Why am I developing stretch marks along my brachioplasty incision? (photos)

Question

I'm five weeks post-op from my brachioplasty, and I started to develop red streaks a couple of weeks ago. It is unilateral. I followed up with my surgeon. He said he felt like the marks would go away,and he doubted that they were stretch marks. Since that they have gotten a bit longer, and I can feel an indentation when I rub them....just like a stretchmark. Why is this happening?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Jess717, thank you for your question. Congratulations on undergoing
a brachioplasty. I seriously doubt that these are stretch marks. It appears
from the photos and history that you provided, that your arms are still
swollen. I would suggest at least another 2-3 weeks of good arm compression.
The arm compression garments should be worn 24/7, and should extend from the
armpit down to the mid forearm. I believe these marks will go away with time
and compression. You may also benefit from having an upper arm massage.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, M.D.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

The changes you're seeing are fairly common after brachioplasty and are usually related to localized swelling around the incision.  They are rarely permanent and are more related to the very slow scar healing process associated with the procedure.  It's very important to realize that while the arm contour changes from brachioplasty are immediate and dramatic, the scar healing process can take years.  You can expect the arm scar to evolve and change slowly, but substantially over the next several months.  It is certainly beneficial to use scar treatment programs including silicone gels or strips, moisturization and massage at a minimum after surgery.  More intensive treatment with lasers, ulthera or other techniques is occasionally necessary.  It looks like you have a very nice result - congratulations!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Brachiaplasty incisions respond to activity and movement. In our office, we initiate a scar management protocol after brachiaplasty to ensure that the scars heal nicely.  Topical application of Plato's Scar Serum is a first line treatment. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

It is because of the tension applied (very much correctly) by your surgeon to improve your arm's contour, and the weak features of your dermis.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Congrats, looks like a great result. I have seen those before, sometimes they are permanent and sometimes they are not. Unfortunately they may be from the same process that causes the excess skin in the first place othertimes they are just from swelling and go away. Stay Positive!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Without in person examination very hard o decide the cause. Try scar creams, silicone sheeting, or IPL therapy... I might also recommend micro needling with PRP and AFSC sessions at $1,000/session..

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Stretch marks simply put are breaks of the continutity of the dermal elastic fibers;after growth spirts, pregnancy or acute swelling.They will fade over time and would hope you will prefer the tighter arm contour with pale stretch marks to the what you had before brachioplasty...I would consider Ultherapy when you are healedHope this helps...Best of luck

Peter Fisher, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. They may be, but they certainly  don't  look like them. I believe  that they most likely  are secondary to swelling the indentation being secondary to the underlying  stitches. They most likely  will subside over the next 2 to 3 months.Peter Fisher M.D.

Why am I developing stretch marks along my brachioplasty incision? (photos)

Answers (8)

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