Can decreased sensation in the arm return after brachioplasty?

Since you are almost a year, your sensation will probably not return. This is a risk of this procedure that your surgeon discussed with your during the consultation or preop visit.

Dear Lunate,

Thanks for reaching out with your concern. Decreased sensation after a brachioplasty, or arm lift, is not uncommon. This occurs because the procedure involves the repositioning of skin and fat that can sometimes disturb the small sensory nerves in your skin.

The good news is, in many cases, this numbness or decreased sensation is temporary. Nerve regeneration can occur, and sensation can improve over time. However, the rate of recovery can vary significantly from person to person, with some people experiencing a return of sensation within a few months and others taking a year or more. In some rare cases, the loss of sensation can be permanent, particularly if the nerve was significantly injured during the surgery.

Since you're nearing the one-year post-op mark, it's possible that you could still see some improvement in sensation. It would be beneficial to discuss your concern with your plastic surgeon, as they can give you a more accurate assessment based on your specific surgery and recovery thus far. They might also be able to recommend therapies or treatments to help with nerve regeneration.

Remember, it's important to have patience, as nerve recovery is a slow process.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

It is common to have some manner of sensory neuropraxia, or decreased sensation, in this distribution following brachioplasty. This sensation typically returns within 3-6 months following your procedure. If it has not returned within 1 year of your procedure, it is likely permanent, however things can improve slightly over time.