- Liposuction
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
- Massive Weight Loss
- Thigh Lift
- Liposuction of Arms
- Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
- Introduction
- How It Is Done
- Patient Photographs
- What to Expect After Surgery
- Complications
- Care After Surgery
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Buttock Augmentation
- Calf Augmentation
- Hand Rejuvenation
- Labiaplasty
- Tattoo Removal
- Laser Hair Removal
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) - Complications
Dog ear
I have occasionally treated a dog ear of either the upper ("proximal") or lower ("distal") end of the scar if the expected puckering does not settle down completely.
Scarring
Like all scars, sometimes the scar spreads and this may be improved by revising the scar at a later date, when there is less tension on the wound.
Numbness
An important sensory nerve ("medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve") runs down the inside of the upper arm. It is important for the surgeon to avoid injuring this nerve, which might cause a painful neuroma. Typically, I resect the tissue more posteriorly, and after anesthetic infiltration, which helps expand the subcutaneous plane, making nerve injury very unlikely.
Hematoma
Hematomas are unusual. The vessels are small and easily controlled with cautery. There is some compression from the tissue closure which helps to avoid a dead space. Drains are not routinely used.
Seromas
This is a commonly reported complication. With limited ultrasound times and the avoidance of cutting cautery, this complication can be avoided.
