Mini Arm Lift Results- Is this normal?

Hello BeTrueBlue,

Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the recovery process following your mini arm lift. It's understandable to feel anxious just 16 days post-surgery, especially when encountering pain, tenderness, and irregularities like bumps and dents in one arm.

First and foremost, it is crucial to keep in close contact with your plastic surgeon during this early stage of healing. Swelling and irregular contouring, like the dents you're noticing, can indeed be part of the normal healing process after an arm lift. These symptoms are typically due to the body's response to the surgical manipulation and should gradually resolve as the swelling subsides.

However, it's also important to ensure that there are no complications contributing to your discomfort. If you experience increasing pain, redness, or any signs of infection, it’s imperative to notify your surgeon immediately. Regular follow-up appointments are essential, and I recommend seeing your surgeon every few days if possible, to monitor the progress and address any emerging issues promptly.

While it may be challenging to wait, results after surgeries like a mini arm lift can take time to stabilize. Typically, a period of 6 to 8 weeks is necessary to start seeing more settled results. During this time, your surgeon might advise specific care routines, including compression garments and gentle exercises, to aid in your recovery and help smooth out the initial irregularities.

Please maintain a positive dialogue with your surgeon, as most post-operative concerns can be managed effectively with their guidance. Trust in the process and in the expertise of your surgeon, but also stay vigilant and proactive about your symptoms.

I hope this information reassures you somewhat and helps you navigate your recovery with a bit more ease. Remember, it’s your right to seek clarity on your healing process, and staying informed will help you in maintaining trust in your surgeon’s care.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

hello. Many times over the first few weeks and months you may have small open areas and lymphatic collections that will require some office visits and local treatments to improve.  Things definitely improve over time in regards to brachioplasty. Good luck

I believe what you're describing is pretty normal for about 2 weeks out from surgery and it should get better with time and may be massage. The final result occurs at 1 year. Photos would be helpful as has already been pointed out. Continue to see your plastic surgeon for incision care.

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your recent procedure! It is very common to have swelling post op and many times this can be uneven. You are only 16 days post surgery so it is too early to tell what your result may be. I advise my patients that it can take 3-6 months for the swelling to subside. I suggest to my patients use Tubigrip (elasticated tubular bandage) as compression in order to decrease swelling more rapidly. This can be purchased at most pharmacies.

What you are describing sounds very normal for this early stage of your post operative recovery.  Lumps, bumps and swelling are all normal.  Your incisions will take many months to flatten and soften.  Be patient and continue to follow your surgeons post operative guidelines.

unevenness is normal so soon after this type of surgery and is even normal 3 months from now. expect tp get close to your final results in the last 3 of a 6 month period. Hope that helpsAdam Goodwin 

Congratulations on getting a mini arm lift!
It’s hard to see the texture of your arms based on your photos, but I agree with your surgeon - 16 days is too early to see the final results of your arm lift. At this point, your arms are still swollen, so you still can’t judge the success of your surgery at this time. Wait for at least three months for the swelling to subside. Always attend your follow-up consults and you’ll be on your road to recovery and better-looking arms.
Best of luck

Thank you for your question. You look to be healing normally. There can be differences in each side of the body, and how it heals. I imagine liposuction was also performed during the lift, and this may have caused a bit more swelling on one side. If liposuction was performed, it can take up to 3-6 months to see your final result. I would continue to follow your Plastic Surgeon's advice. If he recommends compression, then wear the garments. Best of luck - your incisions look like they're healing well. 

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Oftentimes, with an arm lift, there are significant areas of skin redundancy (or "bumps and dents") because of the way the skin needs to be advanced, excised, and tightened. Sixteen days postop is much too early to evaluate your results. You will notice dramatic improvements in the contour of your arms, but it is going to take 3 - 6 months. Just try to be patient. And, of course, if you are dissatisfied, surgical revision is always an option. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation in person with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck! 


Best,
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS 

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

The progress looks great for 16 days and you are on you way to a normal result from the minimal incision arm lift.  My Best,  Dr Commons