The skin redundancy is commonly located to the inner-sides of the upper arm.

Technique:

The skin is incised on the inner side of the arm from the elbow to the axilla, from where it can go curvilinear across the axilla or angled to either side of the axilla. The skin is mobilized and redraped and tightened. The scar will run according to the incisions and not always be invisible!

Anaesthetic:

Conscious sedation and local tumescent infiltration.

Operating time:

2-3 hours.

You can expect:

* Moderate pains, BUT Very strong feeling of tension.
* The stitches are removed around the 10th day.
* Prophylactic antibiotics are prescribed.
* Using skin tape across the scars for 23 months should relieve tension on the scars.
* Car driving is forbidden for 10 days.
* You should not lift your arms up-, out- or backward for 2 weeks.
* Transient numbness on the upper arm is common for 1 - 2 months.

Complications
Referred unwanted biologic events can occur with a certain low frequency and must be regarded as calculated risks. Other risks not mentioned can also occur. For patients this must be considered before a decision for plastic surgery is made.

Bleeding: All operations can cause postoperative bleeding. These risks increase by the intake of analgesics and Vitamin E. These should be avoided 2 weeks prior to the planned operation.

Infection: All operations can cause infections, which in case it happens will be treated with antibiotics. The placement of the wounds in surgical "unclean" areas increases the risk of infection.

Scars: The forces of gravity and the continuous movements of the area cause a constant tension on the scars. The scars can be broadened.

Nerve injury: Some of the sensory nerves to the skin on both arm and thigh will be cut and transient or permanent numbness is unavoidable.

Smoking: Smoking does compromise bloodcirculation and healing. Smoking should be abandoned prior to a planned operation