I've had a 350 pound weight loss resulting in excessive skin. I am wondering if procedures that remove the excess skin, such as a brachioplasty and upper body lift, cause a risk to damage of the lymph nodes? If there is a risk, what kind of problems could result?
Answer: Lymph node damage.... When I've done arm lift surgery before, I make sure to stay out of the lymph nodes in the underarm area. There's a small, thin fascia that covers the area where the lymph nodes are located and it's pretty easy to find and identify during surgery. If lymph nodes are removed, a person may experience prolonged swelling or lymphedema.
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Answer: Lymph node damage.... When I've done arm lift surgery before, I make sure to stay out of the lymph nodes in the underarm area. There's a small, thin fascia that covers the area where the lymph nodes are located and it's pretty easy to find and identify during surgery. If lymph nodes are removed, a person may experience prolonged swelling or lymphedema.
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Answer: Arm Lift, Brachioplasty, Arm Lift & Reduction, Congratulations on your significant weight loss and best wishes for your upcoming surgery. Your question regarding the potential impact of an arm lift (brachioplasty) or upper body lift on lymph nodes is an important one.
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Answer: Arm Lift, Brachioplasty, Arm Lift & Reduction, Congratulations on your significant weight loss and best wishes for your upcoming surgery. Your question regarding the potential impact of an arm lift (brachioplasty) or upper body lift on lymph nodes is an important one.
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February 6, 2017
Answer: Arm Lift - lymph nodes I guess it is a risk but frankly I've never heard of that. The lymph nodes live in the actual axilla and this operation is more on the skin level along with the underlying fat. If the arm lift extends down from the arm and onto the torso, unwittingly a lymph node could be taken with the excess skin. I think the risk of chronic arm swelling beyond the area, called lymphedema could be possible. Little nerves do live in the area and that injury is more common. My recommendation would be to talk over the pattern of excision with your surgeon and discuss with him or her what anatomic structures are at risk and what can be done to minimize the risk. Best Wishes!!
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February 6, 2017
Answer: Arm Lift - lymph nodes I guess it is a risk but frankly I've never heard of that. The lymph nodes live in the actual axilla and this operation is more on the skin level along with the underlying fat. If the arm lift extends down from the arm and onto the torso, unwittingly a lymph node could be taken with the excess skin. I think the risk of chronic arm swelling beyond the area, called lymphedema could be possible. Little nerves do live in the area and that injury is more common. My recommendation would be to talk over the pattern of excision with your surgeon and discuss with him or her what anatomic structures are at risk and what can be done to minimize the risk. Best Wishes!!
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October 6, 2023
Answer: Will lymph nodes be damaged or removed during brachioplasty and upper bodylift? Lymph nodes may be affected during brachioplasty (arm lift) and upper body lift procedures, but they are typically not intentionally removed. Surgeons aim to preserve lymph nodes as they play a crucial role in the body’s immune system and fluid drainage.However, during these surgeries, lymphatic vessels may be disrupted or temporarily affected, which can lead to localized swelling or lymphedema. Surgeons take precautions to minimize damage to the lymphatic drainage. It’s important to discuss the specifics of your surgery with your surgeon to understand any potential risks and how they plan to protect the lymphatic system during the procedure.
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October 6, 2023
Answer: Will lymph nodes be damaged or removed during brachioplasty and upper bodylift? Lymph nodes may be affected during brachioplasty (arm lift) and upper body lift procedures, but they are typically not intentionally removed. Surgeons aim to preserve lymph nodes as they play a crucial role in the body’s immune system and fluid drainage.However, during these surgeries, lymphatic vessels may be disrupted or temporarily affected, which can lead to localized swelling or lymphedema. Surgeons take precautions to minimize damage to the lymphatic drainage. It’s important to discuss the specifics of your surgery with your surgeon to understand any potential risks and how they plan to protect the lymphatic system during the procedure.
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February 17, 2017
Answer: Brachioplasty and Lymph Nodes Thank you so much for your question and congratulations on your weight loss! The major concentration of lymph nodes are located in the axilla and this procedure should not disrupt them. During a brachioplasty, we are simply removing excess skin and fat and should not be in your axilla at all. I would recommend that you find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area with experience in brachioplasty. It is possible, that a surgeon could be too aggressive and disrupt the lymphatic drainage which could cause swelling.
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February 17, 2017
Answer: Brachioplasty and Lymph Nodes Thank you so much for your question and congratulations on your weight loss! The major concentration of lymph nodes are located in the axilla and this procedure should not disrupt them. During a brachioplasty, we are simply removing excess skin and fat and should not be in your axilla at all. I would recommend that you find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area with experience in brachioplasty. It is possible, that a surgeon could be too aggressive and disrupt the lymphatic drainage which could cause swelling.
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