Swelling and Unable to Extend Arm 5 Weeks Post-op Arm Lift / Thigh Lift / Tummy Tuck - is This Normal?

Question

I am recovering from an arm lift, tummy tuck, & thigh lift near 5 weeks post-op. I am unable to fully extend my right arm up (short scar)without the visibility, pain and pulling of a sensory cord. The pain extends to my fingers and up my shoulder and neck. It is not as apparent in my left arm, but noticeable with the shoulder & neck pain. The left side of my tummy is more swollen than the right with a puffiness on my left hip around the incision.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the inability to extend your arm and arm swelling five weeks after an arm lift, thigh lift, and tummy tuck and whether this is normal. The swelling five weeks after an arm lift is standard. The inability to extend your arm five weeks after an arm lift is not usual. At five weeks, you should be almost full range in motion. If you are not in a full range of motion, this is probably due to the swelling. Compression garments, lymphatic massage, and sometimes medication can decrease swelling. You must consult your chosen plastic surgeon to see exactly what to do. The pain you are experiencing in the arm is also due to nerve compression. It could also be compression of the nerve of your neck or shoulder. These are essential things to consider during your healing process. So, in conclusion, I would suggest consulting with your plastic surgeon, continuing to wear your compression garment, and considering possible lymphatic massage. Thank you for your question regarding the inability to extend your arm and arm swelling five weeks after an arm lift, thigh lift, and tummy tuck and whether this is normal.
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.)

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Limited shoulder range of motion is unusual following arm lift surgery. This problem can occur for a variety of reasons including musculotendinous injuries, nerve injuries and scar contractures across the axilla.When patients are unable to lift their arms over their head following brachioplasty, the problem is almost always related to axillary scarring. This problem occurs when an incision is made across the axilla. Exuberant scarring results in a flexion contracture which severely limits the ability to fully extend the arm.When this situation arises, a variety of treatment options are available to treat this deformity. In some cases, range of motion exercises will adequately address the problem. In more severe cases, local rearrangement of tissue is necessary to remove the axillary scar web. In the majority of cases, this is accomplished with a procedure known as a z-plasty.Patients who have axillary webbing following brachioplasty should consult their plastic surgeon Their surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses this anatomic deformity and ultimately improves range of motion.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

I would completely agree with Dr. Rand's recommendation. In addition to the scar, there may be concerns with nerve entrapment. Seek evaluation by your surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Sometimes the difficulty moving or raising the arm is due to the incision band that often crosses the armpit. This usually softens with time.  If you have numbness in your hand that cause can be from several things. including nerve entrapment or even as simple as swelling. You should see your doctor.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

A short scar arm lift can create a surgically induced axillary contracture which can limit your arm motion and cause a band to be coming down from the armpit when you try to lift the arm out.  Go back to your surgeon and see what can be done with massages.  You might need a revision if these don't help.

Swelling and Unable to Extend Arm 5 Weeks Post-op Arm Lift / Thigh Lift / Tummy Tuck - is This Normal?

Answers (5)

Answer: Difficulty moving arm

Answer: Difficulty moving arm

Answer: Problems with short scar arm lifts

Answer: Problems with short scar arm lifts

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.

Swelling and Unable to Extend Arm 5 Weeks Post-op Arm Lift / Thigh Lift / Tummy Tuck - is This Normal?

Answers (5)

Answer: Difficulty moving arm

Answer: Difficulty moving arm

Answer: Problems with short scar arm lifts

Answer: Problems with short scar arm lifts

Browse related questions

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.