Prolonged forearm swelling 6 months after arm lift - will it ever go away?

Question

I am concerned about prolonged forearm swelling after Brachioplasty. I have been wearing my compression garment for almost 6 months, is it ever going to go away?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about prolonged forearm swelling after Brachioplasty. It is understandable to be worried about this issue, and I hope to provide some helpful information.

Swelling after Brachioplasty is normal and can persist for several months after surgery. Wearing a compression garment can help to reduce the swelling, but it may take some time for it to completely go away. In some cases, swelling can persist for up to a year after surgery.

It is important to note that every patient heals differently, and factors such as the extent of surgery, the amount of excess skin, and your overall health can all impact your recovery process.

If the swelling is causing discomfort or concern, I recommend consulting with your surgeon. They can examine you and determine if any additional measures need to be taken, such as massage therapy or lymphatic drainage.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Prolonged swelling after Brachioplasty is not uncommon, especially in the lower arm and hand area. Wearing a compression garment can help reduce swelling and promote healing, but it may not completely eliminate the swelling.

In general, it is normal for some swelling to persist for several months after Brachioplasty. However, if the swelling has not improved at all in 6 months and is causing discomfort or other issues, it may be worth discussing with your surgeon.

Your surgeon may recommend additional treatments such as lymphatic massage, compression sleeves, or diuretics to help reduce swelling. In some cases, revision surgery may be necessary to address persistent swelling.

It's important to continue wearing the compression garment as directed by your surgeon, and to follow all post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing. Be sure to communicate any concerns or questions you have with your surgeon, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual situation.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Prolonged swelling in the forearm six months after an arm lift (brachioplasty) can occur, but it should typically subside by that point. Some swelling may linger, especially if there’s fluid retention, scar tissue, or overexertion during recovery. To address this, you could try gentle massage, compression garments, and avoiding activities that strain the arms. However, it's essential to consult your plastic surgeon to ensure there are no complications like lymphedema or infection and to discuss any necessary treatments for ongoing swelling.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

A few people after an arm tuck may have had damage to their lymphatic system and continue to swell. However, your healing time is one year, and you may slowly of down in size. Lymphatic massage might be helpful plus more aggressive compression for lymphatic fluid. Please discuss this with your surgeon.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The majority of swelling should be resolved at six months post op.  I encourage you to visit with your surgeon to determine what may be leading to it still being present.  Is it more noticeable at certain times? Is it consistent? Does anything improve it?  Your surgeon is the best one to advise you as she/he is most familiar with the details of your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery.

Jose Segura, MD, PhD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, in the case of braquioplasty, I suggest you see your doctor to check if there is no lymphatic drainage compromise and could require any complementary medical or surgical treatment. I put it to your consideration

Prolonged forearm swelling 6 months after arm lift - will it ever go away?

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