Skin puckering 2 years after arm lift surgery (photos)

Question

I went back to have a breast lift, no implants and an arm lift. I was told that it would take up to two years for my arms to completely heal, the puckering is still there. My right arm feels a little different than the other. There is also a tightening around my arm, the bicep area. It doesn't matter what kind of light activity I do, such as extending my arm out to hold on the the steering wheel. What could be the be the cause of this, after two years? What can be done to correct this? No weight gain.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone an arm lift or brachioplasty.  What you are describing is not uncommon. Based on your history and photos,  I believe you have significant subcuticular and sub dermal scarring.  I would suggest arm lift revision. During this arm lift revision,  I would suggest identifying and showing your plastic surgeon exactly what area feels tight. First of all, I would perform arm liposuction. Then, I would make an incision through the prior arm lift incision and resect any underlying scar tissue. The tight scar band that you describe can then be directly resected.  I  would also resect more excess arm skin and fat. During the closure, I would suggest revising the arm lift scar.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures.  This seems to be an issue of scar quality. The scar quality with body contouring surgery especially after massive weight loss can be an issue.  This may have minimal improvement with time or surgery.Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS, FACS

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