Hand swelling freaking me out! Had extended brachioplasty with BABL on December 2, 2014.....so it's been 8 days..early days yet.

Thank you for your inquiry about managing swelling after an extended arm lift (brachioplasty). Swelling is indeed a typical and expected outcome following such a procedure. It's common to experience swelling in the hand, wrist, forearm, and upper arm after an arm lift, arm reduction, or brachioplasty.
In the initial phase post-surgery, it's crucial to keep your hands elevated and apply some form of compression. Most plastic surgeons recommend compressing the hand, wrist, forearm, and upper arm after the surgery. Mild ace bandages are often used for this purpose, as they provide adequate compression without being overly restrictive. Arm garments, while useful, can be too tight and challenging to manage immediately following an arm procedure.
Generally, after the initial 10 to 14 days, once the swelling has begun to subside, you might be advised to switch to an arm garment for continued support and compression.
Concerning severe swelling in the forearms, it's important to note that this is unlikely to be a result of nerve damage. Nerve damage typically manifests as numbness, loss of sensation, or functional impairment, rather than swelling. Swelling should be addressed with elevation, compression, and possibly lymphatic massage.
Additionally, nerve damage is quite rare when an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon performs the surgery. It's always best to follow up with your surgeon for personalized advice and to address any concerns you might have during your recovery process.
I hope this response has provided clarity on how to manage swelling after an extended arm lift and reassured you about the likelihood of nerve damage. Wishing you a smooth recovery.
Good luck.
Dr. Katzen

I am sorry to hear about the concerns you have after arm lifting surgery. Unfortunately, nothing will replace in-person evaluation (by your plastic surgeon) to provide you with real meaningful advice. Generally speaking, the most common cause of this degree of swelling, after arm lifting surgery, would be the use of “tight arm garments” that you just had removed. I am glad that your current garment is more comfortable for you. I would suggest arm/hand elevation,  with 2 pillows on each side, above the level of the heart. You should see gradual resolution of the hand swelling. Again, follow up with your plastic surgeon for the most accurate assessment, advice, and (probably) reassurance. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with long-term.

Sorry that you are having swelling. I doubt this has anything to do with nerve damage. You would be served best by: 1) discussing this with your plastic surgeon, I am certain he / she will be happy to help you understand what is going on, 2) elevate you hand forearms and arms as much as possible, gravity works,. Use pillow while sleeping or watching TV etc. you need to be anti-gravitational, let the fluid drain from your upper extremities.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery