Arm lift swelling after in week?

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.

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. 

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!

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

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