Arm lift revision - what can be done to improve the look of my scars? (photos)

Question

I'm a 34 yo black women, 5'4, about 190 pounds. Had brachioplasty, tummy tuck, and bodytite of flanks and upper back in Sept 2020. In addition, I had previous breast lift with implants over 6 years ago. The recent procedures were done by a plastic surgeon in Austin, TX. I'm really disappointed with the appearance of my brachioplasty scars. What can be done to improve the look of my scars? I don't have history of keloid and my TT and breast lift scars are flat and thin, barely noticeable.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding what to do with your arms. Since you had your brachioplasty or arm lift/reduction in September 2020, your arm or brachioplasty scars are still healing technically. It takes a scar two years to completely heal. You can do Fraxel laser or steroid injections or a silicone cream. However, I don’t think over this next year that they will be a significant amount improvement to the point where you will be happy. Therefore, I would suggest arm scar surgical revision. This would entail excision of the pre-existing arm scar. 
Also, since you will be undergoing arm scar revision surgery, I would ask you “if you want your arm smaller?”. If you want your arm smaller, I would suggest a revision of your entire brachioplasty. This would entail arm liposuction, excision of your arm scar and further excision and removal of excess arm skin. The end result will be The elimination of your prior arm reduction or brachioplasty scars and smaller arms.  I specialize in arm lifts.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction.  If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, please contact my office.  Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” 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.)

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

Arm lift scars in the inner arm can be difficult.  I would consider scar revision and tape therapy after the procedure followed by laser resurfacing.  This is not the doctor's fault; these scars do not heal well.  The alternative to position the scar on the back of the arm uses better skin, but tends to be more visible.  Tape therapy is really steristrips or tape over the scar while the wound is healing.  My best patients will wear tape for 6 months!  Best Wishes!!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear carring430,
I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You have given appropriate time for your scars to mature which was step one.  You can now consider scar revision which will remove the old scar and create a new one.  Other treatments after revision can be added such as Embrace Scar Therapy System to help scars heal favorably.  We welcome you to visit our Houston office for a consultation to learn more.

Arm lift revision - what can be done to improve the look of my scars? (photos)

Answers (4)

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