Brachioplasty Surgery Wednesday!!!!

I am having brachioplasty on Wednesday! I am really excited, but nervous at the same time.

For all of you out there who have had the procedure already any helpful hints, suggestions regarding recovery, scar healing, anything...

Also, wondering how long your arms had to remain wrapped or in your compression garment? I will ask my doctor for sure, just curious. How soon after were you able to drive? How long did you take off of work?

Thanks in advance!

 

I've had 2 brachioplasty surgeries......
Both times in compression 4-6 weeks.
The armpits are the only part that hurt.
Can't fully stretch out your arms for a long time....after my first one it took a full 6 weeks before I was comfortable doing it. 
Could wash my hair standing in the shower raising my arms up without feeling a lot of pulling around week 3 or 4 (but I was able to wash my hair bending over around day 5).
Driving depends on how long you are still taking pain killers but I think the general rule is about 10 days (not positive about that).
Move everything from the top shelves that you use routinely down to a lower level or you won't be able to reach them.
Don't lift anything heavier than a gal of milk.

Best wishes on your surgery and recovery.

Thanks!

Moosie forgot to mention one of the most helpful tips that she gave me... keep your arms elevated on 2 pillows (at a level above your heart) when resting. It REALLY helps to keep the swelling down. Thanks again Ruth for the tip!
I am 1 day shy of two weeks post op. I had a brachioplasty and a lbl. I have pics on my profile of my arms. I will add you if you are interested in seeing them. My arms have given me very little pain almost to the point of being surprising how little pain there has been. Besides the tips the girls have given you so far, I found having one of those grabber tools very useful. Forgive me, I don;t know what they are actually called but it's the thing that the elderly or diabled people use to reach things. I have used it for so many things, like pulling the cords on my ceiling fans to turn them on and off since they are to too high to reach without stretching my arm incisions. Best to you for your surgery and your recovery.

LOL ....can't believe I forgot that one cause it really helped me too!

Hi Moosie,
I am having my brachio revision in 7 weeks. I know this is probably specific to each case, but did your doc redo the entire scar, elbow to armpit?
Thanks!

Hi!
Yes my revision required the entire thing be re-done (Armpit to Elbow).

What did your surgeon say you need, the whole thing re-done or just a potion of it?

Best wishes on your upcoming brachio

Well, I really need to confirm because it is all a blur! I believe he is going to address all of the arm, since I had lipo since the first brachio and have more loose skin. Last time, I had the incision all thru the armpit down the side of the chest wall. I need to ask all these questions at preop which isn't until June 16.

Did the revision hurt still or was it much easier?
Thanks!

3 weeks out from my brachio and the stitches are all healed and the scabs are off.  The armpits are the only the only areas that are still a little sore.  I forget sometimes and stretch a little too far and I'm quickly reminded by the sharp pain.  

I've been rubbing my incision with Vit E oil and Coco Butter about twice a day.  That's all my surgeon recommended.

Good Luck!

Hey, congrat! I was wondering who your dr is. I am also planning surgery soon and wonder who you decided to go with... I saw Fasching and Philban and Rushforde. Did you see any of them when looking for a DR.