Is it possible to have an arm lift after having two lymph nodes removed with a mastectomy?

Hello DeLany E. in Seattle, WA, thank you for your question regarding whether it is possible to have an arm lift after having two lymph nodes removed with a mastectomy. Yes, it is possible to have a brachioplasty (arm lift/reduction) even after having two axillary nodes removed. During an arm lift, excess arm skin and fat are removed. Typically, the axillary lymph nodes are not visualized, as they lie deep to the surgical plane. Because of your previous history of axillary node removal, you may have some increased and prolonged swelling in the affected arm. However, axillary node removal from a mastectomy does not prohibit you from having an arm reduction. However, you are at an increased risk of edema or lymphedema because of your lymph node removal. In your case, it is critically important to wear your compression garments for at least 6 to 8 weeks during your post-operative recovery. It is also highly recommended that you undergo lymphatic massage for 4 to 6 weeks to minimize the risk of developing lymphedema. I hope this information helps. Good luck.
I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction, and specifically, whether it is possible to have an arm lift after having two lymph nodes removed with a mastectomy. If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty, arm scar revision, or arm crease fat grafting, contact an experienced plastic surgeon.
To get an accurate assessment of what exactly you need, schedule a free virtual consultation. Most plastic surgeons offer free virtual consultations.

Since an arm lift can be a challenging surgery, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of lifts. Do your research. Make sure they have performed at least 150 arm lift procedures. Make sure they have the before-and-after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before-and-after photos and review their RealSelf profile.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS (Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

A brachioplasty should not be prohibited, provided that you do not have any element of lymphedema due to your therapy.  If so, it would be riskier and your surgeon may elect not to offer you the procedure, or would perform a more conservative operation to avoid making the closure too tight.  I would recommend you seek consultation with an experienced boarded plastic surgeon.

Thank you for your question and for sharing your experience with us. An arm lift procedure is fairly invasive and will disrupt some of the lymphatics of the arms. I would recommend that you visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can examine you and discuss the potential risks and benefits with you in more detail. The biggest risk that you may encounter is lymphedema after the procedure. However, you have only had two nodes removed. The radiation therapy, also will increase your risk of lymphedema, particularly if it was also directed towards your axilla.

Generally this should not be a problem, but you will need an evaluation with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine your best options. 

Whether or not a plastic surgeon would be willing to perform an arm lift (brachioplasty) on you will depend on more information and an exam.  Assuming you healed well, there was only a limited lymph node dissection/removal, you have no arm edema, and you haven't had or won't need radiation, a brachioplasty may be considered.