Still Paralysed in my Right Arm After my Arm Lift...will This Improve?

Question

I posted earlier about my arm lift which I had 1 week ago and my right arm is still completely paralysed. My surgeon says I have a pinched nerve and will recover 100%. Can anybody please give me a likely time-frame? I have gone from not being able to move my fingers to now being able to make a fist (albeit a weak one). I can barely lift my hand up. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding right arm paralysis after an arm lift/brachioplasty. It would be best if you stuck with your plastic surgeon. Their advice is precious. In addition, I would consider consulting with a neurologist to determine precisely where the nerve is pinched. Usually, once the swelling subsides, the pressure on the nerve will also dissipate. The timeline is highly variable. It can take several weeks, but it will likely take 4-6 months to complete the healing. Again, I suggest you stick with your plastic surgeon and use their advice. You may want to consider consulting with a neurologist. Physical therapy may also be essential to optimize healing. Your plastic surgeon may also want to consider medication to help decrease the swelling, including steroids. Thank you for your question regarding right arm paralysis after an arm lift/brachioplasty. 
I specialize in arm lifts.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction.  If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, please contact my office.  Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” 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.)

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

	Thank you for the question.  I am sorry to hear about your situation.  That you have improved indicates the nerves are not cut.  Regardless there is some concern about the presence of paralysis after an arm lift.  I wonder if it would not be better and a safer course to have your plastic surgeon release the tissue/sutures that is causing the traction on the nerves.

	All the best,

	Dr Remus Repta

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to hear your problem. Although many people may report numbness after arm lift, paralysis is very rare... It is encouraging that you are getting some function back. I think you can go see a neurologist who may be able to answer your question better.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about this. You really need to be seen by a neurologist for evaluation, prognosis, and treatment if available. All the best.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

To put your mind at ease and get a better idea of what is going on, you need to see a hand surgeon, get a nerve conduction studies that will show what happened to the nerves. That also will predict how the recovery will be.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

THIS IS REALLY AN UNUSUAL EVENT. The fact that you are seeing some improvement is encouraging. I have no idea how long recovery will take because I have never seen this. Paralysis such as this is extremely rare and likely results from the way your arm was positioned during your surgery. Total paralysis such as this mandates the immediate consultation by a neurologist who should consult with both surgeon and anesthesiologist.My Best. Dr C

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