Chronic pain and pressure 7 months after arm lift

You may have some scarring around small sensory nerves. I suggest trying acupressure to let minimize and treat the pain.

Experiencing chronic pain and pressure seven months after an arm lift (brachioplasty) is not typical and may warrant a follow-up with your surgeon. While some residual tightness or mild discomfort can persist as the tissues heal and adapt, ongoing pain or pressure could indicate an underlying issue. Here are a few possibilities to consider:
Potential Causes
1. Scar Tissue (Fibrosis): Excessive scar tissue formation can cause tightness or discomfort. This is common in areas where the skin has been excised and sutured.
2. Nerve Sensitivity or Damage: During arm lift surgery, nerves can be stretched, irritated, or occasionally damaged, leading to pain or tingling sensations. Neuropathic pain might persist if the nerves haven't fully healed.
3. Lymphedema: If lymphatic vessels were disrupted during surgery, fluid buildup might cause pressure and swelling.
4. Infection or Inflammation: Although rare this far post-op, a low-grade infection or localized inflammation could cause persistent symptoms.
5. Seroma or Hematoma: Fluid or blood accumulation under the skin might cause pressure or discomfort.
6. Muscle or Tissue Strain: Overuse of the arms during the healing process could strain the muscles and surrounding tissues, delaying recovery.
What to Do
1. Consult Your Surgeon: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon to rule out complications. They may recommend imaging studies like an ultrasound or MRI to identify issues.
2. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications may help in the short term, but chronic pain should not be self-treated indefinitely.
3. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist experienced in post-surgical recovery can provide exercises to improve mobility and reduce tightness.
4. Massage Therapy: Lymphatic drainage or scar massage therapy can reduce scar tissue and improve lymphatic flow, alleviating tightness and discomfort.
5. Neuropathy Treatments: If nerve damage is suspected, treatments like nerve-blocking medications, topical creams, or injections may be helpful.
If you experience significant swelling, redness, fever, or increasing pain, contact your surgeon immediately, as these could be signs of infection or other serious complications.