Scars under armpit burn after arm lift

Question

I had an arm lift procedure 10 days ago. I am doing fine in the arms, BUT the underarms are chaffing and burning because I have to wear the garment. I understand no powders, or creams. What can I do? Its excruciating.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi adiben101 in Kirkland, WA, 
Thank you for your question regarding scars under the armpit after an arm lift.  Thank you for your history.  Based on your history, it appears you have contact dermatitis or an allergic reaction to the garment.  I would contact your arm lift plastic surgeon immediately.  Burning of this nature is not normal after an arm lift or, in fact, any other plastic surgery procedure.  If you believe the burning and chafing are due to the garment, most plastic surgeons suggest that you discontinue the arm compression garment.  Your arm skin needs to breathe.  There are some other compression devices you can wear instead of the arm garments.  These include ACE bandages.  You may need to wear the ACE bandages for one to two weeks before using the arm compression garments again.  You may also need topical creams or lotions applied to your arm toreducee chafing and burning.  These are important things to discuss with your chosen arm lift plastic surgeon.  You could also be allergic to the material in the arm garment.  Alternatively, you may be allergic to the dressing or even the skin prep used during the arm lift procedure.  Nonetheless, you must follow up with your brachioplasty plastic surgeon.  Given the conditions you describe, it is best to follow up with your chosen plastic surgeon immediately.  I hope this answers your questions regarding the arm reduction, specifically the scars under the armpit after an arm lift. If you have any further questions about arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty, arm scar revision, or arm crease fat grafting, contact an experienced plastic surgeon.  To get an accurate assessment of your needs, schedule a free virtual consultation.  Most plastic surgeons offer free virtual consultations.  Since an arm lift can be a challenging surgery, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of lifts.  Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 150 arm lift procedures.  Make sure they have the before-and-after pictures to prove it.  Carefully review their before-and-after photos and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS ( Plastic Surgeon , President of  the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery,  and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Steven Varkony, MD · Answer

It’s not uncommon to have discomfort following surgery. It
is important that you are following your plastic surgeon’s post-operative
instructions to ensure the best results. We recommend scheduling a follow up
appointment with your surgeon to make sure you are not having a reaction to
anything and to address your concerns.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

It is not unusual to have issues that you describe. Always best to see your PS re advice. It may be worth removing the garment if it is irritating or placing something between the scars and the garment. Best to ask you PS.

Giovanna Ghafoori, MD · Answer

Hi Adiben.  Congratulations on your brachioplasty, but I am sorry to hear that you are having chaffing and burning of your underarms :(If you haven't done so already, I would definitely recommend that you talk to your surgeon to be sure that you are not having a skin reaction, blistering, poor healing or a developing infection, as any of these would need to be treated.  The axillary skin is quite sensitive, and discomfort in this area with the garment is not uncommon.  Some individuals may also have a sensitivity to the material/chemicals of the garment.I do not recommend baby powder to my patients, as the protein in the powder could facilitate an allergic reaction to any latex in the garment.  However, I find that corn starch often helps, particularly if there is an issue with perspiration.  Also, Desitin ointment, ice, and/or a soft cotton T-shirt under the garment may provide some relief.  However, each of these remedies might be contra-indicated in your specific situation, so I would get the approval of your surgeon before considering any such steps.Best of luck to you, and I hope your symptoms resolve soon!  Dr. Ghafoori

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Soft pads will help. If it is excruciating pain I recommend to see your PS for evaluation and adjustment of garments.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

A soft pad or gauze can help.  A feminine pad can be placed in the area.  Make sure the skin is not damaged in the area.  If there is an incision then it should be inspected.  I prefer to do minimally invasive armlets with BodyTite and liposuction to avoid incisions in this area.

Scars under armpit burn after arm lift

Answers (6)

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