Hi I got brachioplasty done August 25 and Wednesday sept 3rd I went for my post op visit and they removed the old bandages and put on new ones. Well that same night my incision on my right arm popped open and it first was a quater size now its the width of 3 fingers put together on sat sept 6th. I don't know what to do. My ps was trying to sew it back thurs but he said its going to pop open again and let it heal. But being that the wound is unstable and opening wider should it be stitched?
September 6, 2014
Answer: Healing issue after arm lift 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
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September 6, 2014
Answer: Healing issue after arm lift 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
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Answer: Incision Openings Post-Brachioplasty: Should It Be Stitched? 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
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Answer: Incision Openings Post-Brachioplasty: Should It Be Stitched? 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
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September 23, 2014
Answer: Wound Care 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.
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September 23, 2014
Answer: Wound Care 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.
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October 25, 2020
Answer: Wound opening needs wound care, not surgery 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.
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October 25, 2020
Answer: Wound opening needs wound care, not surgery 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.
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September 8, 2014
Answer: Brachioplasty Wound 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!
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September 8, 2014
Answer: Brachioplasty Wound 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!
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