Arm lift

Hi all,

I just had an RNY on 4/13/10 so this question isn't for me, it's for my Aunt who is 5 years (I think) out from her RNY.  She is a size 18 and happy at that size, however she has to buy her shirts in a 22/24 because of the size of her arms.  She is 59 and has heard the surgery is painful and leaves terrible scars.  Can any of you clarify this information for me?  I'd love to see her have it done and be happier about herself.  In my family, no matter what size you are, you have WINGS.  It is what we like to call the "Southern" curse (my mother's and aunt's maiden name is Southern).  If anyone could give me first hand experience I could pass along to her I'd greatly appreciate it.  I want this done once I get to goal and I want her to have it done so she will feel better about herself and maybe get to wear a tank top for once in her life. 

Thanks!!!

My arms were pretty bad before I had my brachioplasty in December.  My left arm hung down 28in and my right 26in.  They are now 14in.  I had more weight to lose but I had it done because it interfered with my swimming.  I cannot lie to you.  My scars are really bad.  BUT keep in mind that my body doesn't scar well.  Even with the scars, I would do it again in a minute!  I do not regret the surgery one minute.  He did lipo too and my arms are pretty and small.  It did hurt but it was manageable.

I just had my arms done in April.  Not much pain at all.  They still feel a lil tight in the arm pit.  Not much swelling.  Worst part was probably having the drains at the elbows.  I am by far the happiest with my arms, I love them.  Today was my first day back at the gym and I even wore a sleeveless tank and used the arm thingy on the elliptical machine.  I didn't have to worry about my arms flapping around .  It was great!  I have pictures on my profile.

I had my arms done last July. Love them. The surgery was a breeze and had very little to no pain. My scars are very minimal. Most people don't notice the scars unless I point them out to them.

My arms were part of my first round of procedures almost 3 weeks ago.  I did not think the pain was that bad at all.  It's uncomfortable with the drains but once those come out and the stitches come out (depending on where your incisions end up) it's not as uncomfortable and every day your range of motion gets better.

To some extent I'd consider it a trade off.  IMHO, I think we put too much thought into what people think of scars.  Sure there's a curiosity of "what happened?" and they bluntly ask.  You have the option of giving the detailed truth or simply stating "I had some corrective work done."  Me?  I'd make up a really good story just to give them something to really ponder.  :)

The scars are on the underside of the arm, so unless your aunt spends her days flailing her arms about, the majority of people won't notice.

Thanks everyone for the advice.  I really appreciate all your honesty!

I am 2 weeks out from upper arm lift and yes it is painful, but IMHO so worth it!

as far as the scars go I would rather have a scar then a wing anyday!

Today is day # 19 for me - I had an extended tt, BA & arm lift. I had drains in the arm pit - they were removed on my first post-op visit.

My incisions are are healed - very nicely - but my arms feel tight - like I want to stretch them out. My PS said to wait until about 6 weeks post-op to do yoga.

I am 51 - the scars are not bad at all. It isn't painful either - some discomfort is all. It is so worth it!!