Question:
Arm Lift Soreness

I had an arm lift done last Monday (March 1st) and was feeling fine. I had miminal swelling. Now, my lower arms (where the ace bandage is not wrapped) are swollen larger then my calfs. I'm not sure if maybe I am wrapping my ace bandages too tight and its cutting off my circulation. Also, my right arm is becoming sore and warm. This soreness is not even alleviated by taking 2 tylenol #3's. I was feeling so well, that I did a lot this weekend, so I'm wondering if I just wore myself out, because I had no soreness before. Also, this might seem strange, but it feels like the sore spot on my arm is wet, but when I feel the spot that feels wet its dry. It actually feels like fluid is moving around in there under my skin. My next appointment with my plastic surgeon is on Wednesday. I'm not sure what this could be (if anything) and whether maybe rest will help or I need to call and get in there earlier. Anyone have any suggestions?    — Lisa N M. (posted on March 8, 2004)

March 7, 2004
I'd advise calling your PS today. Don't wait if you feel that has been a change in your status. Have you taken you temp? You don't have a fever, do you? It could well be that you just strained yourself or that it's normal healing, but only your PS will be able to tell you that. Pleae call him!
   — LMCLILLY

March 8, 2004
Lisa. The warmth and increased soreness is something you need to discuss with your plastic surgeon. You need to take off the wraps and elevate your arms on pillows for a while then rewrap but not so tight.Get your arms above the level of your heart. If your arm gets red then call MD immediately.
   — Linda Dianne E.

March 8, 2004
It sounds like you may have your bandages too tight. When I had my brachioplasty, my lower arms would swell and it was a combination of not keeping my arms elevated and having the bandages too tight.
   — Patty H.

March 9, 2004
If haven't done it yet, call the surgeon right away. It could be swelling from tight bandages or it could be a blood clot which is dangerous! Hope it's nothing that bad though. Good luck.
   — catleth

March 12, 2004
I'm 8 months post-brachioplasty and I still get weird feelings in my arms....nothing hurts and I'm completely healed, but I get these phantom it's and crawlies where I try and scratch but it doesn't help and I can't really tell what's itching! Sometimes I feel like I have a drop of water running down the back of my arm, but there's nothing there. It's all because of the nerves that were damaged during surgery. As for you other problems....get to the doctor pronto! Good luck to you!
   — Lynette B.