Body Lift – Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) Dressing & Scar Care Guide

Why the Axillary T-Zone Needs Special Care

After brachioplasty, the axillary area is one of the most vulnerable parts of the incision. This area bends, stretches, sweats, and moves every time you use your arm.

Even when the skin looks better from the outside, the deeper tissues are still weak during the first several weeks. If too much tension is placed on the incision, the wound may separate before it becomes strong enough.

• The armpit is a high-motion area.
• Moisture and sweating can soften the skin.
• Arm movement increases tension on the incision.
• The axillary T-zone can open if the tension becomes stronger than the healing tissue can tolerate.

Compression Garment

Your compression garment is one of the most important parts of recovery after brachioplasty. It does much more than simply reduce swelling.

• Wear the compression garment continuously for approximately 4 weeks unless instructed otherwise.
• Compression helps reduce swelling and supports the healing tissues.
• Most importantly, compression decreases tension across the incision.
• Lower tension allows the wound edges to remain closer together.
• When the wound gap is smaller, new healthy tissue can fill the wound more quickly.
• Good compression may reduce wound separation and help improve scar quality.
• Do not stop wearing the compression garment simply because your arm feels comfortable.
• If the garment causes friction over a sensitive area, place a clean gauze or non-stick dressing between the wound and the garment.
• If the garment becomes wet from sweat or drainage, change it or dry the area promptly.

Dermabond Prineo® Skin Closure System

Your main brachioplasty incision is usually protected with Dermabond Prineo® Skin Closure System, a combination of medical skin adhesive and a self-adhering mesh. It protects the incision, reduces tension on the skin, and supports early wound healing.

• Do not remove Dermabond Prineo® yourself.
• No routine dressing changes are required over the protected incision.
• Do not rub, scratch, trim, or peel the mesh.
• Slight lifting of the edges is usually normal.
• Your surgeon will determine the appropriate time for removal.
• Contact Evita Clinic if the dressing becomes widely detached, the incision opens, or you notice increasing redness or drainage.

Showering

Showering is usually allowed 2–3 days after surgery unless instructed otherwise.

• Allow clean water to flow gently over the Dermabond Prineo® dressing.
• Do not scrub or rub the incision.
• Do not use a sponge or washcloth directly on the incision.
• Gently pat the incision dry with a clean towel.
• Pay particular attention to drying the armpit completely after every shower.
• Avoid bathtubs, hot tubs, swimming pools, and saunas until approved by your surgeon.

Axillary Hygiene

The armpit is naturally warm, moist, and exposed to constant movement. Careful hygiene is essential during the healing period.

• Keep the incision clean and dry.
• Dry the axilla thoroughly after every shower.
• If excessive sweating occurs, gently dry the area with a clean towel or gauze.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows ventilation.
• Avoid deodorants, powders, or creams directly on the incision until approved.
• Do not leave damp dressings against the skin.

Drain Removal Site Care

Surgical drains are usually removed during the first postoperative visit. The small drain site near the elbow generally requires only simple dressing care.

• Keep the waterproof dressing clean and dry.
• Do not remove the dressing unless instructed.
• Water may gently run over the dressing while showering.
• A small amount of bruising or light drainage is normal during the first few days.
• Contact Evita Clinic if you notice persistent bleeding, increasing redness, pus, foul odor, or wound separation.

After Dermabond Prineo® Removal

Once Dermabond Prineo® has been removed and the incision is stable, Steri-Strips are usually applied to continue supporting the healing incision.

At this stage the incision may still appear red, firm, uneven, or slightly swollen. These changes are a normal part of scar maturation.

Steri-Strip Support

• Apply each Steri-Strip perpendicular to the incision.
• Leave small spaces between strips for ventilation.
• Keep the Steri-Strips clean and dry.
• Replace them only when they naturally loosen.
• Continue using Steri-Strips for several weeks or longer if instructed.
• Do not apply Steri-Strips over open wounds or irritated skin.

If a Small Wound Opening Occurs

Small wound openings most commonly occur at the axillary T-zone. They are usually caused by excessive arm movement, mechanical tension, moisture, or friction—not because the stitches were weak.

• Do not panic.
• Send clear photographs to Evita Clinic.
• Keep the wound clean and dry.
• Use Betadine or another antiseptic solution if instructed.
• Apply antibiotic ointment if instructed.
• Place a clean non-stick dressing over the wound if clothing or the compression garment causes friction.
• Continue wearing your compression garment.
• Reduce unnecessary arm movement until the wound becomes stable.
• Do not remove scabs or healing tissue.

Normal Healing Changes

During recovery, the following changes are usually normal:

• Mild redness around the incision.
• Firmness beneath the scar.
• Tightness when stretching the arm.
• Temporary numbness of the inner arm.
• Small amounts of clear or light yellow drainage.
• Mild discomfort during arm movement.

These findings usually improve gradually over the following weeks and months.

Scar Management

Scar healing is a gradual biological process. Even after the skin has completely closed, the scar continues to mature over the next several months.

• Begin scar ointment or silicone therapy only after the incision has completely healed.
• Do not apply scar products to open wounds, scabs, drainage, or irritated skin.
• Massage the scar only when instructed by your surgeon.
• Continue scar therapy consistently for at least 2–3 months.

If your scar becomes thick, raised, itchy, painful, or remains very red, additional treatment such as silicone sheets, steroid injections, laser therapy, or scar revision may be recommended.

For detailed scar care instructions, please review: Scar Management Guide

Simple Healing Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

My wound opened slightly. Does this mean the surgery failed?

No. Small wound openings at the axillary T-zone are an uncommon but recognized complication after brachioplasty. Most heal successfully with proper wound care, compression, and patience.

Does a wound opening mean infection?

Not necessarily. Most wound openings are caused by excessive tension, repeated arm movement, friction, and moisture rather than infection.

Can I shower?

Yes. Showering is usually allowed after 2–3 days unless instructed otherwise. Dry the axilla carefully after every shower.

Can I raise my arms?

Light daily activities are acceptable, but repeated overhead reaching should be avoided during the first few weeks because it places significant tension on the axillary incision.

Can I drive?

Driving is usually possible once you are no longer taking narcotic pain medication and can safely control the steering wheel without excessive pain or tension on the incision.

When can I exercise?

Walking is encouraged, but strenuous upper-body exercise, weight training, swimming, tennis, golf, climbing, and repetitive arm movements should be avoided for approximately one month unless your surgeon advises otherwise.

How long should I wear the compression garment?

Usually for about four weeks, or longer if recommended by your surgeon.

When Should I Contact Evita Clinic?

• Increasing redness around the incision.
• Persistent bleeding.
• Pus or foul-smelling drainage.
• Rapidly enlarging wound opening.
• High fever.
• Severe swelling.
• Increasing pain after initial improvement.
• Loss of finger movement or increasing weakness.
• Pale, cold, or poorly perfused fingers.
• Sudden changes in hand or finger color.
• Any concern regarding your dressing or wound healing.