Length of Time to Wear Spandex Garment on Arms After Brachioplasty?

Question

I had brachioplasty June 25th The Dr did a small amnt of lipo on my upper buttocks to put into my arms to replace fat that a previous Dr had taken out. She told me I could quit wearing the spandex-type garment around my hips. But suggested I continue wearing the spandex garment on my arms another week. However, I discovered yesterday that I cannot fully stretch my right arm out-a tendon inside my arm seems to be very tight. Wld it be very detrimental for me to quit wearing the garment now?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.

	Each surgeon is different and so I would suggest that you listen to the recommendations of your surgeon since he/she is the one who performed your surgery.  I normally ask patients to wear the compression garment for 4 weeks post op.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether you should continue to wear compression garments or spandex garments on your arms after a brachioplasty. What you have undergone is arm surgery in the form of fat transfer. Excess arm and skin and fat removed? If that were the case, then you did have a brachioplasty. However, your description sounds like you just had fat transferred to your arm. You could stop your garment if you have fat transfer to your arm. The theory is the garment may compress the newly transmitted fat and kill the fat. Also, the garment may restrict your range of motion. Range of motion is significant during your healing phase. Therefore, if you just had fat transfer to your arms, I would suggest stopping the garment as your plastic surgeon suggested. If you indeed had an arm lift, arm reduction, or brachioplasty. Then I would suggest you consult with your plastic surgeon. Most plastic surgeons tell their patients to wear the arming garment for approximately 6-8 weeks after the procedure to minimize swelling and to help flatten the scar. I hope my answer helps to clarify your question regarding whether you should continue to wear compression garments or spandex garments on your arms after a brachioplasty.
I specialize in arm lifts.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction.  If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, please contact my office.  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. (“Verified” 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 J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Compression garments are frequently used following arm lift surgery for several reasons. These devices provide compression which reduces swelling, increases comfort and minimizes the potential for seroma formation.The management of compression garments varies from surgeon to surgeon. I generally tell patients to use compression garments for three weeks following surgery. When drains are used, we continue the use of compression for longer periods of time. It's interesting to note that when we discontinue the use of these devices, many patients continue to wear them. In some cases, we switch to spandex garments at this point in time. Patients feel that the extra support makes them feel more comfortable during activity.If you're having difficulty with range of motion following arm lift surgery, it's important to consult your surgeon. Spandex garments will have no impact upon this problem. Your surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your concerns.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

I would continue with the recommendations of your plastic surgeon. They know best what was done and the possible explanation for your symptoms.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I prefer to have my patiens wear compression garment for 3-6 weeks after surgery, but every surgeon is different.

Length of Time to Wear Spandex Garment on Arms After Brachioplasty?

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Length of Time to Wear Spandex Garment on Arms After Brachioplasty?

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