What can be done to alleviate sticky skin and a bulging feeling in my armpit area?

Question

After these 2 simultaneous surgeries, I was left with very sticky armpits and a feeling of balloons in my arm pits. My surgeon offered a “revision” at no cost, but I chose hospital and anesthesia (w my costs) vs his office.Results left same balloons (or as if a hot dog) under arms AND same horrible sticky skin. Appearances don’t show what I’m feeling. I see him again soon, he hoping this area recedes but 2x SAME bulging feeling very uncomfortable. Bra fat still there too.How to remedy please?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello breeinthesky. Thank you for your question regarding the sticky skin and bulging feeling in your armpit area following your surgeries.

Your situation sounds uncomfortable and understandably frustrating. The sticky sensation and bulging in your armpit area could be due to several factors, including residual skin, fat, or fluid accumulation, such as a seroma. The feeling of "balloons" or "hot dogs" under the arms might indicate an issue with how the tissues have healed or a potential collection of fluid that hasn't been properly addressed.

Given the complexity of your symptoms and the fact that you've already undergone revision surgery, it would be important to have a thorough physical examination and possibly imaging, such as an ultrasound, to determine if there is fluid that needs to be drained or other issues like residual fat or scar tissue that may need to be addressed.

A potential remedy could involve a more extensive revision, possibly extending the incision vertically down towards the top of the bra strap or even further, depending on the amount of skin and fat that needs to be removed. If the bulging is indeed due to fluid accumulation, draining it might alleviate some of the discomfort.

I recommend discussing these possibilities with your surgeon and ensuring they have extensive experience with this type of revision. If you're not satisfied with the current situation, seeking a second opinion from another board-certified plastic surgeon could also be beneficial.

Good luck with your upcoming consultation, and I hope this information helps guide your discussion with your surgeon.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Unfortunately question like this can be only addressed on the basis of in person or teleconference consultation. It would in your best interest to seek a second opinion from another board certified plastic surgeon before you continue what seems to be mostly  unsatisfactory  treatment. Hope this helps.

Tek Przylecki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, Thank you for your question. It very difficult to answer your question without some additional background information. What surgery or surgeries have you had in the past and what condition was treated? When were the surgeries performed? Photos would also be very helpful.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Please post photos of your "balloons." Liposuction in the area might be helpful. if need, go get another opinion.

What can be done to alleviate sticky skin and a bulging feeling in my armpit area?

Answers (4)

Answer: Axilla

Answer: Axilla

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What can be done to alleviate sticky skin and a bulging feeling in my armpit area?

Answers (4)

Answer: Axilla

Answer: Axilla

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Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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