5 Weeks Post Op Arm Lift Why Arms Burn Razor Pain?

Question

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Patients who undergo brachioplasty often complain of pain, swelling and skin hypersensitivity. These are normal findings immediately following surgery and usually resolve with time.The burning sensation that you describe is known as a dyesthesia. It's very similar to what happens when your leg falls asleep. This phenomena occurs when nerves are compressed and stretched. In many cases, this is made worse by swelling.Patients typically describe a tingling sensation which they describe as burning. In many cases, clothing rubbing against the area can elicit a pins and needles sensation.Shooting pains can occur for a variety of reasons in the immediate post-operative period. The most likely causes include nerve regeneration and nerve fibers caught within scar tissue.These symptoms usually resolve in about six to eight weeks without intervention. In some cases, aggressive massage can desensitize the area and minimize the pain and discomfort associated with this condition.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding razor-type pain five weeks after an arm lift. It is not uncommon to have pain after an arm lift. An arm lift is also called an arm lift or brachioplasty. Durig this procedure, arm liposuction is performed, and various incisions can be used. For example, a crescent skin area can be removed from the armpit during a crescent arm lift. The resulting scar is in the armpit. Another type of arm lift involves making an incision from the armpit partially down the inner arm. This is called a modified brachioplasty. The most common arm lift I perform is an incision from the armpit to the elbow. This requires liposuction and the removal of excess skin and fat on the inner portion of the arm. Like most other surgeries, pain is expected. Pain can last up to 6-8 weeks. If your pain is intense, you need to consult your plastic surgeon to see why your pain is so acute and intense. Usually, with pain medication, anti-inflammatories, compression, and tissue massage, the pain resolves independently. Again, please consult with your chosen plastic surgeon. Thank you for your question regarding razor-type pain five weeks 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.)

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question!  Hope that these answers help you.

	I would recommend an evaluation by your surgeon.  There are several reasons for your pain (e.g., hematoma, infection, nerve entrapment, neuropraxia, etc.)  These are just a few of the things that it may be caused from.  However, only 5 weeks after your procedure, it is likely caused by neuropraxia...simply that your nerves are coming back.  Only by examination would one be able to tell you what the cause may be, however.  I would encourage massaging of the area for now in order to re-train some of the nerve endings as well as ice packs to the area.  You are still very early in the healing process - I hope that you will have an excellent result!  Good luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question, but only your plastic surgeon will be able to give you meaningful advise and/or reassurance after direct physical examination. 

	 Best wishes; hopefully, you'll be very pleased with the end result of the procedure performed.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This could be a suture pop, scar, nerve entrapment, but you should see your plastic surgeon to be sure.

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