Arm lift swelling after in week?

Question

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

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Eddy Dona, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

It is very common to experience a lot of swelling, tightness and tingling sensations in the arms post surgery. Continue to ice and elevate the arms and ensure your compression garment is not too tight. If you are concerned and feel like your circulation is being compromised please follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Swelling at this point is very common. It can take up to 6 months to see your final results. However, I would suggest that you follow up with your plastic surgeon for a full evaluation to ensure you are healing properly.  Best of luck!

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery.  Swelling and tingling in areas after surgery is fairly common.  It is unclear from your description if you still have surgical dressings on that may be too tight.  Elevating arms at the level of the chest is the best position as if you have them too high and icing them will limit the circulation, too low and swelling of hands can occur.  Ideally, call your plastic surgeons office for clarification of your post op instructions.  Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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

Gregory C. Gaines, MD · Answer

Hello! It is very normal to still experience swelling a week after a Brachioplasty procedure. In fact, swelling after an arm lift will begin to dissipate after 6 weeks, and will fully improve after 3 months. If your compression garment is feeling so tight to the point of cutting off your circulation, you may want to take it off and give your arms a break for a 24-hour period. Check with your plastic surgeon before moving ahead with this, but sometimes the garments become too tight as you swell into them and you may fare better after letting your arms breathe for a day. Ensure you are wearing the correct size garment, and maybe ask your surgeon to check if he or she would like for you to go up in size. Keep elevating your arms! Try to keep them above the elevation of your heart when you are sleeping. Good luck!

Omar Fouda Neel, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your great question.  Swelling and bruising is very normal.  Swelling can last up to 6 months, at which point you will have an idea of the final outcome.  Give your body a chance to heal, especially the brachiaplasty is a difficult surgery and requires strict postoperative guidelines to follow.  Your certified surgeon must of told you, and it is vital to follow these instructions. We instruct our patients to wear their compressive garment for 6 weeks, and no physical activity before at least 4 weeks with limitations. They may return to normal physical activity starting up gradually if the incisions are healing, after 6 weeks.  All the best.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to 6 months to see your final results. At the stage you are in, swelling is normal, so I recommend to be patient.
Unfortunately, without pictures is very difficult to give you a proper answer. If you have any concerns, i suggest you to follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Your surgeon is in the best position to advise you based on your specific surgery and post operative recovery to date. Its not unusual to experience swelling after arm lift surgery but you should seethe advice of your surgeon to rule out any concerns. Your compression garment should be so tight that you feel as though your circulation is compromised.

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