Painful forearms 4 weeks after brachioplasty. Is this normal?

Thank you for your question.It is very common to get pain in the forearms. The swelling of the upper arms gradually goes down to the forearms. In some cases the garment can make it worse because it pushes all the swelling into the forearms.  You want to pay attention that one arm is not more swollen than the other or if you if have increased pain on one side, then you should contact your surgeon.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this discomfort after your brachioplasty. The pain you're describing in your forearms, wrists, and hands isn't commonly associated with brachioplasty or compression sleeve use, so it's understandable that your doctor's office hasn't encountered it before. However, there could be several potential causes:

1. Nerve Compression or Irritation:
Sometimes, after surgery or due to prolonged use of compression garments, nerves in the arms, forearms, or wrists can become irritated or compressed. This could lead to pain, a pulling sensation, or even numbness and tingling.
2. Tendon or Muscular Strain:
Your arm surgery may have caused some strain on the muscles or tendons in your forearms and wrists, especially if there has been swelling or tension in the tissues during healing. This could create the tight, pulling sensation you're describing.
3. Compression Garment Fit:
While compression garments are essential for healing, an improperly fitted sleeve could cause excessive pressure on certain areas, potentially irritating nerves or muscles in the forearm and wrist area.
What You Can Do:
Consult Your Surgeon Again: Since you're still experiencing discomfort, it’s important to bring this up with your surgeon again. You may want to request an in-person evaluation to assess whether your symptoms could be related to nerve compression or something else. They might refer you to a specialist like a neurologist if necessary.
Evaluate the Fit of Your Compression Garments: It’s worth double-checking the fit of your compression sleeves with your surgeon to ensure they aren’t causing undue pressure. They might recommend trying a different size or style.
Consider Gentle Movement or Physical Therapy: In some cases, gentle range-of-motion exercises or physical therapy can help relieve tension in the muscles and tendons. Ask your surgeon if this is appropriate for your stage of recovery.
Persistent pain like this is not typical, and it’s important to get a thorough evaluation to ensure your healing is on track.

Hi Verhoj,
Thank you for your question regarding painful forearms four weeks after brachioplasty and whether you have “normal” swelling after an arm lift or brachioplasty. Swelling in your forearms is normal and can last up to 12 weeks after brachioplasty (though uncommon). Forearm swelling is the way arms heal. Usually, patients have swelling in the upper arm. However, if the arm garment is too tight or the incision is too tight, there can be associated forearm swelling. 
Either way, the treatment for forearm and upper arm swelling after a brachioplasty is relatively the same. I would suggest you keep your elbows straight and your hands above your heart. Your hand should be elevated on several pillows. Gravity will help decrease some of the arm, forearm, wrist and hand swelling. In addition, you need lymphatic massage of your hands, wrists, forearms, and upper arms. Also, lymphatic massage of your upper extremity should be performed two or three times a week for approximately six weeks. In addition, you may need a looser garment. The garment may be too tight and thus, restricting the flow of lymph fluid into the normal circulation. Therefore, you may have to have custom fitted garments created for your forearms and your upper arms. Fortunately, most upper arm extremity swelling does resolve overtime. In your case, it sounds like it is going to take at least another month.  Therefore, I would suggest arm elevation, lymphatic massage, and application of appropriate fitting compression garments. All these maneuvers will help to decrease painful, swollen arms four weeks after brachioplasty. Good luck with your arm lift healing. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Your best advice or reassurance that nothing is wrong will come from a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon.

you are still early in the healing process. it will take 4-6 months for the swelling to settle down. The pain you are experiencing may be due to swelling causing pressure. Make sure you see your surgeon in follow up.

Thank you for your questions. Sorry to hear about this. It is possible that you still have some ongoing swelling or nerve irritation that may improve with time. Either way, I think your surgeon should be willing to see you for an examination and discussion. If not, maybe you chose the wrong surgeon.Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

It is normal to have occasional discomfort and swelling even four weeks after surgery. It may be related to activity level. Did you have your surgeon assess the fit of the compression sleeves? I encourage you to return to the office for an exam.

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) It has only been 4 weeks since your surgery. Your body is still healing. Healing can be associated with lots of strange sensations. Discomfort as you have described is not uncommon. However, if you are concerned, you should speak to or schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon. I hope this answers your question. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Thank you for your question. The scars from the arm lift typically do not heal as well as other operations. They are often thicker and redder. Scar management is even more important for this surgery. Discuss with your surgeon. Good luck.