Brachioplasty incision is lumpy two years post op - can this be fixed? (Photos)

Question

I had a Brachioplasty 2 years ago. the reason for the revision was to remove more skin. The revision was over a year ago. The incision lines are so lumpy and bumpy and unsightly. How could this be fixed? What went wrong? I did not have loop. Thanks in advance!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Hugabug2 in Lakewood, CO,
Thank you for your question regarding your brachioplasty incision being lumpy two years post-op and can this be fixed.  Thank you for your history and your pictures.  First, we should analyze your pictures to determine the best procedures.  From your pictures, you have minimal cutis pleonasmus (excess skin), minimal dermatocholosis (loose skin), no stretch marks (stria), and mild lipodystrophy (excess fat).  Since you have more of a fat issue, most plastic surgeons would recommend arm liposuction.  However, you need to be very careful that not too much liposuction is performed, otherwise you could wind up with loose arm skin again.  This may require another brachioplasty (arm lift).  Consider adding radio-frequency to your arm lift to achieve maximal arm skin contracture.   I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction.  If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, contact an experienced plastic surgeon.  
To get an accurate assessment of what exactly you need, schedule a free virtual consultation.  Most plastic surgeons offer free virtual consultations.  Since an arm lift can be a challenging surgery, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of lifts. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 150 arm lift procedures.  Make sure they have the before-and-after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before-and-after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS (Plastic Surgeon, President of  the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery,  and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture. Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.

Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. The lumpiness seems to be from irregular fat distribution. I would recommend some autologous far grafting along with PRP which will improve the contours as well as scar quality. Please discuss your concerns with your Plastic surgeon who can help you. All the best!

Brachioplasty incision is lumpy two years post op - can this be fixed? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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