17 days post op extended brachioplasty and breast lift with augmentation. My right arm is swollen all the to my hand. Normal?

Question

Everything looks good with my breast. My only concern is the swelling of my right arm. It was swollen, as expected for about 3dsys post op, but now it’s back. Any suggestions?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and picture . I recommend you visit your PS asap for an exam and evaluation. best of luck

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding post-operative swelling after your brachioplasty or arm lift. Hand, forearm and arm swelling are expected after an arm lift or brachioplasty. The swelling may take two to three weeks to disappear in the hand and the forearm. Some of the swelling in the upper arm from the armpit to the elbow may last for another several weeks. To minimize arm swelling, I would suggest you wear a compression garment or Ace bandages from your hands to your armpits. The Ace bandages and compression garments serve to minimize arm swelling. I would suggest you wear hand and forearm Ace bandages for the first one to two weeks after your arm lift or brachioplasty. Afterwards, I would suggest four to six weeks of upper arm compression in a garment to minimize swelling and to help flatten the arm lift  scar. Elevation of your hands and forearms will also help to minimize the swelling. I hope this serves to answer your questions regarding swelling after an arm lift for brachioplasty. As always, it is best to check with your plastic surgeon about any symptoms which concerned you. If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift or brachioplasty, please contact my office. If you are considering an arm lift for brachioplasty, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of arm lifts or brachioplasties in their career. 
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Bram Kaufman, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. In my experience, arm swelling after brachioplasty is extremely common, can last weeks or months but almost always resolves completely. There can be other reasons for swelling besides normal post op issues and it is important to let your doctor know. After an evaluation, other studies/investigations might be necessary. Hang in there and good luck. BRK

Joseph Michaels, MD · Answer

It is not abnormal to have swelling following an arm lift several weeks after surgery. I would make sure you are following your surgeon's instructions for elevation and compression wear. If the swelling is just below the garment, the garment may be the cause. Also, in patient's that have swelling in their dominant hand it can be from overuse and lack of elevation. I would discuss this with your surgeon as it is rare, but patients can also get a blood clot in the arm. This is more likely in the scenario of asymmetric swelling or pain in the affected arm. To be on the safe side I would call your surgeon to discuss the swelling.

Robert P. Warr, MD, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question. 
Some swelling would be expected after surgery of this nature. If one side is significantly more swollen than another then you should seek advice from your surgical team. 
It may simply be that adjustment in compression garment is required. It may be that you sleep more on one side than another. 
But I would advise speaking with your surgeon to check that everything is ok. 
Good luck.

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17 days post op extended brachioplasty and breast lift with augmentation. My right arm is swollen all the to my hand. Normal?

Answers (10)

Answer: Swelling in arm

Answer: Swelling in arm

Answer: Swelling and brachioplasty

Answer: Swelling and brachioplasty

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Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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