What's going on with the skin around my scar? (Photo)

Hello Jennasunshine in Lexington,
Thank you for your question about the issues with the skin around your arm lift (brachioplasty) scar, and for providing your history and pictures. It's not uncommon to experience a seroma following brachioplasty. A seroma is an accumulation of serous fluid, which is a natural fluid your body produces to help wound edges adhere. However, sometimes the body produces an excessive amount of this fluid, leading to seroma formation.
The optimal treatment for a seroma is needle drainage aspiration, which should ideally be performed every other day. This method often resolves the issue. If needle aspirations don't suffice, injecting a chemical to sclerose, or scar down the seroma, can be an effective alternative. Another approach involves inserting a drain to help reduce the seroma, but this can be inconvenient as it requires being attached to a drain for days or weeks until the seroma resolves. Surgical removal of the seroma capsule may be necessary if these treatments don't work, although this is rarely required.
It's important not to "just lay low and give it time" as seromas do not typically resolve without intervention. Regarding the puckered and unsightly skin around the seroma, this should improve once the seroma is resolved, as the puckering is due to the underlying distended skin. I don't anticipate that the skin around the seroma will require removal.
For the two upper wounds on your arm, I suggest applying an ointment such as Venelex or mupirocin to aid in their healing.
Thank you again for your question about the skin issues following your arm lift and the underlying seroma. I wish you the best in resolving this complication.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen