Can ace bandages be used after an arm lift?

Question

Living alone, I worry about being able to put the other contraption on by myself, thank you.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi KESJ04 in Largo.  Thank you for your question about using ACE bandages after an arm lift.  Every plastic surgeon is different and has different postoperative protocols after a brachioplasty, arm lift, or arm reduction.  Most experienced board-certified plastic surgeons who perform hundreds of arm lifts have figured out the best postoperative routine.  Most plastic surgeons specializing in brachioplasties suggest that you wear an ACE bandage for the first two weeks.  The ACE bandage provides even compression throughout the arm.  After about 5 to 7 days after your brachioplasty, you will be instructed on how to take care of the wound.  Typically, the dressings are changed daily.  The dressings are held in place by the ACE bandages.  Usually, the arms are wrapped from the wrist to the armpit for approximately one to two weeks.  If your forearms are swollen, the ACE bandages must continue from the wrist to the elbow.  Once the forearm swelling is gone, you do not need to wear the ACE bandages on the forearms.  The ACE bandages extend from the elbow to the armpit.  However, ACE bandages are not encouraged after three weeks.  ACE bandages can dig into the arms and cause permanent indentations.  This can lead to deformities.  The indentations can leave scars and look like a barbe-pole.  Medical-grade compression garments are encouraged once the arm incision is healed at approximately 2 to 3 weeks.  One of the problems with medical-grade arm compression garments is that the garment can dig into the incision and cause wound breakdown.  Therefore, medical-grade compression garments that look like long-sleeve vests are best for the arms after a brachioplasty.  These long-sleeved vests are easy to put on and off.  Most patients prefer the long-sleeved vest to ACE bandages.  In conclusion, ACE bandages are used for the first 2 to 3 weeks.  After that, the long-sleeved medical-grade compression vest is best.  Good luck.  I hope this helps to answer your question regarding whether you can use ACE bandages after an arm lift or brachioplasty.
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 100 arm lifts.  Make sure 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 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.)

Ira H. Rex lll, MD · Answer

Ace wraps for Coban can safely be used after an arm lift if applied very carefully. The compression needs to start at the hand or wrist, and slowly decrease in tension toward the armpit. Often the ace wrap will have to be taped to prevent it from slipping on itself. This makes Coban a better option. Do not wrap to tightly!

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

Brachioplasty sleeves are best put on with help but can be still accomplished solo. Ace wraps on the arms invariably roll up and cause contour irregularities and can restrict circulation.  You want a garment that exerts seamless tapered support such as a designated lycra sleeve.

Nagi T. Ayoub, MD, FACS · Answer

Typically I order a special garment for each patient getting an arm lift to ensure the fit is appropriate for their size but tight enough to reduce swelling.  It looks like a long sleeve of a shirt and can typically be applied easily by the patient without help.  An ACE wrap is an alternative, but can sometimes be more difficult to wrap than the sleeve, and often doesn't give as good of compression.Best, Dr. Nagi Ayoub

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Yes, an ace wrap is fine, I use them on my patients post operatively.  It's important to make sure it's wrapped securely up into the armpit to prevent swelling if it's below the end of the incision.

Can ace bandages be used after an arm lift?

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Answer: Can ace bandages be used after an arm lift?

Answer: Can ace bandages be used after an arm lift?

Answer: Ace wrap and bracheoplasty

Answer: Ace wrap and bracheoplasty

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Can ace bandages be used after an arm lift?

Answers (8)

Answer: Can ace bandages be used after an arm lift?

Answer: Can ace bandages be used after an arm lift?

Answer: Ace wrap and bracheoplasty

Answer: Ace wrap and bracheoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.