The pain that you describe in the armpits is normal after an arm lift or brachioplasty. From the two pictures you attached, I see nothing wrong with the arm scar placement or incision pattern. In addition, your arm lift does not look too tight. To relieve the pain in the armpit, I would suggest you continue to wear a compression garment or an Ace bandage. In addition, I would suggest arm elevation with your elbows above your heart to minimize the swelling. Swelling can compress the nerves in the armpit and lead to armpit pain. In addition, when your arms are down by your side, this creates pressure in the armpit and can further compress the nerves. Another source of armpit pain after a brachioplasty is that the Ace bandages or arm garments are too tight in the armpit. Please check to be sure that the garments are not pressing too tightly in the armpit. In the armpit, there is a complex of nerves that innervate the hand. Swelling and compression around these nerves can elicit a significant amount of localized burning and pain. Fortunately, after one or two weeks, most of the swelling of the armpit after an arm lift is gone. As always, for any concerns, you should consult with your plastic surgeon. He or she will have their individualized ways of treating their arm lift patients. If you are seeking an arm lift or an arm lift revision, please find an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of arm lifts in their career. Travel out-of-state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen
