Arm lift: bumps on incision. (photos)

Question

There are bumps on both arms on the incision line. I had one removed by my Primary care physician a month ago. Now I have 5 more. I am 3 months post op. I have called my Board certified PS but no answer. The hospital said my PS was no longer associated with them. My question is will these bumps ( I think they are stitches) go away on their own or do I have to go through the pain of having them removed by my Primary Care physician?

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You are most likely feeling deep sutures.  These can sometimes work their way up to the surface.  Most of them will probably resorb on their own.  I would recommend addressing them as they come up. Consider consulting with another plastic surgeon in your area.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your history and arm lift photos. These bumps likely arise from sutures. It would be helpful to know the appearance of the suture your primary care doctor extracted. Most sutures used in standard arm lifts are dissolvable, meaning they break down over time. Occasionally, for various reasons, a surgeon may use permanent sutures, which are usually black or royal blue. Dissolvable sutures are generally clear or straw-colored.
If the bumps are bothersome, a medical professional should remove and inspect the suture to determine its type. If the sutures are dissolvable, they can take 6 to 9 months to disintegrate fully.
For clarity, discuss with your plastic surgeon to determine the best course of action.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen.

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

The appearance of these bumps after a brachioplasty is fairly normal
and most likely a skin reaction to sutures or dissolving stitches. These bumps
will likely disappear over time as your body heals. If they persist and are not
reabsorbed by the body, you may have to get the sutures removed by a board
certified plastic surgeon in your area.

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for posting your question and photos.  It appears from your photos that your "bumps" are dissolvable sutures or dissolvable staples underneath the skin.   Both will disappear eventually and sometimes take 4 months or more to totally dissolve.  There is no need to remove them.  Try to get in contact with your plastic surgeon to discuss any concerns you may have.  Best wishes.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

At this stage of your post operative recovery, lumps and bumps are usually normal as a result of deep dissolving sutures.  They usually resolve on their own and although they can sometimes cause a small open wound.  Be patient and you should achieve a good result.  Generally it takes 12 to 18 months for stitch lines to smooth, soften and fade.  You may wish to find another fully qualified surgeon for review.

Arm lift: bumps on incision. (photos)

Answers (5)