3 weeks post op. I had an arm lift and my right armpit started leaking yellowish odorless discharge. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

I recently noticed that my right arm pit started leaking yellowish odorless discharge and got a bit afraid. I asked my ps and he said it’s normal but last night I noticed that my wound is slightly bigger. Again I was advised to keep it clean and apply Platsul A to help with the healing but I am not sure if this requires a visit to the ER or not. Any suggestions, is this considered an open wound or is it part of the healing process?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding leaking from your right armpit three weeks after an arm lift. I appreciate your history and the pictures you provided. While leaking fluid after a brachioplasty (arm reduction) is common, it is not necessarily normal. The fluid you’re describing is likely serous fluid, which is a clear-to-yellowish liquid that the body produces as part of the healing process.

This type of leakage frequently occurs at the intersection of the incisions in a T-arm lift, as this area is prone to tension and slower healing. Your plastic surgeon's advice to keep it clean and apply Platsul A is reasonable, and different surgeons may also recommend topical antibiotics like bacitracin or mupirocin or using wet-to-dry dressings to promote healing.

At this point, an ER visit is not necessary unless you develop fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, foul-smelling discharge, increasing redness, or worsening pain—all of which could indicate an infection. However, since your wound has slightly enlarged, I recommend staying in close contact with your plastic surgeon and following their care instructions carefully. These small wound openings usually heal on their own within 2-3 weeks, and in most cases, the residual scar is minimal and does not require revision.

Since arm lifts require precise surgical technique and careful post-op care, I always recommend choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed at least 100 arm lifts and has before-and-after photos demonstrating their expertise. If you continue to have concerns, schedule an in-person follow-up with your surgeon for further evaluation.

I hope this helps answer your question. Wishing you a smooth and speedy recovery!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

This can be a sign of a seroma or a collection of fluid under your arm or infection. For this reason I would advise you to see your Doctor.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have small open wounds after an arm lift just keep the area clean and dry covered with gauze and it will heal in time. Continue to follow up with your PS to discuss your concerns.

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a normal process of healing after a brachioplasty. Applying antibiotic ointment and covering that area will help it heal faster. Also covering it will reduce the chances of further irritating the area. Whenever you have questions about your healing process, contact your original surgeon regarding further instructions.

Timothy A. Janiga, MD, FACS · Answer

It is common to have small areas that can drain after a brachioplasty.  The area does not look infected and I would not go to the ER unless you start to develop fevers or increasing redness.  Keep in close contact with your plastic surgeon and with their guidance the area will heal.  Take care.Timothy A. Janiga MD, FACS

3 weeks post op. I had an arm lift and my right armpit started leaking yellowish odorless discharge. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Post Brachioplasty

Answer: Post Brachioplasty

Answer: Arm pit wound

Answer: Arm pit wound

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Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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3 weeks post op. I had an arm lift and my right armpit started leaking yellowish odorless discharge. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Post Brachioplasty

Answer: Post Brachioplasty

Answer: Arm pit wound

Answer: Arm pit wound

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.