Asymmetrical Swelling After Arm Lift?

     If there is a significant size difference between the extremities and associated pain, an exam followed by an ultrasound may be necessary to evaluate for blood clot.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question regarding asymmetrical swelling after an arm lift. You mentioned you were three weeks out from your arm lift or brachioplasty. Therefore, you are still healing. It would be best if you waited at least eight weeks to evaluate the arms. Therefore, you have at least another 5-6 weeks to go. Wound openings can also delay final healing. The fact that you have swelling only three weeks after surgery is quite normal. If you have swelling around your wrists and even your fingers, you must have these areas compressed. I suggest compression from the wrist to the armpit 24 hours a day. This would either be with ace bandages or a compression sleeve. This will help to minimize the swelling and flatten the scar. It would be best if you were concerned but not overly concerned. Almost always, the swelling goes away and is not permanent. Please continue to consult with your chosen plastic surgeon. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding asymmetrical swelling after an arm lift.

It's not unusual for patients to develop swelling following brachioplasty. The swelling may occur for a variety of reasons, but is usually always transient in nature.Occasionally, patients develop localized unilateral swelling of the arm. When this occurs, other causes should be considered including seroma and hematoma formation. When these conditions occur, drainage is often indicated.For these reasons, it's important that you discuss this problem with your plastic surgeon so appropriate intervention can be undertaken if necessary. When this occurs, results are usually excellent, but failure to address these issues can result in complications including wound breakdown.