I had a mini arm lift 13 weeks ago and have some very red raised keloid type scaring, how can I minimize the scarring? (Photos)

Question

Im using coco butter, bio oil, and shea butter but are there any other treatments to minimize or reduce the scaring ?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi SmoothSailing1330,  Thank you for your question about your arm lift scar.  I would suggest Biocorneum and silicone gel sheeting. Both products are for sale on Amazon.com.  Apply a drop of Biocorneum the size of a pea directly to the scar.  A pea sized amount should be able to cover four inches of scar.  Massage and spread the Biocornuem over the scar.  Allow it to dry for several minutes.  Please apply the Biocorneum twice a day.  After you have applied the Biocorneum, then place the silicone gel sheeting directly on top.   I would suggest you use these products daily for six months.  Scars take up to two years to mature.  Therefore, if you wish, you can use the products for up to two years. However, after two years, these products will not have much effect. If you have any more questions, regarding arm lift scars, please contact my office.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

This is not unusual and these scars will settle with scar management. I would see your PS re massage / silicone treatments. This will improve.

Giovanna Ghafoori, MD · Answer

Hi, SmoothSailing.  Based on your photographs, it appears that you are developing some hypertrophic scarring, not necessarily a keloid.  (Hypertrophic scars and keloids may be on the same continuum, but keloid scars are by far more problematic:  Hypertrophic scars are thickened, raised, red scars that stay within the confines of the original injury/incision and generally stabilize and even improve over time; A keloid extends beyond the confines of the original injury/incision and may worsen at any time.)Silicone sheeting, or alternatively silicone gel/liquid silicone, is helpful in most cases.  However, once the thickening develops and persists, steroid injections in addition to the topical treatment are often needed.  In addition to steroid therapy and silicone, massage, compression, and gentle stretch exercises may provide some additional benefit.If you do not already have a follow-up appointment scheduled with your surgeon, I would recommend that you make one -- earlier treatment generally will have a higher success rate and a more rapid resolution.  Best of luck!  Dr. Ghafoori

Alain Polynice, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to see scars like that at 13 weeks after an arm lift. I tell my patients that it can take 12 months or more for a scar to mature and fade. What you can do in the meantime to help is to continue doing your daily massages and use a silicone gel that will apply pressure to the scar.

Adam Goodwin, MBBS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

So these types of scars are pretty common after arm lift. Bad scars are caused by two main factors, your physiology and tension. Under the arms, when we raise them, we generate a lot of tension and this causes the scar to thicken, especially in the early phase which is where you are now. As the scars soften, the tension will decrease when you lift your arm hence allowing the scars to soften further. Simply speaking therefore, time is the best remedy. Wait at least 6 months before assessing your scar. Any massage and any oil will speed up the softening but only be fractions IMO. Hope that helpsAdam Goodwin

Alexander M. Sailon, MD · Answer

Hi SmoothSailing,
From the photo you provided, it appears you are developing a keloid. There are a number of treatments available at this time point. I would recommend you switch to a silicone based scar therapy immediately. More importantly, however, is to see your plastic surgeon as soon as possible so that he can treat your scars with a steroid injection. If you wait too long for this, you will lose your window of opportunity. 
Hope that helps - best of luck!

Mehmet Veli Karaaltin, MD · Answer

This kind reaction can happen due to the nature of wound healing inherited in some people whom heal with hypertrophic scars.In order to reduce such process is recommended scientifically to apply silicone sheet over the scars directly.On other hand ointments containing steroids such as kenacort or ointments like Contractubex might help as well.But these should be used under physician directions in return

Peter Fisher, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I would suggest asking your plastic surgeon about the possibility of having steroid injections, then using silicone thereafter.Peter Fisher M.D

I had a mini arm lift 13 weeks ago and have some very red raised keloid type scaring, how can I minimize the scarring? (Photos)

Answers (8)

More Arm Lift Questions

Arm lift, tummy tuck. What should I do first? Help (photo)

What am I to do for a large arm lift wound separation? 4 weeks post op. (photos)

I’m 5 weeks post brachioplasty. Have these two bulges at inner elbow on both arms. Will this go away?

What is the best treatment for upper arms that are saggy but not fat?

Do I need a scar revision after Brachioplasty? So red and wide! (Photos)

Will I be able to wipe myself when I go to the bathroom after arm reduction surgery?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS