After Arm Lift, Is Arm Sensitive Forever?

The Arm Lift procedure, or brachioplasty, involves a trade-off between loose hanging arm skin for tight arms and a longitudinal scar on the inside of the upper arm/underarm. The biggest drawback of this procedure is the potential for hypertrophic (thickened) scarring in this location. Accordingly, proper placement of the scar is crucial so that it hides on the inside of the arm when the arms are at rest. With this placement, the scars become less visible to others. A second risk of brachioplasty is nerve injury. Specifically, the medial antebrachialcutaneous (MABC) nerve and intercostobrachial nerve is in the path of skin and fat removed during the arm lift procedure. Proper identification of these structures (most critically the MABC) is required for a successful procedure. If this nerve is injured, there may be partial numbness of the inside aspect of the lower arm (forearm). There may also be neuropathic pain (burning or electrical sensation) in the area of the incision. The best early course of action is massage of this area. Silicone-containing ointments are promising at reducing scar burden and massage aids in conditioning the tissue to regain sensation and relieve hypersensitivity to touch.

Thank you for your question about whether your arms are sensitive forever after an arm lift and whether it will be painful to get blood pressure checks. After the initial healing, your arm sensitivity should diminish. Therefore after an arm lift, gives yourself 6-8 weeks before getting your blood pressure checked. After that, your arm may be slightly sensitive, but not forever. The sensitivity will decrease; it will not be painful to check your blood pressure. You also asked about the best way to recover after a buttock lifts with fat transfer. The best way to recover after a buttock lifts with the transfer is on your abdomen with your buttock in the air. This maximizes the potential for fat graft survival. Since you are not laying on your buttock, there is no compression. Thank you for your question regarding arm sensitivity after an arm lift.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

I would say the arm would be sensitive for a year. You should really massage aggressively to help retrain your brain to think the sensations are normal

Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon to have sensitivity of your arms for several months after brachioplasty surgery.  Having said that, it is important to be examined by your surgeon to determine if you have any evidence of a nerve injury.  Best wishes in your recovery.