4 weeks after arm lift. How come I can't stretch my arm well?

Question

I would like to know how come i can't stretch my arm well? I can stretch it while its down but not when i elevate it and try to stretch at the same time! I can feel little strings pulling above my forearm/ inner elbow. Its painful when i try to stretch. Does anyone know why its like that?

Alicia Sigler, MD · Answer

Greetings,
Remember that you may have a several days of discomfort the first week since surgery, the swelling and bruising may linger for 2-3 weeks and you are under activity restriction. You should refrain from stretching the arms, or any heavy lifting/exercise for 6-8 weeks.
Have an excellent day!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about limited arm mobility four weeks after your arm lift. Based on your description, the tightness and pulling sensation you're experiencing could be related to the normal healing process. After an arm lift, the incision along the inner arm tightens the skin and underlying tissue, which can result in feelings of restriction, especially when elevating and stretching your arm.

The "strings" you feel are likely scar tissue or internal sutures that are part of your body’s natural healing. This tightness is common and usually improves over time with proper care and physical therapy. At four weeks post-op, some patients still experience swelling and scar tissue formation, which can contribute to the sensation of pulling.

To help regain mobility:

Gentle Stretching: Your surgeon may recommend gentle stretching exercises or light movement to help improve flexibility. Avoid overexerting your arms to prevent complications.
Massage: If approved by your surgeon, light scar massage can help soften scar tissue and improve mobility.
Physical Therapy: Your surgeon may suggest working with a physical therapist specializing in post-surgical recovery to guide you in safely regaining your range of motion.
Be sure to communicate these concerns to your plastic surgeon at your next follow-up. They can assess your healing and provide tailored recommendations to ensure you regain full mobility safely. Most patients see significant improvement within a few months with proper care.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Robert Cohen, MD · Answer

Without seeing photos or an in-person exam, it is difficult to know what is going on with certainty. However, it sounds like you may have some deeper scar tissue bands that are limiting your range of motion.  I would recommend seeing your surgeon to assess the issue.  You will probably improve with time and by performing scar massage, but sometimes a referral to / assistance from a physical therapist can be a good option speed the process up.  Good luck!

Edward I. Lee, MD · Answer

Good morning and thank you for your question. It is not uncommon to have tightness after arm lift - after all, surgery is performed to tighten the upper arm area. In addition, a period of limited movement during the post-operative healing period can make the arm stiff. So once you are cleared to resume normal movements of the arms, it can feel very tight. In most cases, this gets better over time. I generally instruct my patients on a regimen of range of motion/stretching/strengthening exercises. With that said, any activity that causes pain and discomfort is the body's way of telling that you're over-exerting yourself. Please contact your surgeon to discuss this issue as well.

Tarick K. Smiley, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Any activity that causes pain and discomfort is the body's way of telling that you're over-exerting yourself.  While it may feel that you have already bounced back from your surgery after about a month, take note that what you described is not uncommon.

During arm lift, the loose skin is removed and the remaining is tightened and reshaped.  The fascia beneath is also tightened to achieve a smoother, more natural contour.  Hence, it might take a few months for the "tightness" to go away.  Nonetheless, a meticulously performed surgery will not in any way affect arm movement/rotation.

However, in order to really allay your concern, your original PS is in the best position to explain to you the possible cause/s of the discomfort and pain you're experiencing.

Good luck and best wishes.

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