Brachioplasty 12 months ago, scars are terrible. They also ache. I have a band on arm. Can this be fixed with revision? (Photo)

Complications related to scarring can result from almost any surgical procedure.  When faced with an unattractive or dysfunctional scar, one must first diagnose what the problem is and then develop a hypothesis to explain why the problem might have developed.  An assessment must then be made by a board certified PS as to whether the problem is amenable to correction, and, if so, a decision must be made regarding which of the many treatment options available for scar revision is most appropriate for the specific clinical situation. 

G'day, thank you for your question regarding whether you could have an arm revision 12 months after a prior arm reduction, arm lift, or brachioplasty.  Based only your limited history and 5 photos, I would say "yes", you could have an arm revision. Though the need for arm scar revisions are rare, I usually perform arm scar revisions under local anesthesia in my office.  Once the arm scar is anesthetized, I directly resect the scar.  The arm tissue is then re-approximated.  In regards to your arm band, this is technically more difficult to treat.  I would suggest either arm liposuction on each side of the crease,  release the arm band by making a z-plasty in your pre-existing arm reduction or brachioplasty scar, or fat grafting into the crease.  However, I think making a z-plasty would be best in your case.  I hope this helps.  Good luck. If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, please contact my office.  Since your arm lift case is special and requires a revision, which is more difficult than an initial arm lift, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts.  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. (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.)

Hi and welcome to our forum!
I'm sorry that you have experienced an unsatisfactory outcome following brachioplasty. The scars are either broad or thick (hypertrophic). Although scarring can be significant after brachioplasty, the appearance suggests a tight closure. I also note a  significant amount of fatty tissue. 
I think that you would be a suitable candidate for scar revision to release the band and improve appearance. 
Your candidacy for cosmetic surgery requires consideration of many
factors. One is measurement of your BMI (body mass index equals weight in kg /
square of height in meters). You can find BMI calculators on the internet. If
your BMI is > 30, the cosmetic result will not be optimal. If your BMI is
> 35, your operative risk will rise. If overweight, weight loss through diet and exercise
would be recommended before revisional surgery.
Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and discussion.
Best wishes...

Judging by  your photos, a scar revision may significantly improve the appearance of your arms. Now that the scars have had the time to relax, they can be removed and closed with less tension than the initial operation. I recommend consulting with a board certified plastic to see if this would be a good option for you.

Thank you for your question.The best thing to do would to be evaluated in person by a plastic surgeon to discuss your options. The photos are not the best, so it is hard to make a determination for you based on them. Scars can always be revised, and Im sure there are options for the band you have on the arm. Good luck.

Hello and thank you for your question.  The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Based on your photographs, both your hypertrophic scars and mid-arm banding can likely be improved with a brachioplasty revision.  This decision should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  Best wishes and good luck. Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Hi Dianetrot,
Yes, your scars can likely be improved with a revision. I recommend wrapping your arms with an elastic bandage after the revision as well as using silicone sheets. Blessings on your journey!

I would recommend an exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon but based on your photographs it appears that both the band and scarring could be significantly improved with a revision brachioplasty. Generally, wide or raised scars like yours are due to a high-tension skin closure. After you have healed and your skin has relaxed, the scar can be removed and the skin closed with minimal tension which leads to thin scars that fade over time and are barely visible.