There is a piece of flesh poking out on a seam where my armpits were sewn. What's going on? (photo)

Question

Separate from larger wound separation, I had a tiny red/wet spot on the seam where my armpits were sewn together. This separation seemed to be healing but now there is a piece of flesh poking out - it seems like this flesh belongs inside. It's very bizarre. Any ideas as to whats going on? Thanks!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding a piece of flesh poking out in a seam in your armpits. Thank you for your question regarding this excess piece of tissue. From your pictures and description, it appears this is granulation tissue. Granulation tissue is the tissue that your body makes to help wounds heal. This granulation tissue appears to have become hypertrophic or has grown too much. That is why it is growing through the hole. Various treatments for granulation tissue include applying silver nitrate and using cautery to burn the excess skin. Also, cautious observation could be a wise route. I suggest you allow yourself to heal entirely and address this area of granulation tissue once wholly healed. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding flesh poking out your armpit incision.  
I specialize in arm lifts. 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, please contact my office. Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, 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. (“Verified” 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.)

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It's not unusual for patients to have small areas of separation along surgical incisions which ultimately, heal by forming granulation tissue. Although your pictures are difficult to interpret, your history suggest that you've had a small wound separation that's healing in this manner.Granulation tissue forms at the base of the wound and provides a support layer for new epithelium which migrates over its surface. In this manner, open areas are able to heal with minimal scarring.When patients develop areas of wound breakdown, it's important that they be followed closely by their plastic surgeon. This will not only facilitate wound healing, but minimize the potential for secondary complications, as well.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the arm lifting procedure. Although difficult to interpret yorr picture, it is probable that you are dealing with a small area of “delayed wound healing”. You are doing the right thing by contacting your plastic surgeon who will be in the best position to advise/reassure you in the most meaningful fashion (after examination).

	 Best wishes.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

You have a small amount of delayed healing of your incision as a result of the area that was treated.  This issues should resolve with time and healing. All  the best.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I really cannot tell much from the picture to be honest.  If there is a small piece of dermis that was not sewn or a piece of tissue that has emerged from the incision, this could be revised in about a minute.   Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

There is a piece of flesh poking out on a seam where my armpits were sewn. What's going on? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Delayed Healing

Answer: Delayed Healing

Answer: Piece of Flesh Outside after Arm Lift

Answer: Piece of Flesh Outside after Arm Lift

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There is a piece of flesh poking out on a seam where my armpits were sewn. What's going on? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Delayed Healing

Answer: Delayed Healing

Answer: Piece of Flesh Outside after Arm Lift

Answer: Piece of Flesh Outside after Arm Lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.