Question about Brachio/BL recovery time

So I’ve started to seriously research plastics, because I know I’ll need it. I have about 30-35 lb to go until goal (depending on how much the surgeon wants me to leave for sculpting and all that). I’m about 8 months out, but I know I’m going to need extensive work because I lost the weight quickly (about 134 lb so far) and my skin is just shot. I’m in the process of saving, planning, etc. right now so I’ll be ready when enough time has passed post-op for me to have the work done.

 

I’ll have about 6 weeks to use for recovery time total, but I’m probably going on vacation for a week, so really only 5 weeks. I wanted to have BL/Brachio done at the same time- is that enough time for recovery? Or could I get away with using 3 weeks for recovery and then saving the rest for my other surgeries (which are most likely going to be MTL and then an anchor cut TT, I think)? $$$ is an issue, although I don’t want to keep having surgeries done. I have to work my way down the priority list and right now my arms and boobs make me seriously cry when I look at them, so they’ll have to get done first. I can’t even deal with them NOW, let alone when I hit goal. I was anticipating maybe early 2011 having it done, which would be 18 mos post-op and that seems to be ok by most surgeons.

 

Also, this is going off of what I think I need done. When I do actual surgical consults, it may change. For example, I don’t anticipate needing implants and don’t want them, but it depends on the advice I get (really, I just want them lifted and the skin taken off- if it puts me in a B cup I don’t care in the slightest!) I don’t anticipate needing auto augmentation to the butt but maybe they’ll convince me otherwise.

 

Anyway after that long rambling, mess would 3 weeks be enough for a recovery time? Or would I need the full 5 weeks? BTW my recovery from my RNY was awful and I had some complications, and I am allergic to Vicodin, Percocet, darvocet. I have a hard time with a lot of pain killers.

Hi Heather,

Congratulations on starting your plastics journey!  I only qualify to answer about brachio only.  I had my arms done on Nov. 20.  My arms were BAD!  My doc said I was the largest "arm case" he has done.  That's nice!  I took off work 3 weeks.  I, too have a hard time with pain medication.  I came home about 4 hours after I woke up from surgery on nothing but tylenol with codine.  It was rough for about the first week.  The first night was just brutal!  I'm thinking you will do OK with 5 weeks for the combo surgery.  Just don't plan on lifting much when you go on vacation!

Brooke K

P.S.  If you want to see my before and after pics send me a friend request.  Warning: scary!

I had brachio with lift and augmentation at the same time.  I was lucky that I work for a school district and had 2 months off to have that surgery and my LBL.  I think with proper pain management and if all goes well, 2-3 weeks would be plenty.  My breast surgery was not painful at all.  The only problem I had with arms was gaining back range of motion.  I have before and after arms pics on my profile if you are interested.  Good luck!

April

That was the easiest surgery for me. BL/BA & brachioplasty - I was able to get back to work in 2 weeks.

I had a brachioplasty 5 days ago.  I feel great.  I am going back to work 9 days out and I don't think it will be a problem at all.  It was the easiest surgery ever.