Massage therapy after brachioplasty?

Question

I am 7 weeks out of Bracioplasty.. My arms are still tight, tender & fluid retention in inner elbows & also developing keloids. Ive been reading on scar or arm massage. Can you send a video or explain the correct way to do massage without aggrevating the condition. Also is it too early to start massage therapy?

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Scars heal in a logarithmic and not linear fashion.  A wound is completely healed at 6 months, 90% healed at 3 months, and 75% healed at 6 weeks.  Therefore, if you were my patient, I would recommend some form of stimulation to the blood supply to your upper arm between 4-6 weeks.  There is sufficient scar tissue to allow massage of one kind or another without disrupting the ongoing wound healing.  In my practice, we utilize ultrasound (the kind physical therapists use for sore muscles) and DMSO to take down swelling, bruising, and therefore to take the tension off the suture line.Many patients confuse the term keloid (which is a genetic condition) with hypertrophic scarring which more often is due to excessive tension on a suture line.  More than likely, you actually have hypertrophic scarring since true keloid formation is relatively rare.  The hypertrophic scarring at suture lines may in fact be due to new collagen coming in.  Because there is no intact skin at the suture line to teach the collagen to come in flat, it instead comes in as whirls and swirls.  One useful trick to make these thickened scars lay flat is to use tape (steri strips) over the suture line lengthwise because this gives downward pressure helping the scars lay flat,  and since there is mastic on either side of the suture line, it also prevents scars spreading.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, SSoto2026 in Valencia.  Thank you for your question regarding lymphatic massage therapy seven weeks after brachioplasty.   Thank you for your history.  Swelling after a brachioplasty or arm lift (arm reduction) is normal.  Swelling is your body's normal reaction to surgery.  However, too much arm swelling can impede and slow normal healing after a brachioplasty.  Therefore, efforts should be made to decrease arm swelling.  After a brachioplasty, you should keep your elbows straight and your hands above your heart.  You should open and close your hands about 15 times every hour while awake.  You should not bend your elbows for about two weeks.  Also, you should have ACE wraps or a compression garment from your wrists to your armpits.  Most plastic surgeons specializing in arm lifts have their patients wear the arm garment for about eight weeks. If you have arm swelling after eight weeks, you must continue wearing arm compression garments. You need to wear the arm garments until the swelling is gone.  The arm garments also help to flatten the scar.  If you are developing a keloid (which is rare), you should start silicone cream and silicone strips now.  In regards to arm massage after a brachioplasty, most plastic surgeons would recommend gentle arm massage.  The type of massage is called lymphatic massage. Post-operative lymphatic massage is a gentle massage that massages lymphatic fluid back into circulation. Lymphatic fluid is the fluid that causes the normal swelling. Lymphatic massage is not like normal massages and should be done by a certified lymphatic massage therapist.  Seven weeks from a brachioplasty is not too early to start lymphatic massage.  Videos regarding post-operative brachioplasty lymphatic massage can be found on YouTube.  
I hope that I have answered your question regarding lymphatic massage therapy seven weeks after brachioplasty.  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, MD. (Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric 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, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

If your surgeon has approved lymphatic massage then consider seeing a professional massage therapist. I usually send my patients to someone with great experience in post-surgery massages. Ask your plastic surgeon for a recommendation. Best wishes always, Dr. ALDO :)

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Morris Ritz, MB, BCh, FRACS · Answer

We often use lymphatic drainage after this type of surgery. You need to check with your surgeon as to whether they are happy for you to start this or not yet. Also check with them about the scars, you can try some silicone tape or might need an injection to help the keloid. Best to contact your surgeon to ask their advice on what is best.

Massage therapy after brachioplasty?

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Answer: Arm Lift/ Brachioplasty/Skin Tightening/ Body Contouring/ High Definition Procedures

Answer: Massage after Brachioplasty

Answer: Massage after Brachioplasty

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Massage therapy after brachioplasty?

Answers (6)

Answer: Arm Lift/ Brachioplasty/Skin Tightening/ Body Contouring/ High Definition Procedures

Answer: Arm Lift/ Brachioplasty/Skin Tightening/ Body Contouring/ High Definition Procedures

Answer: Massage after Brachioplasty

Answer: Massage after Brachioplasty

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