the problem? How did the hole occur? (Photo)

This is a common problem with arm lift healing.   Continue to followup with your surgeon to get the best advice as the wounds continue to heal.  There will be months of healing before the scars will mature.  I recommend protein shakes for optimal incision healing. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

ello, Thank you for your question regarding whether developing a hole under your armpit after an arm lift is normal, how can you repair the problem and how did the hole occur? Thank you for your history and your pictures.
First, developing a hole under your armpit after an arm lift is not normal. However, developing a hole is very common after an arm lift, especially in the axillae or armpit. There are many reasons for developing a hole in the armpit after an arm lift. The armpit has hair follicles, which harbor bacteria. Pre-operative shaving or armpit surgery can cause infections and skin breakdown, leading to a hole. Also, in the armpit region are lymphatic channels and nodes. These can become damaged are result in creating a hole. Also, you may have moved too much in the post-operative period, leading to the area opening. You may have rejected a suture in the area that may have come out already or may still be inside you. Also, the post-operative garments may have rubbed this area, leading to wound breakdown. As you can se, many causes can lead to a hole under your armpit after an arm lift. In the end, in your case, we may never know the real reason. Next, let’s analyze your pictures. You have a Class 1 wound that is irritated, but is not infected. Now, let’s discuss treatment. Most plastic surgeons would treat this area conservatively with topical antiseptics (such as Betadine) and antibiotic ointments (such as Bacitracin or Mupirocin). Another approach would be more aggressive. This would include a small surgical procedure. In the office, the armpit hole would be locally anesthetized. The hole would be surgically removed, and the defect would be closed with sutures on the outside. The sutures on the outside would minimize infection. Whether you proceed with the conservative or aggressive approach, this armpit hole will heal. It just depends on how you and your chosen armlet plastic surgeon want to proceed. Most plastic surgeons would not recommend applying deodorant. Good luck. I hope that I have answered your question regarding whether developing a hole under your armpit after an arm lift is normal, how can you repair the problem and how did the hole occur? Since an arm lift can be a challenging surgery, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of lifts. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 150 arm lift procedures.  Make sure they have the before-and-after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before-and-after photos and review their RealSelf profile.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS (Plastic Surgeon, President of  the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery,  and  member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Yes, unfortunately, that does happen from time to time.  I imagine your plastic surgeon is asking you to perform some dressing changes.  In the end, it will be okay.I know this is concerning, but you will heal.  Hang in there!

Hello Maria.You have a small wound separation. You should be evaluated by your plastic surgeon and then he/she can provide treatment.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO :)

Arm lift surgeries can take a long time to heal especially in the armpit junction.  I would ask your plastic surgeon what he recommends for healing.  It can also be helpful for healing to make sure you are eating a diet high in protein. Keeping an open dialogue with your surgeon is very important to your healing and overall happiness.  
Best of luck!   

SO armlift scars are notorious for not healing perfectly all the time. This type of dehiscence is common and will heal given the right dressings and amount of time, probably 2-4 weeks. If your wounds become red or hot and painful then go back and see your surgeon but if they discharge a little fluid and are not infected then they should heal on their own. Hope that helpsAdam Goodwin