Help! Extreme itching/redness on right arm. Is there anything else I can put on to ease itchiness? (Photo)

Question

I'm 3 weeks post op from arm lift (and implant revision). Problem with right arm from start-- allergic to medipore tape and now extreme redness/itching, which seems to be aggravated by compression sleeves. Currently take Claritin D daily and moisturize with Rose hip oil (recommended scar treatment by my doc). Scar is closed with scabs but unsure what else I can put on it to ease the itchiness. Please help!!

Gregory Pisarski, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your surgery, from the photos it looks like you will get a very nice result. The reaction you describe sounds as if you may be sensitive to something topical on the incision. Perhaps the rose hip oil, try stopping this to see if the rash and itching subside. As long as there is no fever, chills, drainage or pain associated with the rash and redness then infection is probably not present. If stopping the topical oil doesn't help, then have your surgeon examine you to make sure everything is healing well. Best wishes.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears that you are experiencing contact dermatitis or an allergic reaction to the sutures on your right arm after undergoing a brachioplasty. To combat these uncomfortable symptoms, oral Benadryl or Atarax may be taken as well as a local application of Benadryl ointment onto the affected area. Additionally, it is wise to avoid contact with the area and use a thin cotton sleeve with your garment on top for protection. Skin allergies to medical tape are very common, so using tape in the affected areas should be avoided. All things considered, your scars look to be healing properly and will create excellent results in time. Thank you for sharing this question – I wish you all the best!

I specialize in arm lift surgeries, including arm reduction, brachioplasty, and arm fat grafting. Should you have any additional inquiries or concerns regarding arm lift procedures, do not hesitate to contact my office. However, please be advised that arm lift surgery is intricate, and as such, I recommend that you seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in performing such surgeries. It would be best if you conducted research and ensure that your chosen plastic surgeon has conducted at least a hundred successful arm lifts and possesses before-and-after photographs to validate their proficiency. It would also be prudent to scrutinize their before-and-after gallery and verify their reviews on RealSelf.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

I would certainly be in touch with your doctor's office to ensure that this is not an infection. That said, if it does not,Hydrocortisone cream can help. You can also try taking a certain antihistamine medications. I would absolutely discuss the matter with your doctor. It is imperative
that you seek the advice of a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American
Board of Plastic Surgery and has extensive experience in brachioplasty / arm
lift.

I wish you the best.

Dr. Gabbay.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You may want to use some Benadryl and hydrocortisone ointment to help relieve the itchiness, but regardless I would recommend a visit to your plastic surgeon to evaluate for infection.  It may also be that you are having a reaction to the oil or even the material of the compression sleeves.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.If the incision does not have any open areas, I would recommend using Cortisone cream on the area of irritation. Also you may want to stop wearing your garment, because that may be adding to the skin reaction at this point. Also, adding some Benadryl into the mix may help instead of taking the Claritin. Good luck with healing.

Help! Extreme itching/redness on right arm. Is there anything else I can put on to ease itchiness? (Photo)

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Help! Extreme itching/redness on right arm. Is there anything else I can put on to ease itchiness? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Arm lift rash

Answer: Arm lift rash

Answer: Allergic reaction after surgery.

Answer: Allergic reaction after surgery.

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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.