Arm left revision and lipo, hard as rock--what to do/is it normal? 3 wks post op. (photos)

Question

Hi, I had revision scar surgery and Lipo on 05/08/18 on my arms. My left arm has a hard lump, numbness and hurts. It's been 3 weeks now and my left arm is hard as rock. Please give me some insight. Is this normal?

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

Although some tightness after this operation is normal, excessive tightness can lead to restriction of blood flow. For this reason if you feel any tingling in your fingers or any other signs that this is getting worse you should see your Doctor immediately.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding arm lift revision with arm lipo and the fact that this area is now hard as a rock, what to do about it and is this normal three weeks after your surgery. Thank you for your history and thank you for your pictures. Examination of your pictures reveals that you are still very early in your healing. You still have bruised and swollen.  These signs are indicative of early phases of healing. During the early phases of arm lift healing, there is swelling. Swelling causes firmness and that is why the arms feel “hard as a rock”  Also, swelling can press on nerves causing you arm numbness. This is relatively common. Swelling can also cause pain.  Pain is relatively normal after an arm lift, arm revision and arm lipo surgery. In terms of arm lift treatment, I would suggest gentle lymphatic massage. I would also suggest elevation of the arms on two or three pillows such that your elbows are straight and your hands are above your heart. For the bruising and swelling, I would suggest Arnica and Bromelain.  Clinical studies have been shown that Arnica and Bromelain decrease swelling and bruising.  
However, it is extremely important that you follow your chosen plastic surgeon’s instructions. If these suggestions above are contrary to your chosen plastic surgeon’s suggestions, please disregard my suggestions. In conclusion, I believe your postoperative course is normal after an arm lift revision and arm liposuction. Thank you for your question regarding whether it’s normal to have arm swelling, arm numbness, arm pain and a hard lump on your arms after an arm liposuction surgery performed three weeks ago. Good luck in your healing after your arm lift revision.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Lynn D. Derby, MD (retired) · Answer

I can't make the diagnosis from photos alone, but it looks like it might be a hematoma (blood collection).  Call your surgeon's office and make an appointment to have it checked.

Arm left revision and lipo, hard as rock--what to do/is it normal? 3 wks post op. (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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Arm left revision and lipo, hard as rock--what to do/is it normal? 3 wks post op. (photos)

Answers (3)

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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.