Has my skin been pulled too tight after an arm lift? Will it stretch? (Photo)

Question

Two and a half months ago, I had an arm lift. My right arm is still very tight-feeling and sore near the scar. Immediately after surgery, my doctor was honest and said that he had had trouble closing the arm and therefore went more modest on my left arm. I have been receiving professional massages on my arms for nearly a month at his direction. The banding has improved, but the tension still remains. Will the skin stretch to feel normal? Has it been pulled too tight?

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

It is still too early for you to show signs of pulling that is too tight. So far your photos look fine. If you are really concerned, reach out to your surgeon and discuss your concerns and inquire how long before you should have your final results.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

I believe it is too early to tell. You were still healing. I believe with time your arm should heal.In terms of treatment at this time, I would suggest deep tissue massage. I believe most of your arm pain is due to swelling. To minimize arm swelling,  I would suggest arm compression from the wrist to the elbow 24 hours a day.The skin will stretch a little, however, not too much.  I would reassess everything six months after your surgery.I hope this answers your question regarding arm lift or brachioplasty.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photo.  You will very likely find that with each month the arm feels more supple.  It may take a good several months before you stop seeing less change in suppleness.  I would also recommend you continue doing what you are doing in terms of massage and also would recommend using silicone pads on the incision.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problem you are experiencing but, I think that you will find that with time, that the skin/tissues will relax.  This should result in a relief of the tight/sore feeling. Best wishes.

John Dean, MD · Answer

Whenever a surgeon removes excess skin he must walk a line between pulling the skin too tight and not having the wound heal correctly or leaving it too loose and having the patient wish that he could have achieved a tighter result.  It appears that you surgeon did a fantastic job as you are healing great and have a nice result.  Anyone who has had a baby knows that skin will stretch, and I am certain that yours will.

Has my skin been pulled too tight after an arm lift? Will it stretch? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Has my skin been pulled too tight after an arm lift? Will it stretch?

Answer: Has my skin been pulled too tight after an arm lift? Will it stretch?

Answer: Skin tightness

Answer: Skin tightness

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.

Has my skin been pulled too tight after an arm lift? Will it stretch? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Has my skin been pulled too tight after an arm lift? Will it stretch?

Answer: Has my skin been pulled too tight after an arm lift? Will it stretch?

Answer: Skin tightness

Answer: Skin tightness

Browse related questions

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.