Botched arm lift and scar on thigh (Photo)

Question

Hello, I had an arms lift, tummy tuck and lipo after losing weight but things didn't go well as planned. My surgeon gave me a scar on my thigh, he said a diathermy fell on my thigh during surgery on top of that my wounds are not healing and also my arms are really asymetrical. I am so depressed, after working so hard to lose weight then this happens. What can be the solution of this arm without another arm lift? The other one is fine although it is still flabby but way better than this.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about the outcomes of your arm lift surgery and the appearance of your thigh lift scar, and for sharing your history and pictures. Based on your photos, the excess skin and fat around your right elbow could be due to either the removal of too much skin and fat from the middle of your arm or insufficient removal around the elbow area by your plastic surgeon.
For your arm, I recommend using a medical-grade arm compression garment for about six months. After this period, we should reassess your right arm. There's a possibility that the asymmetry may resolve itself. If it remains, a revision arm lift surgery might be necessary, potentially involving the removal of additional inner arm skin and fat.
Regarding your thigh scar, without pictures, it's challenging to provide specific advice. Generally, scars can be managed with compression, along with the application of silicone ointments and strips. If the scar doesn't heal satisfactorily, treatments like laser therapy, injections of kenalog, steroids, or 5-fluorouracil (5FU) might be suggested. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is also showing promise in scar treatment. Other treatment options include dermabrasion, microneedling, and Morpheus 8. If these treatments are not effective, surgical resection of the scar could be considered.
I hope this answers your questions about managing asymmetrical results from an arm lift and treating your thigh scar.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Kristopher Hamwi, MD · Answer

I see the bandage in your photo so I am assuming that you are still healing from your procedure. As you heal the swelling will go down and the irregularity that I see in the photo should begin to shrink. Once you are 2-3 months out from the procedure, enough of the swelling will have resolved that you will get a sense of the overall contour. If there is still an irregularity in the contour than liposuction can help blend this.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry that you are having concerns after your surgery.  Depending how recent your surgery was you may be able to consider a revision.  An exam would be needed to determine the extent of the revision advised. If you are unsure of how things are healing you can visit with another board certified plastic surgeon for a second opinion.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear BabsieM,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Although your one photo is limited view, more could be trimmed off below the tight area. Please discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Botched arm lift and scar on thigh (Photo)

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Botched arm lift and scar on thigh (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Arm lift results

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