Do I need another surgery to fix this scar? (Photo)

After a year, your scars have probably improved about as much as they will on their own. In my experience, if you have some looseness to the skin, a scar revision (cutting them out and re-doing them) is usually the best option. If your skin is rather tight, however, then they may end up healing the same way. If that's the case, and your scars are raised and thickened in addition to being red, then steroid injections may help soften them. If they are fairly flat and mainly just discolored and wide, then laser might be the best option. I encourage you to discuss these options with your surgeon to figure out what will be best for you. Good luck.

Thanks for the question. Scars are difficult to predict, but under proper management, can be significantly improved. Widened scars can be caused without adequate post-op compression and superficial support. Revision could be beneficial for you, with a proper plan post-op to manage your healing, swelling, and scar formation. We in our office offer Embrace, a new scar management product to help decrease superficial tension during the crucial first 8 weeks of healing.

Hello rodriguezandrea, thank you for your question. Based on the
information that you have provided, I would suggest an arm scar revision. This
is not an uncommon procedure. Since you have tried creams, compression, and
silicone, I would suggest that a physical arm scar revision will be the best option. Other options may
include: dermapen, dermal needling, or laser treatment. However, I think the
best results will be with a surgical arm scar revision. If you decide to have
the arm scar revision, it is very important to use arm compression for 4-6
weeks after the surgery to help flatten the scar.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, M.D.

Scars from brachioplasty are notoriously difficult to manage and can be quite visible. Until recently, many just accepted that bad scarring was part of the operation. However, more recent approaches allow for substantially better and less visible scars. Your scars are still somewhat immature. There are many options available for you right now. These include laser therapy, topical scar appointments, the embrace scar management system, among others. I would certainly discuss your situation with your plastic surgeon and see what options would work best for you. I wish you the best!

Scars are noticeable because they 1) are a different color (redder or darker) than the surrounding skin, 2) have a texture change such as roughness or bumpiness or 3) are raised or depressed so that they cast shadows making them more visible. Scars generally get better after a year, but, if they persist, can be improved by targeting these qualities. There are numerous non-surgical techniques which should be approached first and include lasers which may help the redness and surface irregularities. Scar revision is usually a last resort after all other options are exhausted. Scar management is something that you should discuss with your aesthetic surgeon and good luck with your brachioplasty as it continues to remodel.

Our office specializes in arm lift surgery as well as scar revision. At this point, I would begin a scar protocol with lasers and topical therapy to minimize your scar on your arms. No surgery needed at this point. I would also begin use of Plato's Scar Serum twice daily.Best, Dr. Karamanoukian