Dog ear near elbow after Arm Lift surgery. (photo)

Question

Hi...I have done arm lift surgery 8 days back but near my elbow it's dog air like a big ball n my dr said it's bcz of fluid n ll go after 6 to 8 months but I never heard before. ..so plz tell me what should I do ? It looks v bad I'm crying ...plz how can get rid of it ...don't want another surgery....its more big in real thn pic

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry you are having this problem after your armlift or brachioplasty.  From your description of what your plastic surgeon stated, this sounds like a seroma. A seroma is a collection of serous fluid.  After an armlift or brachioplasty, it is not uncommon to develop a seroma around the elbow. The treatment is two-fold. The first is aspirating the fluid with a needle. This is a relatively painless in-office procedure. This may have to be done two or three times to completely remove the fluid. The second form of treatment involves compression. I believe it's essential to use arm garments for 4 to 6 weeks after an arm lift or brachioplasty. This will help to compress the arm and minimize fluid accumulation. This minimizes the recurrence of the seroma. In addition, arm garment compression helps to flatten the scar and minimize the chances of an arm keloid. .

Michelle J. Place, MD · Answer

Definitely no cause for alarm.  The swelling usually settles at the lowest point and it takes months for it to resolve.  When the swelling goes down and the skin tightens it is unusual to need to do anything to correct it.  I would wait at least 6 months and even if a little fullness remains it can be corrected with minor procedures. Enjoy your new tighter arms.

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

Relax it's more common than you think. It's still too early to draw any conclusions. This raised area is often called a dog ear but you must wait at least 3-4 months. Concentrate on the positive and hopefully your arms are thinner. Good luck

Anne Taylor, MD · Answer

Due to the shape of the skin that is removed- in an ellipse, the central part is tighter than the two ends, resulting in the puff we call the dog ear. These can resolve over time and it is early. I suggest waiting at least six months before any revisions.

Dog ear near elbow after Arm Lift surgery. (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Dog ear at the elbow- may resolve with time

Answer: Dog ear at the elbow- may resolve with time

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Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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Dog ear near elbow after Arm Lift surgery. (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Dog ear at the elbow- may resolve with time

Answer: Dog ear at the elbow- may resolve with time

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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.