Why Do my Arms Feel Hard After Brachioplasty Surgery?

Thank you for your question about why your arms feel hard after brachioplasty surgery. During an arm lift/reduction or brachioplasty. A tumescent solution is injected into the arm. After this injection, liposuction is performed. Then, excess skin and fat from the arm are directly removed. Like any other surgery, there is swelling after the surgery. After the swelling subsided. There is a period where the arms are firm and complex; this is, I believe, what you are feeling. This takes approximately 3-4 weeks to settle and then becomes soft. Regular massage, lymphatic, and compression garments can help loosen and minimize swelling. I believe you need to give your arms a little more time to heal before coming to any conclusions regarding the firmness of the arms. Please consult your plastic surgeon if you are overly concerned about the hardness of your arms. However, I believe this is due to the swelling immediately after your surgery. Remember again; it takes approximately 6-8 weeks for the swelling to go down after an arm lift.
I specialize in arm lifts. I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction. If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, please contact my office. Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research. Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts. Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

   Induration and hardness are components of the normal healing process.  If there is anything suggestive of a fluid collection, hematoma, infection, or blood clot see your plastic surgeon.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

-It is common after a brachioplasty (arm lift) operation to have a lot of swelling in the arms that can take weeks to fully resolve.  This could be the reason that your arms feel firm.  

-Massage, time, and keeping the arms elevated as much as possible, all seems to help with this swelling. 

-Definitely, check with your plastic surgeon and have him/her examine your arms as you may find this reassuring as well.  

Take care!

Feeling hardness or firmness in the arms following brachioplasty (arm lift) surgery is a common occurrence and is often attributed to several factors:1. Swelling: Swelling is a natural response to surgery and can persist for several weeks or even months after brachioplasty. This swelling can make the arms feel firm or hard to the touch. As the swelling gradually subsides over time, the hardness should diminish.2. Scar tissue formation: After brachioplasty, the body naturally forms scar tissue as part of the healing process. This scar tissue can contribute to the firmness or hardness felt in the arms, especially around the incision sites. Massage therapy and regular movement of the arms as recommended by your plastic surgeon can help soften the scar tissue over time.3. Fluid accumulation: Sometimes, fluid can accumulate in the tissues following surgery, leading to swelling and a sensation of firmness or hardness. This fluid buildup, known as seroma, is more common in some individuals than others. Your plastic surgeon may need to drain excess fluid if a seroma develops to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.4. Muscle tightness: The tightening of the skin and underlying tissues during brachioplasty can initially cause the muscles in the arms to feel tight or tense. As the tissues adjust and heal, this sensation should gradually improve.It's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's post-operative instructions closely, including any recommendations for arm exercises, compression garments, and massage therapy, to help minimize discomfort and promote optimal healing. If you have concerns about the hardness or firmness in your arms following brachioplasty surgery, don't hesitate to contact your plastic surgeon for guidance and reassurance. They can evaluate your condition and provide recommendations to address any issues you may be experiencing during the recovery process.

Thank you for your question.  Armlift procedures remove skin, fat and temporarily disrupt some of the arms lymphatic channels. This makes it difficult for swelling to leave the arms which tend to be dependent.  This swelling makes the arms feel hard.  It will resolve with time. In the meantime, you should keep your arms elevated with pillows above your heart.  If the swelling is severe or uncomfortable, you can consider compression sleeves for the arms.  They are available on line at compression garment companies.  Good luck with your recovery!