I feel a lump underneath my skin next to my scar. Do I need to massage? Is this normal?

Congratulations on your recent arm lift! Lumps and bumps under the scar is normal after surgery. The sutures that are used under the skin need time to dissolve. I would recommend massaging the area in a circular motion with mild pressure to help.  Sometimes it can take a few months for the body to dissolve these sutures.  If the lump gets bigger or changes in anyway I would recommend contacting your surgeon . 

Hi Momarti5, Thank you for your question about a "lump" under your skin after your arm lift. Your question is difficult to answer without pictures or a physical examination.  The lump may be one of three things.  First, the lump could be just normal scar tissue.  Second, the lump could be scar tissue around the dissolving suture.   Depending on the exact type of suture, absorbable sutures take several months to dissolve.  Third, the lump could be a seroma. A seroma is a fluid filled pocket that is not uncommon after an arm lift.  Post-operative arm lift seromas develop typically around the elbow. Usually, seromas are treated with needle aspiration.  Needle aspiration is done in the office and may have to be done several times before complete resolution.  I would advise you follow up with your plastic surgeon regarding this "lump".  Scars are treated conservatively whereas seromas might require needling.  Thank you for your questions regarding a "lump" under your skin after your arm lift procedure.  If you have any more questions regarding arm lift, arm reduction, arm liposuction, brachioplasty, or any other plastic surgery procedure, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.  

It's not unusual for arm lift incisions to be closed with a series of absorbable sutures. These sutures typically resorb in 3-6 months following surgery. During this process, inflammatory nodules can occasionally develop which are sometimes tender.These nodules typically respond to massage and often dissolve with the passage of time. It's important to discuss this issue with your surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to address this problem and reassure you.