Unable to Lift my Arms over my Head 5 Wks After Brachioplasty, Normal?

asked 9 months ago by Katie in SJ in San Jose, CA
Latest answer by Siamak Agha, MD, PhD
Question viewed 219 times
Tags: 1 month post-op, movement, normal, raise

My left arm has good movement but my right arm is very sore and movement is limited when raising my arm over my head. How can I improve this? I have been massaging the scar and muscle area but nothing seems to work. HELP

4 answers to Unable to Lift my Arms over my Head 5 Wks After Brachioplasty, Normal?

Minimal Arm Movement After Armlift

This is a common concern patients have post-armlift surgery. It is best to contact your operating surgeon and address this concern you have. You will need to be examined and may be given a set of movements to do with your arms that may help this. It takes about 4-6 weeks on average to heal from this procedure, but any concerns you may have should always be heard by your surgeon as this is essential to your healing. I have included a link below that may be of help to you. Best of luck. more

Siamak Agha, MD, PhD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.drsiamakagha.com

Arm Lifting and Limited Range of Motion

Thank you for the question. There are many reasons why patients may have decreased range of motion of an arm 5 weeks after arm lifting surgery. The diagnosis and treatment plan is best made by the operating surgeon who can examine you directly. Specifically, examination of the incision line/scar closest to the axilla will be helpful. If everything is healing normally range of motion exercises (crawling up the wall with your fingertips) may be helpful... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon