Arms Consult Scheduled

I had an arm lift with gynecomastia last week.  Being a bit more concerned with function and less worried about scarring I opted for a longer incision that runs almost to my elbow.

I have four incisions that meet in my arm pit - an incision from my chest, the incisions from my arm, an incision up my side, and an incision from my back.  They took about 3.5 lbs of skin from my upper body (I lost half my original body weight and was obese for most of my life - so lots of excess)

So far, I am in love with the result.  From the front and side you can't really see the incision.  My arm pits are normal again.  It took me about 3 or 4 days to get my range of motion somewhat back.  There is still some stiffness.  I have some minor swelling but so far recovery has been a breeze.

As far as scarring - It will start to look really bad at about 3 months out when your body has laid down the most scar tissue.  Then it will start reabsorbing and that process can take a few years.

I had my LBL in October 03 and in some spots you can barely see a scar, in others it very visible.  It really depends on how much tension is on the skin when its healing those first three months.  Different surgeons use different techniques to minimize it.  Ask each of your surgeons what he recommends and why.  

It really depends on how much tension is on the skin when its healing those first three months.  Different surgeons use different techniques to minimize it.  Ask each of your surgeons what he recommends and why.  

That's what I don't understand about compression garments.  Wouldn't they put tension on the skin???

Compression garments are designed to help the skin heal back into the underlying fascia securely.  Again, different surgeons use different techniques.  Some don't like compression because it restricts blood flow and increases healing time.  Others use drains to produce a vacuum to help accomplish the same thing.  

Some of the techniques I have seen used to reduce tension on the incision line are things like tape, scar strips, etc.  the problem with these is that they sometimes leave their own scars, are expensive, and really only offer limited success.  Same thing with Mederma and its generic counterparts.

the only proven technique for scars is time.

No, the compression garment doesn't put extra tension on the incision or skin.  For the LBL/tummy tuck, you're literally skinned - skin totally separated from the fascia.  The compression garment holds the skin against the fascia for it to re-attach, and takes the pressure off of the skin and muscles.  As strange as it sounds, after awhile you start feeling more secure with the compression garment than without it.