What can I put on my arm lift to heal faster? 10 days po. (photos)

Hello, Thank you for your question regarding your armpits after your arm lift, brachioplasty, or arm reduction. First, RealSelf is not a forum for the treatment of acute, post-operative problems. Second, it is VERY important that you follow up with the board-certified plastic surgeon who performed your arm lift, brachioplasty, or arm reduction. The conditions that you have pictured are not uncommon after an arm lift, brachioplasty, or arm reduction. This type of wound breakdown is typical in the axilla around the lymphatic vessels. The axilla is notorious for not healing well due to the presence of these lymphatic vessels.  Fortunately conservative care leads to excellent results. In my opinion, you will not need revision arm lift surgery or application of skin graphs. There are a variety of non-surgical treatments that can be done to this area. There are wet to dry dressings with a variety of wetting solutions.  There are a variety of creams and ointments. However, the way to treat these wounds should be dictated by your plastic surgeon. I hope that I have answered your questions about what to do with your arm pit wounds after an arm lift.cc If you have any more questions regarding an arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty, arm liposuction, or plastic surgery in general, please contact my office.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society Plastic Surgeons, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and Fellow of American College of Surgeons and American Board for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Awardee: RealSelf 100.)

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing this concern. Signs of an infection can include increased redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or discharge in the affected area. To ensure proper healing, it's important to consult a healthcare professional who can provide a thorough assessment and appropriate guidance. In the meantime, keeping the area clean and following any care instructions you've received can help promote healing.

It is kind of common to see some sort of dehiscence among Arm Lift patients specially right over the armpit area because that is the area which will be under more tension, more movement, more humidity, in comparison with the rest of the incision.You will need some treatment for the fibrina, and strict cleaning and eventually into will heal with just a bit thicker scar. Be encouraged and be in close communication with your surgeon. Dr. Cardenas   

The incision at the axilla is very prone to separation as this is an area of tension and is subjected to additional tension during movement.  Recommend that you follow up with your PS to discuss the best options for treating your wound dehiscence and skin necrosis. It will heal; it will just take time.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your pictures and questions. You have a wound dehiscence and evidence of skin necrosis. There is no magical cream that is going to make this go away. You need to go see your surgeon as soon as possible and I hope that you did not travel somewhere else for surgery. If you did, then find a local plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to care for you.Good luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

The best thing you can do to optimize healing after an arm lift is to closely follow your surgeon's post op instructions and keep all post op appointments. Avoid strenuous activity until cleared. Eat a healthy, balanced diet with adequate protein. I've included a video with nutrition tips that I hope you find helpful.

Hello! Thank you for your question. I'm sorry that you have had issues after your arm lift surgery. It would be best for any questions regarding wound care to be answered by your plastic surgeon.
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

 I offer in my private practice options to help sped healing: PRF (PRP) injections/infusions & external laser red light therapies to area once weekly (fee $500/session). I also offer a topical ointment/gel that speeds up healing (costs $50). But best to see your operative surgeon ASAP.