Wound Dehiscence After Brachioplasty? (photo)

Unfortunately the arm pit is a difficult area to heal because of frequent motion and high normal bacterial counts, sweating, etc. Arm lifts therefore occasionally have problems like this, especially in the axilla (arm pit).
The most common reason would be absorbable sutures that are reactive and being pushed out  through the the skin.
The good news is that your arm lift will heal. It just needs more time.
See your board certified plastic surgeon to be checked.

Thank you for your question regarding wound dehiscence after brachioplasty. Wound dehiscence is very common after an arm lift. It is probably the most common after an arm lift. Areas like this open up because of sweat glands, lymphatics, and areas of high tension. All these contribute to wound openings such as this. It would be best if you were moderately concerned but not highly concerned. Follow the advice of your plastic surgeon. I would suggest the application of a topical antibiotic like bacitracin or mupirocin. I would suggest this be applied twice a day. For the rest of the incision, I would suggest applying betadine once or twice a day to keep the rest of the incision clean. These areas can be showered and can get wet. Getting these wounds wet will help to decrease the bacterial load in the wound. You do not need stitches as this would trap the bacteria and lead to further infection and potentially an even bigger incision opening. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding dehiscence after brachioplasty.
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.)

This does happen from time to time, try to keep your arms up above your heart to decrease swelling, wash with soap and water and apply polysporin and things will close in time. Make sure you are eating a high protein diet

It is not unusual to have some delays with the healing of your brachioplasty. You should talk to your PS about instructions to take care of these wounds and perhaps be seen. With good wound care they will heal better and faster. Best wishes, Dr. Aldo.

Thank you for your pictures. This is typical with brachioplasty. Unique local wound care. Using a voice to dry dressing would be affected. Your surgeon should direct you as to how he or she would care for the wound. Please do not worry this should heal with time.

Best wishes

Dr. ES

Hello,

I would suggest you contact your surgeon and arrange an immediate follow up. He or she will be best able to advise you on what, if anything needs to be done........and more importantly, if something does need to be done they will be in the best position to provide you proper follow up care.

Best of luck.

First, you shouldn't be raising your arms up in the air as you did to take your photo.  This range of motion increasing the tension at your incision line increasing your risk for delayed healing.  The incision in the arm pit is the one area we do on occasion see healing problems.  The arm pit area is moist and there can be a lot of motion in this area with natural arm movements increasing the risk of a healing problem.  Please talk to your PS about your postop care instructions.  Best wishes,

Dr. Basu

Thanks for your question.  First and foremost I would contact your surgeon and have them look at things.  They will know better than anyone else what needs to be done.  Often times small openings will close on their own.  I would make an appointment with your surgeon and have them take a look at things.  Good luck.

Thank you for your photos.  The wound dehiscence is most likely due to sutures that came out.  They are relatively small areas without redness around it.  With local wound care, they should heal.  You should contact your plastic surgeon and ask how she/he would want you to care for them.

This is not a rare occurrence following brachioplasty, and looks rather minor as these can go. Proper wound care advice should be readily available and should come from your surgeon. All the best.