I feel a lump underneath my skin next to my scar. Do I need to massage? Is this normal?

Congratulations on your recent arm lift! Lumps and bumps under the scar is normal after surgery. The sutures that are used under the skin need time to dissolve. I would recommend massaging the area in a circular motion with mild pressure to help.  Sometimes it can take a few months for the body to dissolve these sutures.  If the lump gets bigger or changes in anyway I would recommend contacting your surgeon . 

Hi Momarti5, Thank you for your question about a "lump" under your skin after your arm lift. Your question is difficult to answer without pictures or a physical examination.  The lump may be one of three things.  First, the lump could be just normal scar tissue.  Second, the lump could be scar tissue around the dissolving suture.   Depending on the exact type of suture, absorbable sutures take several months to dissolve.  Third, the lump could be a seroma. A seroma is a fluid filled pocket that is not uncommon after an arm lift.  Post-operative arm lift seromas develop typically around the elbow. Usually, seromas are treated with needle aspiration.  Needle aspiration is done in the office and may have to be done several times before complete resolution.  I would advise you follow up with your plastic surgeon regarding this "lump".  Scars are treated conservatively whereas seromas might require needling.  Thank you for your questions regarding a "lump" under your skin after your arm lift procedure.  If you have any more questions regarding arm lift, arm reduction, arm liposuction, brachioplasty, or any other plastic surgery procedure, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.  

It's not unusual for arm lift incisions to be closed with a series of absorbable sutures. These sutures typically resorb in 3-6 months following surgery. During this process, inflammatory nodules can occasionally develop which are sometimes tender.These nodules typically respond to massage and often dissolve with the passage of time. It's important to discuss this issue with your surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to address this problem and reassure you.

This is likely a very normal result and you can show your PS at your next visit for final determination. 

The lump may represent a normal condition after an arm lift (brachioplasty). It could most likely be:1. scar tissue2. suture material under the skinCheck with your surgeon. If it is scar tissue, massage can be helpful.The lump could also represent something more concerning, such as:1. blood clot or collection2. fluidAgain, check with your surgeon. Make sure to describe if it is changing or remaining the same.Best of luck!

This is most likely a reaction to a suture. Some sutures are placed deep to strengthen the wound and hopefully minimize the scar. Most of the sutures are observable and you may expect this to get better over the course of a few months.

Hi Momarti, thanks for your question. Sometimes, lumps around incisions can be scar tissue or dissolving sutures. In the first few months after surgery, there can be excess scar tissue that forms. Massage can be very useful at this point. If you are >6-12 months from surgery, this can be permanent. Continue massage and discuss with your surgeon about the possibility of removing these lumps if they are bothersome or visible. 

Scarring is normal after any surgery and can appear as a thick and reddish area. Normally scarring should start to improve after about 3 months and continue for 6 to 12 months or more. 

The lump you feel is likely scar tissue or suture material.  You can massage the area if it is not painful.  If it is suture material it is easily removed by your surgeon in the office.Contact your surgeon for instruction regarding massaging of the incision site and surgical area.  The amount of massage advised is dependent upon how far out you are from your surgery.

Lumps near incisions are often scar tissue or dissolving sutures. In the first few months after surgery, this is likely over-abdundant scar tissue forming. Massage is very useful at this point. If you are more than 6-12 mos out from surgery this may more or less always be present. Continue your massage and discuss with your surgeon the possibility of removing these lumps if they are bothersome or visible.