What can I put on the open wound under my arm pit to get this to heal? (photos)

It's not unusual for patients to have wound healing problems following arm lift surgery. The problem typically occurs where the vertical incision meets the transverse incision. This location is at risk for wound separation for a variety of reasons. These include poor blood supply to the skin flaps and high levels of bacteria that occur in the axilla. Both of these factors can contribute significantly to wound breakdown in this area.









Once breakdown has occurred, wounds tend to heal by secondary intention. Tissue tends to form a layer of granulation and wounds contract. The skin grows over the top of the granulation tissue. In the initial phases of healing, there may be an intense inflammatory response that can make the wound look red and angry. Depending upon the size of the wound this process may take 4 to 6 weeks to reach completion.











For these reasons, these wounds should be monitored closely. If infection appears, antibiotics should be started immediately. In the interim, local wound care should be continued with dressing changes. When this approach is taken, wounds tend to heal nicely. Rarely, scar revision may be necessary as a secondary procedure. If you have questions or concerns about how your wound is healing, it's important that you discuss them with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to address your concerns and alleviate your anxiety.

I'm sorry you have had this problem after your brachioplasty or arm lift. It is extremely important that you stick with your plastic surgeons advice. Only your plastic surgeon knows you, your medical history and exactly what surgical technique was used. If you were my patient,  I would suggest a spray called Granulex.  I would suggest you use the spray twice a day. This aerosolized spray helps wounds like this close quicker.  However, it is essential that you check with your plastic surgeon first to see if this spray is acceptable. I hope you heal quickly. Be well. 

You are having some delayed healing which is not atypical in this area after arm lift.  It does not look infected. It is important that you follow up closely with your plastic surgeon.  Most important to keep washing the area to keep it clean and prevent infection. Keeping it covered is also important to prevent infection and keep it somewhat moist for a better healing environment.  Too wet is not good either.  Silver nitrate was probably used to shrink down the sprouting red tissue (granulation tissue) which your body is producing to fill in the wound.  If it grows too much above the skin surface, the silver nitrate helps shrink it to allow the surrounding skin cells to migrate over and close the wound. There are many nice dressings that keep the area moist but also breathe a bit and prevent drainage. A saline gel dressing is good and an absorbent foam gauze over that can be helpful especially if it has its own surrounding adhesive seal to keep it in place, flexible for arm movements and minimize tape irritation.  Check with your plastic surgeon or a local surgical/wound supply store.   

Congratulations on having undergone the arm lifting procedure. These types of superficial separations may take a few weeks to heal. Close followup with your your plastic surgeon will be important; for example, he/she may be able to help you with exposed sutures and/or removal of unhealthy tissue. This type of local wound care may help expedite the healing process. Best wishes for outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

I use on my patients red laser light with PRP infusion therapies. There is a cost to doing this treatment.. Other options are wound care aggressively done or just allow secondary intention healing...