I got wound dehiscence 2 wks after short scar arm lift. One of the sutures broke. My PS did debridement. Should I worry? (Photo)

Thank you for your question regarding wound dehiscence two weeks after a short scar arm lifts and braking of the suture after your plastic surgeon did debridement. In examining your pictures, it looks like everything was done appropriately. Unfortunately, sutures do break, and incisions will open. This may or may not require mechanical debridement with surgery or debridement with dressings. However, everything is in order, and everything has healed well. If the scar bothers you, doing a scar revision under local anesthetic is possible. Typically this can be done in the office. Again, congratulations on your arm lift. Everything looks to be generally healing at this time.
Sincrely,
Dr. Katzen

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 appropriately to optimize healing. With good wound care they will
heal better and faster. Best wishes, Dr. Aldo.

Thank you for your picture.  This can occur.  Typically local wound care will take care of this problem. You should be able to get this healed within 4 to 6 weeks. Please keep close follow up with your plastic surgeon.Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS,FACS

 I am sorry to to hear about the complication that  you have experienced. These types of incision line healing problems do occur after arm lifting surgery, especially common in the axillary area. Based on your description, it sounds like your plastic surgeon is following you closely;  sometimes, removal of exposed sutures and/or unhealthy tissue may help expedite healing. It is very likely you will go on to heal without long-term sequelae. Best wishes.

I am sorry you are having this problem. The photos are helpful. This kind of thing does happen on occasion. With good local wound care, you should heal just fine. It can take up to 4 weeks to heal in. In my experience, the scars tend to do very well and I have (thankfully) not had to do a scar revision yet. Good luck.

Due to the thin nature of the skin in the underarm, it is not unusual t have a small wound dehiscence as you have noted.  I'm sorry to hear that you have had this problem, but with good local wound care this wound should close in a matter of a few weeks.  If there are no signs of infection - redness, pain, fever, pus, etc - you may be treated with good local wound care without the need of oral antibiotics. Be certain to follow your surgeon's instructions on wound care.  Eat a well balanced diet with plenty of protein and take a multivitamin.  This will help speed the healing process.  Best wishes, Dr Lepore.