10 days post op of Arm Tuck. My arms are extremely itchy and red. The stitches are also bunched. Is this normal?

Question

It's been itching like crazy and it's very red along and around the scars. My doctor put me on a&d, and I've been also using tricalm. It's still itching like the world is about to end. Please help!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone an arm lift or brachioplasty.You described itching to your arms only. This is more suggestive of an isolated problem then an allergy to some of the medications. Typically, allergies to medications would cause total body itching. This doesn't seem to be the case.I believe what you're describing is an allergy to the surgical prep used to sterilize your arms before your brachioplasty.  I would consult with your plastic surgeon. Please determine if you can remove the arm bandages and wash the area gently with a mild soap and water. It is very normal for the incision to be bunched up. This will smooth with time. I would highly suggest arm compression garments for 4 to 6 months

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

A picture would be great.  It sounds more like an allergic reaction to something around the incision.  Rarely, it could be related to the sutures. There can be gathering of the incision with arm lifts.  This will improve over time.Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD,DDS, FACS

Eric Desman, MD · Answer

Without a photo, it is difficult to say. Many patients get some itching and suture line redness in reaction to healing and the sutures. At about 10 days, this would be the time to expect to see something like this. On the contrary, this may be an early infection. It is difficult to really hazard a guess without a photo. You could be having an allergic reaction to one of your medications. Delayed allergies are possible too. Your best bet is to see your surgeon and have her take a look.

10 days post op of Arm Tuck. My arms are extremely itchy and red. The stitches are also bunched. Is this normal?

Answers (3)

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10 days post op of Arm Tuck. My arms are extremely itchy and red. The stitches are also bunched. Is this normal?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.