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?

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.

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

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.

Steven Varkony, MD · Answer

Without a proper examination, it’s impossible to tell if
anything abnormal is happening. Swelling is common after surgery and can take a
few months to completely subside. We recommend scheduling a follow up
appointment with your surgeon to further discuss your concerns.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

It is best to see your PS for a proper examination. This may be part of the normal postop recovery but impossible to reassure you on line.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Some swelling is typical after this procedure. Swelling that extends all the way to the hand may or may not be expected depending on the aggressiveness of the procedure. The concern would be if your skin envelope and swelling are such that it is constricting your lymphatics or any blood supply to the skin. In rare cases, the closure of the arm may be just a little too tight and with swelling, this can constrict the blood supply and the surgeon may need to release some sutures. Most surgeons use approaches to limit this risk. If you are right-handed it is not unlikely your arm will swell more on that side due to extra use. Elevation and mild compression are usually prescribed by the surgeon but you should be sure to have regular followups. If you have numbness in the hand, you probably should be seen sooner in order to make sure there is no compromise of blood supply (again, a rare finding).

Larry Lickstein, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear that you have this concern, but it needs to be evaluated promptly by your surgeon.  Brachioplasty does interrupt some of the lymphatics traveling through the soft tissue of the arm, and consequently, some people experience some swelling.  But you report that your early swelling resolved and now it has recurred.  That is not normal.  It may be related to something simple - such as overuse of the arm or a compression garment or wrap that is too tight - but it also could be something more serious, such as a venous thrombosis.  Make certain that you are assessed by your physician to rule out any complication and discuss means of management.  Best of luck!

Mo Akhavani, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi there,
From the photo you have sent it is almost impossible to make a meaningful comment. What i can say is that it is not unusual for some swelling to be present after your surgery and these can take as long as 3 months (sometimes even longer) to settle. If you have any concerns please visit your surgeon.

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

Answers (10)

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