Arm pain after brachioplasty. Could the compression sleeves by too tight?

Question

I had brachioplasty 8 days ago. Today they switched me from an XL compression sleeve to a large. They also removed three stitches (the rest being internal and dissolvable). Suddenly today my arm (mainly the right one) has been throbbing and is painful. Could the compression sleeves be too tight now?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Alynnbrock, Thank you for your question regarding arm pain after brachioplasty, and could the compression sleeves be too tight?  Thank you for your history.  Yes, your arm compression sleeves could be too tight, causing you throbbing and pain.  You need to contact your arm lift plastic surgeon immediately.  Instead of an arm garment, most plastic surgeons who specialize in arm lifts would suggest you use an ACE bandage from your wrist to your armpit at this time.  
Swelling after an arm lift is expected.  Typically, the peak of swelling occurs during the first seven to ten days following a brachioplasty.  During this time, it is important to compress and elevate your hands above your heart.  Your elbows should be kept straight to help return lymphatic fluid to your circulation.  You may also need a fluid pill (diuretic) or even a lymphatic massage.  Your arm lift garment should be worn for approximately six to eight weeks after your arm reduction procedure.  If you continue to experience arm swelling after that, you should continue to wear your arm garment. 
I hope that I have answered your question regarding arm pain and throbbing after a brachioplasty, and could the arm compression sleeves are not too tight. If you have any further questions regarding arm lifts, arm reductions, brachioplasty, or arm crease fat grafting, please consult with an experienced plastic surgeon.  Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 150 arm lifts.  Ensure they have the before-and-after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before-and-after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA. (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, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is possible that the compression sleeve is too tight. But any acute change like this could also mean something else is going on. Best to contact your plastic surgeon and be evaluated to make sure.Best of luck!

Edward I. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question. Although the compression sleeve being too tight can be the cause of the pain, a sudden increase in pain on one side can mean that something else is going on. I would contact your plastic surgeon to see if anything needs to be done.

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