Dr. Domanski’s surgical skills are complemented by his compassionate bedside manner. He got me through a scary situation, and really listened to what I had to say. A winning combination of art and science and an excellent medical practitioner..
Brand removal is typically performed under local anesthesia
The incision will be custom determined by the site and size of the brand.
Swelling and bruising are determined by the extent of the procedure.
The desire to remove a fraternity brand later in life can be part of the natural progression of human experience.
The meaning of the brand may have changed, or a person’s outlook in life is different. The same person will wear different clothes in their 20s than in their 50s. Thus, the desire to remove a fraternity brand later in life can be part of the natural progression of human experience.
Even if a brand is completely voluntary, a person’s view of their brand may change over time. We can provide fraternity brand removal options if you no longer wish to have your branding due to personal, professional, or lifestyle changes.
What is a Fraternity Brand?
A fraternity brand is a symbol or ornamental pattern that is burned in the skin of a fraternity member. The goal is to create a permanent scar that permanently identifies the individual as a member of the fraternity. Branding is often accomplished with a branding iron, which can be painful.
Several high profile celebrities such as Michael Jordan and Emmitt Smith have had brands.
Branding is not unique to fraternities. For example, certain Vaishnava Hindu sects from India continue to use branding as a part of religious initiation. Branding has been used as a form of symbolic protest in England, the Czech Republic and Israel against animal cruelty.
Fraternities may use branding as part of an initiation ritual. Fraternity members may point to the long tradition of brands as part of their fraternity’s cultural heritage.
Though technically voluntary, branding is sometimes performed under extreme social pressure.
Even if a brand is completely voluntary, a person’s view of their brand may change over time. The same person who in their 20s was enthusiastic about their fraternity brand, may be embarrassed about it in their 30s or 40s.
The meaning of the brand may have changed, or a person’s outlook in life is different. The same person will wear different clothes in their 20s than in their 50s. Thus, the desire to remove a fraternity brand later in life can be part of the natural progression of human experience.
If a person had the freedom to choose to be branded in their 20s, they have the freedom to choose to remove it later in life.
The most important aspect of brand removal is coming to a meeting of the minds between the patient and the plastic surgeon on what can and cannot be accomplished. If the goal is removal of all scars, that may not be possible. If the goal is to camouflage the scar, that can be obtainable. The brand scar may also be replaced with linear scar or w-plasty.
One patient stated that he was okay with the brand being replaced by a linear scar. He noted that the public understands linear scars on the arm because of a surgery or an accident. However, to the patient, having a symbol on the arm was no longer desirable in his middle age.
Thus, the consultation is about planning the procedure with the full input and desire of the patient.
Anesthesia:
Most fraternity brand removal procedures can be performed under local anesthesia in the office. This means the patient will feel touch and pressure but no pain.
Incision Placement:
The incision for a fraternity brand usually includes the brand and some surrounding skin. Akin the tailoring, the goal is the remove the brand and replace it with a linear scar or W-plasty to result in the best possible final appearance.
Tissue Removal and Contouring:
The brand is surgically removed, including the deep thick scar tissue of the brand. The extra skin around the brand can be rotated or advanced as part of a local-tissue-rearrangement to provide optimal healing.
Incision Closure:
Once the desired tissue handling is performed, the incision is closed in layers. Dissolvable deep sutures are used to minimize tension on the skin. Skin sutures may be placed underneath the skin or on-top of the skin depending on scar tension and orientation. Dissolvable sutures do not need to be removed while permanent sutures are removed within 5-14 days.
Dressing and Post Brand Removal Care:
We encourage our patients to shower the next day. Aftercare may involve changing a dressing daily to help protect the brand removal incision and keep clothing clean. Once the skin is healed, bandages are no longer required. We provide a complementary scar cream as part of our treatment package to invest in the best possible results. Often, we will recommend microneedling or CO2 laser resurfacing as part of our brand removal scar treatment package.
Brand removal is something patients will think about for years before deciding on having the brand removed.
Patients who undergo fraternity brand removal often feel they have regained controlled over their body. Some patients feel that they are now in a different stage of their life, and having a fraternity brand no longer fits who they are.
Ultimately, fraternity branding, like obtaining a tattoo should be a personal decision. Thus, fraternity brand removal, like tattoo removal, should be no different.
Mark Domanski, MD., is an award-winner and double board-certified plastic surgeon in Fairfax, VA. Dr. Domanski has the expertise to deliver the results you desire.
Call us today at (703)-596-1660 to schedule your appointment.
Dr. Domanski’s surgical skills are complemented by his compassionate bedside manner. He got me through a scary situation, and really listened to what I had to say. A winning combination of art and science and an excellent medical practitioner..
I am so happy with my results from Dr. Mark Domanski. I look so natural, all my friends are amazed. Would highly recommend
Had a great experience getting filler with Dr. Domanski. He took time explaining the processes and listened to exactly what I wanted. Loving the result!
I’m super picky about who I go to for beauty work. I’m just that person that does months and even years of research before choosing a doctor. Let me be the one to tell you that Dr. Mark Domanski is AMAZING! He is simply the best I’ve ever met. (…)
Dr. Domanski is such a skilled Professional. He makes you feel and look amazing, and always remembers me, and my friends who I have sent to him. He is extremely personable, which is rare these days. Go see him and you’ll definitely want to make it part of your routine:) Thanks Dr. D!
Dr. Domanski worked his magic and I am thrilled with the results. I highly recommend him for all your cosmetic needs!
A good candidate for fraternity brand removal is someone who no longer wishes to have their fraternity branding due to personal, professional, or lifestyle changes.
The ideal candidate is in generally good health. The candidate should not be on any medication that inhibits blood clotting. Smoking greatly increases the risk of healing problems.
Ideal candidates have realistic expectations, and understand that surgical removal of the brand involves replacing the brand with an incision line–after the branded tissue is removed and the area is closed with sutures.
A consultation with a qualified provider can help determine the best approach based on individual goals and characteristics.
During your initial consult, Dr. Domanski will review your goals, and options for the fraternity brand removal procedure.
The recovery process after brand removal procedure can vary from person to person, and it depends on several factors such as the extent of the procedure, individual healing abilities, and adherence to post-procedure instructions. Here is a general overview of what to expect during the recovery period:
Immediately after procedure: You may experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising.
First few days: The first few days after procedure are typically the most uncomfortable, and it is important to take it easy during this time. It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding dressing changes, wound care, and medication.
Activity and exercise: It is important to avoid strenuous activities and exercise for a few weeks following procedure to allow for proper healing. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines on when you can gradually resume normal activities and exercise routines. It is crucial to follow these guidelines to avoid complications and promote optimal healing.
Scarring: Incisions made during brand removal procedure will result in scars. Initially, the scars may appear red and raised, but they will gradually fade and flatten over time. Dr. Domanski provides instructions on scar care and recommends product to help minimize the appearance of scars.
Follow-up appointments: It is important to attend your follow-up appointments, as scheduled. These appointments allow Dr. Domanski to monitor your healing progress, remove any sutures, and address any concerns or questions you may have.
The complete recovery period can range from several days to a few weeks, depending on individual factors. It is crucial to follow your surgeon’s instructions, take any prescribed medications, and maintain open communication with your surgical team throughout the recovery process.
Remember that every individual heals at their own pace, so it is important to be patient and give your body the necessary time to heal properly. If you have any concerns or notice any unusual symptoms during the recovery period, it is important to contact your surgeon for guidance and advice.
With over 70 plastic surgeons in the Northern Virginia area, patients choose Dr. Domanski because they trust him. We believe you will not find a more honest surgeon than Dr. Domanski.
“Be Yourself,
Everyone Else Is Taken.”
– Oscar Wilde
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