Arm lift 8 weeks post op - should it still hurt ?

Question

I had an arm lift 8 weeks ago and I'm still finding the surface of the underneath of my arm very sore - I keep putting my sleeves back on as it's really tender without them - they still look swollen but I'm not sure if they are or if it's just I've got fat arms lol - maybe I was just expecting too much and a quick recovery - is all this normal ? Thanks

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

It's not unusual to be sore and tender to palpitation this far out. You should massage your scar twice or three times a day to soften it and de-sensitize. Let your plastic surgeon know about your concerns.Warmest regards, Dr. Aldo

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi swjojo in Great Britain, GB, 
Thank you for your question regarding an arm lift, 8 weeks post-op, and whether it still hurts.  Pain and swelling after a brachioplasty (arm lift) usually resolve within 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.  However, based on your history, it appears that you are experiencing persistent swelling and/or hypersensitive arm lift scars.  Edema, or post-operative swelling, is expected after an arm lift, even at 8 weeks.  If you believe you still have swelling in your arms after your arm lift, you should continue wearing your arm garments.  Your arm garments should be tight, but not too tight.  If arm garments are too tight, especially in the axillae (armpits), the garment can restrict lymphatic fluid from returning to your normal circulation.  Lymphatic fluid is the fluid that causes swelling.  Additionally, if swelling persists, you should consider lymphatic massage.  Lymphatic massage is a gentle massage technique that helps return lymphatic fluid to circulation.  Edema and swelling from lymphatic fluid can exert significant pressure on nerves, causing pain.  Another possibility is that your arm lift scars are hypersensitive.  If this is the case, you should consult your plastic surgeon regarding scar desensitization.  Scar desensitization usually involves a gentle massage along the scar line.  Gradually, greater pressure and stimulation are applied to the affected nerves until they return to normal.  You may need to consult a specialist for the treatment of your hypersensitive nerves.  The good news is that whether you have edema or hypersensitive nerves, your condition usually resolves on its own.   I hope I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction, specifically arm lift pain 8 weeks postoperatively and whether it should still hurt.  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.  Ensure they have performed at least 150 arm-lift procedures.  Ensure 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.)

Richard Karoo, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Dear swjojo
Thank you for your question, altered sensation following arm reduction surgery is very common indeed. Sometimes this presents as areas of numbness and sometimes as discomfort of a variable degree due to numerous sensory nerves which supply the arm and forearm running in the area operated upon.
 It can be several months if not up to a year before things settle entirely but do try to massage twice daily for around 10 mins to help desensitise the region.

Alicia Sigler, MD · Answer

Greetings,

Every recovery is different for each patient.It is about 4-6 weeks before patients are feeling  “normal” againhe scar from this procedure usually heals nicely but can be prominent some times. Postoperative scar therapy can help to minimize scar formation and swollenness. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon.

Have a great day!

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Its not unusual to be experiencing discomfort eight weeks after arm lift surgery.  The arms are used for every activity and this places stress on the incisions/scars.  Swelling will fluctuate for some time and is also normal.  Be patient, it takes many months before you can see your final results.

Narongdej Jiarapeepan, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question. It's perfectly normal to be sore around 2 months after an arm lift. Try to make a routine of massaging early in the morning and before going to bed. Gently massage on the incision areas. Stop if it is painful. Do check your wound carefully daily and trim any "dissolvable stitches" poking out.

Arm lift 8 weeks post op - should it still hurt ?

Answers (6)

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