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.

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.

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.