6 months post op brachioplasty, my scar is still red and bumpy. Will this eventually go away?

Question

I had brachioplasty on April 11, 2014. I was told by the doctor that when I put my arms down the scar would not be seen. However, the scar from my elbow to my armpit right in the "back" of my arms and is still red and bumpy after 6 months. Will this eventually go away?

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. We find these to respond to Vbeam Perfecta, treated every 3-4 weeks, and may take 4-6 treatments. The redness reduces, and the scar softens. I hope this helps!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello mboyle2014, thank
you for your question. This is difficult to answer without photos. However, at
6 months the scars should have significantly faded. Options include:
application of silicone ointment, application of silicon strips, further arm
compression, laser scar revision, or surgical arm scar revision. I would
consult with your board certified plastic surgeon regarding your concerns.

Sincerely,

J.
Timothy Katzen, M.D.

Kevin G. Rose, MD · Answer

It takes a scar 1 year to fully mature but there are products you can use to help speed that process up.  Silicone sheeting can be very effective, you would need to keep the sheeting on your scar 24/7 for up to 3 months.  A V-Beam laser also may be a good option for you, it would target any red that still in your scar.  It is always best to consult with your physician or another board certified plastic surgeon in your area before doing any treatment.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

While a brachioplasty can markedly improve the arm contour of patients, there is a permanent, visible scar as a trade off.  How visible that scar is depends on its placement and how well the scar heals, which barring complications is mostly dependent on how the patient forms a scar.  Over time, by this is meant 12 - 18 months, all scars improve and soften and become less red.  There may be massages, silicone gel strips, laser treatments or IPL you may ask your surgeon about to see if that could speed up the maturation process.  Patience will be your friend with this issue.

Barbara L. Persons, MD, FACS · Answer

Upper arm aesthetic surgery can make a real difference to many patients...but the visible inner arm scar (seen best when arms are raised) is something to considered carefully. The scar itself will never be "invisible," though some might say it is not "noticeable" given its positioning. As this particular surgery has advanced, more approaches (such as minimal incision brachioplasty) are possible. In the end, however, a scar is part of the surgery.In your case, however, there is still time for the scar process to be complete. Every individual scars differently, but it is safe to say that the healing process takes longer than the 6 months you mentioned. One option to consider is laser treatment; another is a type of injection, or silicone based treatments. I commonly use laser to improve the appearance of scars in my patients.

Andrew Elkwood, MD, FACS · Answer

I usually tell my patients to wait a year before doing anything further for the appearance of a scar.  Overtime your scar should improve.  If not you should follow your surgeons reccomendations.

Robert Sleightholm, MD · Answer

Surgical scars slowly fade over time.  It is commonly stated that the scar "matures" (softens, smoothens,and colour fades) over the course of a year.  The scar can slowly improve over years.  The scar will become less noticeable but never disappear.  Scar quality depends on how tight the closure is.  There are scar treatments that may improve the scar over a shorter time.  These include silicone gel and or light therapy such as pro factional laser and intense pulsed light.  These treatments are more effective when the scar is recent.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Not unusual for scars to remain red and unsightly 6 months after arm lifting surgery; the appearance of these scars tend to improve ( never “go away”) over the course of the subsequent year. You may find, that revisionary surgery may be helpful to improve the appearance of the scars and/or “hide" the scar better, IF you are not pleased with the longer-term outcome of the procedure. I would suggest that you continue to follow-up with your plastic surgeon who will always be your best resource in this regard. Best wishes.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

At this stage of your post operative recovery its normal for scars to still be red and slightly raised.  Its takes around 18 months for scars to go through their natural maturation phase.  During this time its ideal to treat the scars with a silicone gel cream or similar product to help minimize the appearance of your scars.  Your scars will never completely disappear but with careful treatment they should be less red and bumpy as time goes on.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

The scars of a brachioplasty continue to improve for up to 2 years.   Your scars will improve but never go away.   Silicone paste treatment with Kelocote may help.   The scars will definitely be better at 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery.   Talk to your surgeon about treatment for the scars.   At times full or partial revision is needed.   This s a procedure that works well but does require long incisions.    MY best,  Dr C

6 months post op brachioplasty, my scar is still red and bumpy. Will this eventually go away?

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