A brachioplasty is a cosmetic surgery technique that involves the improvement of the shape of the upper arm. It contours the arm by tightening the loose skin as well as the tissue. One of the main concerns people have when deciding on undergoing a brachioplasty is regarding the scarring. Scarring is a part of the healing process. However, there are non-surgical treatments available in Turkey that help with scar treatment after brachioplasty. Keep reading to know more about them.
🩹 Understanding the Brachioplasty Scar: The First Step to Effective Treatment
The formation of scar tissue is an integral part of the body’s normal healing process. A scar is a collection of fibrous tissue and collagen that bridges a wound during the healing phase. The scar formation process is triggered by an injury to the deeper layers of the skin, such as the dermis. The body attempts to fill the gap in the skin as soon as possible to avoid an infection or exacerbating the damage further. It does so by initiating the formation of structural fibers like collagen. However, because the process is rushed, the collagen is laid haphazardly and is not as uniform as it is in normal skin. Hence, the raised, rough, and thick appearance of the scar tissue.
Once the scar tissue is formed and the wound is successfully closed, barring any adverse reactions, the remodeling process begins. Scar remodeling is a process that takes several months or even years. Ultimately, this process reduces scar visibility to a great extent. Having said that, scar tissue is never a 100% match to the normal skin because it has no hair follicles, the collagen fibers have a different orientation, and there are fewer sweat glands.
A Brachioplasty scar is formed after a Brachioplasty procedure. Based on the healing process, there are several types of Brachioplasty scars, such as:
- Hypertrophic Scars
- Keloid Scars
- Widened (Stretched) Scars
Hypertrophic Scars
Raised scar tissue that is still within the confines of the surgical incision is known as a Hypertrophic scar. It happens because the tissue is under tension and there is higher-than-normal collagen formation during the healing phase. Hypertrophic scars generally have a good prognosis and flatten with proper post-surgical care in 6 to 8 months.
Keloid Scars
Keloid scars are less common than their hypertrophic counterparts and have a genetic component to them. Seen mostly in individuals with a darker skin tone, keloid scars are raised, pigmented, and extend beyond the surgical incision. This type of scar tissue has less to do with the surgery and more with the genetic predisposition of the patient, as even a small incision may trigger keloid formation.
Stretched Scars
Excessive tension during wound closure, poor quality of the skin at the surgical site, or moving and lifting motions early on lead to scars that are flat but wide/stretched. Such scars are also less pigmented compared to normal skin; thereby, more noticeable than raised scar tissue.
🎯 Non-Surgical Solutions for Treatment of Brachioplasty Scars
As unsightly as Brachioplasty scars can be, all hope is not lost. Several non-surgical solutions to fade Brachioplasty scars are available that greatly improve aesthetics without compromising the surgical outcome. Here is how to treat Brachioplasty scars without surgery:
Laser & Light Therapies:
These therapies aim to stimulate collagen production through a controlled injury at the site of scar formation. The two most frequently used lasers for surgical scars are:
Fractional Lasers (e.g., CO2, Erbium)
CO2 lasers target thicker, more stubborn scar tissue, whereas the Erbium lasers are milder and suitable for new or less aggressive scars. Both types trigger collagen formation to smooth and flatten scars, decrease tension, and improve appearance over time.
Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)
PDL is one of the more effective non-invasive scar healing methods. It aims to reduce the raw, red appearance of the scar. Furthermore, PDL targets the excess blood vessels to improve the inflamed look of the scar tissue. Pulse Dye Laser is good for fresh scars and early hypertrophic scar treatment.
Micro-Needling (Collagen Induction Therapy)
Microneedling for scars is based on the same principle as laser therapy, where micro-injuries are created in the scar tissue using needles to stimulate collagen and elastin formation. Microneedling improves the appearance of scar tissue by flattening it. Moreover, it also evens out the texture and color to match normal skin. Scars that are resistant to other forms of treatment respond better to microneedling therapy.
Injectables:
In the early days of hypertrophic or keloid scar formation, corticosteroid injections are very effective in decreasing inflammation, thickening, and firmness of the scar tissue. Triamcinolone or Cortisone injection for scars is given 6 to 12 weeks post-surgery if hypertrophy or keloid formation is suspected.
Unlike corticosteroids, 5-FU targets the excessive collagen formation in the scar tissue. It works well for scars resistant to other treatment modalities and for keloid scar formation. At times, a combination of 5-Fluorouracil and steroids is injected together for a more potent outcome. It is a very common keloid scar treatment in Türkiye.
Topical & Surface-Level Treatments:
One of the main ways to minimize the appearance of brachiopasty scars is by using silicone gel sheets. These sheets hydrate the scar by protecting its moisture. This will avoid the scar from drying up and becoming more visible. Moreover, these sheets also cover the scar and protect it from the sun’s UV rays, which ensures the scar doesn’t develop redness or discoloration.
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