Is extreme nerve irritation after brachioplasty normal 5 weeks post-op? (photos)

Thank you for your question.The sensory nerves are disrupted during surgery, so it is not uncommon for these sensations you are describing to develop days after surgery. The swelling will come and go over the next few weeks, at 5 weeks that is still very early in the recovery process. The sensory nerves can take 6 months or longer to repair. Stay patient and follow the instructions from your surgeon.

Thank you for your question regarding extreme nerve irritation during a brachioplasty and whether this is normal five weeks after an arms reduction. No, it is not customary to have extreme nerve irritation after a brachioplasty. You mentioned nerve irritation and sensitivity, along with burning pain. This could be related to postoperative swelling. I suggest you follow up with your plastic surgeon to seek further answers. I would consider lymphatic massage and the application of compression garments to minimize swelling. The swelling could press on the nerve and cause nerve irritation. It is doubtful that any nerves have been cut or transected. If nerves have been cut or transected, it will cause numbness, not sensitivity and burning. Therefore, I would suggest arm compression garments and lymphatic massage. I hope this helps alleviate your nerve irritation. I wish you the best of luck.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Hello, thank you for your question. Sorry to hear about this, it is possible that you still have some ongoing swelling or nerve irritation that may improve with time.Your body is still healing, healing can be associated with lots of strange sensations. Discomfort as you have described is not uncommon. However, if you are concerned, you should speak to or schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon.

Hi Sheen1975,
I'm sorry to hear that you are having some nerve irritation after surgery. You are still relatively early in the healing process and it should get better over the course of several months. Once everything has healed well enough to tolerating massaging, that may help speed up the healing process by breaking up underlying scar tissue that may also be irritating the nerves. Blessings on your journey!

Hello! Thank you for your question. It has only been 5 weeks since your surgery. Your body is still healing. Healing can be associated with lots of strange sensations. Discomfort/Pain as you have described is not uncommon. Most symptoms improve with time. (Exactly how long varies with each patient.) However, if they don't improve or you continue to be concerned, you should speak to or schedule and appointment with your plastic surgeon. I hope this answers your question. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Hello, 
Congratulations on your recent surgery! The nerve irritation you describe is common during this period. You are still early in your recovery, and I expect it will improve with time. I recommend you follow up with your Plastic Surgeon as planned. Best of luck!
Dr Ford

You are in the very early stages of your post operative recovery.  The type of sensations that you describe are often normal following surgery as nerves disturbed during the procedures reconnect and cause electrical sensitivity.  It can take many months for the swelling to subside after surgery - try and be patient and follow your surgeons post operative guidelines.