Had an extended brachioplasty done a week ago. Last day antibiotics a couple days ago and since then lots of swelling tightness and tingling in upper arm to point compression feels like cuts off wrist circulation. I am icing and elevating arms. Any other ideas or concerns re this
June 11, 2018
Answer: Arm lift reduction brachioplasty post-op arm lift arm lift complications Thank you for your questions regarding arm lift swelling one week after an arm lift or brachioplasty. Swelling of the arm is completely normal after an arm lift or brachioplasty. Swelling of the arm can last even up to six to eight weeks after an arm lift or brachioplasty. This is not uncommon and, in fact, it’s expected. Most plastic surgeons use antibiotics for the first one or two weeks after an arm lift or brachioplasty. However, this is dependent on your plastic surgeon. You mention “tightness and tingling in your upper arm” and “cutting off wrist circulation”. These are not normal. You must contact your plastic surgeon immediately. This could be a sign of multiple problems. Again, I stress it's very important that you call your plastic surgeon as soon as possible. Also, you mentioned icing. I do not recommend icing, at all. Since you mentioned you have tingling in the arms, this means there are areas of your arm which can potentially be numb. If you apply ice to areas of your arm that are numb, this can cause frostbite. I know, because this happened to two of my patients over the years. I do not apply ice to any post-operative incisions. In conclusion, I would suggest you call your plastic surgeon as soon as possible regarding your swelling, tingling, and lack of circulation at the wrist. If you have any other further questions regarding arm lift, swelling after an arm lift or brachioplasty, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen
Helpful
June 11, 2018
Answer: Arm lift reduction brachioplasty post-op arm lift arm lift complications Thank you for your questions regarding arm lift swelling one week after an arm lift or brachioplasty. Swelling of the arm is completely normal after an arm lift or brachioplasty. Swelling of the arm can last even up to six to eight weeks after an arm lift or brachioplasty. This is not uncommon and, in fact, it’s expected. Most plastic surgeons use antibiotics for the first one or two weeks after an arm lift or brachioplasty. However, this is dependent on your plastic surgeon. You mention “tightness and tingling in your upper arm” and “cutting off wrist circulation”. These are not normal. You must contact your plastic surgeon immediately. This could be a sign of multiple problems. Again, I stress it's very important that you call your plastic surgeon as soon as possible. Also, you mentioned icing. I do not recommend icing, at all. Since you mentioned you have tingling in the arms, this means there are areas of your arm which can potentially be numb. If you apply ice to areas of your arm that are numb, this can cause frostbite. I know, because this happened to two of my patients over the years. I do not apply ice to any post-operative incisions. In conclusion, I would suggest you call your plastic surgeon as soon as possible regarding your swelling, tingling, and lack of circulation at the wrist. If you have any other further questions regarding arm lift, swelling after an arm lift or brachioplasty, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen
Helpful
May 17, 2018
Answer: Arm lift swelling after in week? Photos or additional information would be helpful in providing specific advice. Swelling after an armlift can last up to six months or even a year. Induration and hardness are components of the normal healing process. If there is anything suggestive of a fluid collection, hematoma, infection, or blood clot, follow up with your PS. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Los Angeles, CA
Helpful
May 17, 2018
Answer: Arm lift swelling after in week? Photos or additional information would be helpful in providing specific advice. Swelling after an armlift can last up to six months or even a year. Induration and hardness are components of the normal healing process. If there is anything suggestive of a fluid collection, hematoma, infection, or blood clot, follow up with your PS. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Los Angeles, CA
Helpful