I have limited range of motion and arm pain after a bilateral arm lift. What can I do?

Question

I had a bilateral arm lift performed in April, 2015. I developed an infection and had to have the staples in my axilla area removed after 6 days post op. I was left with large hole in the armpits. The right one closed after 2 months;left one after 4 months is still closing. While it is mostly closed now, I am left with limited range of motion. It feels like a pulled muscle when I move the arm in certain directions such as putting on my bra or trying to scratch my back. Any suggestions?

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your complication, but glad to hear that you are on your way to healing. When there is an open area that is permitted to heal by itself (which was the right thing to do in your case due to the infection), the scar tissue can be pretty thick and abundant. In your armpit where the skin is under a lot of movement and tension constantly, this can cause the problems that you are describing. In addition to scar massage, sometimes physical therapy can be helpful. I know it sounds like a very involved undertaking to see a physical therapist, but even one visit can be helpful in terms of learning particular exercises/stretches to target your tight areas. Of course you should check with your surgeon before pursuing this to make sure you are healed enough to start. Best of luck with your continued healing.

J. Brad Turner, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question cubs2827Sorry to hear that you had difficulties with wound healing after the operation.  This is not an uncommon complication and ranges in severity.  You should continue to followup with your surgeon.  You are far enough out the you may be eligible for a scar revision that may relieve some of the tightness.  Also scar massage and physical therapy may aid in loosening the scar tissue that developed.Best of luck

Ivo Gwanmesia, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

It is not uncommon to experience some degree of arm stiffness after a brachioplasty. This is most commonly secondary to scar contracture, especially if an infection soon followed the procedure.The best thing here is to engage in physiotherapy as well as scar therapy. In time, the arm movements should be much improved.

John Dean, MD · Answer

Wound healing problems after brachioplaty are unfortunately not unusual.  Wounds will usually contract in with local measures alone.  The tightness you describe is due to the early scarring, which is necessary for the wound contracture.  This problem will normally resolve with scar massage and passive range of motion exercise.  Sometimes physical therapy may be necessary to help you with this.  Only in those rare cases that don't completely resolve would one consider scar revision surgery to help range of motion.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

You have developed a scar contracture in the axillary areas and this is causing the decreased range of motion of the shoulders. You can try stretching exercises.  If this is not successful then you may need a surgical procedure such as a Z plasty to release the banding.

I have limited range of motion and arm pain after a bilateral arm lift. What can I do?

Answers (7)

Answer: Arm stiffness after brachioplasty

Answer: Arm stiffness after brachioplasty

Answer: Decreased range of motion following arm lift and wound healing problems.

Answer: Decreased range of motion following arm lift and wound healing problems.

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I have limited range of motion and arm pain after a bilateral arm lift. What can I do?

Answers (7)

Answer: Arm stiffness after brachioplasty

Answer: Arm stiffness after brachioplasty

Answer: Decreased range of motion following arm lift and wound healing problems.

Answer: Decreased range of motion following arm lift and wound healing problems.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.