Postop Arm Lift. What's the goal of a compression garment after Brachioplasty? To compress tightly or prevent skin from sagging?

Question

I was provided a garment to wear that is like a small jacket, and not uncomfortable on cool days with clothes over, but warm days are unbearable so I’m looking for alternatives. I’ve purchased a pair of upper arm sleeves but they do not feel tight enough. Is the goal to be compressed tightly or to simply prevent the skin from sagging? The pair of arm sleeves indeed prevents sag but doesn’t necessarily provide tight compression. Thank you in advance.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I use ace bandages and they seem to work fine to reduce swelling; compression garments can a bit tight and uncomfortable at times.  Best to follow your PS's advise.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding the goal of compression garments after a brachioplasty, arm lift, or arm reduction.  Thank you for your history.  Most experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons who perform extensive arm lifts and arm reductions use medical-grade compression arm sleeves after the arm lift surgery.  Some plastic surgeons do not use medical-grade arm garments but are in the minority.  Compression therapy after a brachioplasty is multi-factorial.  One reason to use arm garments is to minimize swelling.  Swelling is your body's natural attempt to heal the tissue.  The only thing the body can do to heal wounds is to rush blood to the area by third spacing or leaking through the capillaries, delivering essential elements for wound healing.  Compression garments minimize the swelling and accelerate the healing.   Another reason for arm garments is to provide structural support to the healing tissues.   The medical-grade arm garments provide physical support to the healing tissues and help the tissues to reapproximate.
Additionally, the garment minimizes your movements and reminds you not to overdo activities, which could strain and open the arm lift wound. 
Additionally, the garment helps flatten the arm lift scars and prevent the scar from spreading.  The garment should not compress tightly as this will restrict blood flow to the healing skin edges.  The garment should be medical-grade, providing approximately 20 to 30 mmHg pressure.
The purpose of the medical garment is not necessarily to prevent skin from sagging.  The surgery should've taken care of arm skin sagging, not necessarily the garment.  Therefore, you must keep in touch with your plastic surgeon to see whether the arm lift garment is a medical-grade garment.  I would not suggest you independently find your arm garment, as the garment you find may be too tight or loose.  Obtaining the wrong arm garment could seriously jeopardize your arm lift results.  I hope I have answered your questions regarding, what is the goal of compression garments after a brachioplasty or arm lift?   Good luck. 
Sincerely, J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS,  FICS
(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgery)

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! The goal of a compression garment post surgery is to help reduce swelling and maintain a smooth contour to the surgical area. The garments are supposed to be tight, but you should be able to move around in them and perform daily activities. I hope this helps!

Daniel Man, MD · Answer

Thank you for asking Dr Man:
Arm lift is associated with massive shift in tissue ( under skin fat , muscle , veins , nerves and new skin dimensions) There is swelling and inflammation which is lasting days weeks and months. In the content of the swelling there are fluids and protein tissue. If you would use compressive dressings, the swelling will subside faster and better shape and range of motion will follow.  The longer you keep it on the more efficient will be your treatment and faster you will recover. Better shape improved scarring and increase range of motion is your goal

Postop Arm Lift. What's the goal of a compression garment after Brachioplasty? To compress tightly or prevent skin from sagging?

Answers (4)

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