Incision opening. Should the wound be stitched since it is unstable and opening wider (Photo)

Thank you for your question and picture.First, I want to reassure you. It is unfortunate that you are having this wound healing issue after your arm lift, BUT --- I want to reassure you that you will eventually heal. For now, make sure your nutrition is keeping up. Eat foods with protein to help optimize your healing capacity.Now, as you heal, you will likely develop a scar that will stay lumpy for the next 6 weeks, but will eventually soften over the following 3 months. At that time, you can consider scar revision surgery. By then, there should be some adjacent skin laxity to allow for scar revision surgery.Hang in there. Congratulations on your arm lift surgery. - Dr. Bryson G. Richards, MD

Thank you for your question regarding incision opening following a brachioplasty or arm lift. From your provided history and physical, it's crucial to immediately consult with your arm lift plastic surgeon, as each surgeon has unique treatment methodologies for such situations.
In most cases, plastic surgeons prefer conservative treatments for wounds of this nature. Often, the approach involves allowing the scab to shed naturally or having it professionally removed. Once this is done, Wet To Dry Dressings can be applied to facilitate healing via secondary intention. Directly stitching the wound isn't typically recommended, as this can potentially trap bacteria, leading to infections which can exacerbate the wound.
Over time, the wound stabilizes, paving the way for granulation tissue development. As this granulation tissue matures, Wet To Dry Dressings are ceased and a specialized cream is applied to stimulate the granulation tissue, promoting skin growth over it, ultimately sealing the wound.
It's worth noting that complications, like wound openings in the axilla, can occasionally arise post-arm lift due to the high tension area, the presence of hair follicles, and sweat glands. Even when the surgery is executed flawlessly, these elements can sometimes lead to infections and wound separations.
In summary, it's imperative to maintain close communication with your plastic surgeon to determine the best course of action tailored to your specific situation. I trust this offers insight into your concerns regarding the incision opening and its management post-brachioplasty.
Best wishes for your recovery,
Dr. Katzen

At this point it is best to manage this incisions with dressing changes.  Allow the wound to heal and come back in several months for any scar revision.  Good luck. 

whenever an incision breaks open, trying to close it will result in infection and failure.  Usual thing is to arrange for daily wound dressings.  If concerned, your surgeon might place some reinforcing sutures on the edges of the opening to prevent it from opening further but closure of the opening is not done.

Hello,I am sorry that you're having a wound healing problem after your brachioplasty. Although unfortunate, it is not too uncommon and it usually heals surprisingly well.Although it sounds alluring, trying to re-close the wound with sutures will fail, and can potentially lead to a local infection that will make matters worse. Plastic surgeons are wound care specialists and they all should know this. The tape I see in the photos is sufficient to protect the rest of the incision. The part that has opened needs proper dressings to prevent desiccation and promote healing. That is the best way to proceed. Once it has fully healed, it can be evaluated for scar revision, if necessary.Best of luck!

The wounds that open after surgery such as yours should be allowed to heal with good wound care.  Do not restitch at this time, just allow to heal.  Later, after the body has formed a scar and softened the scar, revising the scar is safe.  Best Wishes!!

Most of the time when an incision is reclosed within a few weeks after surgery, the tissue is not as strong and the sutures pull through anyway or it becomes infected. Definitely let it heal in. A scar revision can always be performed and will likely have a better outcome. 

Wound breakdowns from operations are best left open to allow for constant observation and local wound care. This will allow for rapid healing of the wound and minimize the risk of infection. Re-suturing the wound would only increase infection and damage more tissue as well as further jeopardize the outcome.

You will likely need local wound care to help this area heal.  Please follow up with your plastic surgeon for his/her recommendations.

The most conservative approach is to allow this to healing with good wound care.  Usually the scar isn't bad and can always be revised.  Sometimes closure can be attempted, but this depends on the amount of tension on the skin.  With closure there is a higher risk of infection.