Inconveniences of armlift and facelift?

having completed my lower body lift in February, I have now scheduled a mid-line facelift and armlift for the end of October.

I would like to know about the "inconveniences" post-surgery.  I have been told I won't be able to bend my arms--how does one stay hygenic when using the bathroom?  I mean you can't wipe, right?  What about eating--can't lift fork to mouth or brush my teeth?  How long is it before you can bend at the elbow?

For facelift---how sore are the facial muscles?  Can you chew food or should I plan for a liquid diet and for how long?  What about washing face and hair?

I would also like to know about pain levels and whether or not I should plan on sleeping in recliner versus bed.  My husband needs to know--he IS NOT looking forward to this level of care for me but is resigned to it.

I am lactose intolerant which means protein shakes are out of question as is Ensure--too much sugar.  What will I be able to live on if I can't chew food or eat with utensils?

Help please!

 Hi there,
I can give you my perspective on the arm lift. Well, as far as wiping, my dh had to wipe for me the first 24 hours. After that, I was good to go with wiping. 

As far as eating, I could not put my arm to my mouth for at least 48 hours. I used a straw in a cup to drink and my daughter or husband held the cup there. They also put crackers or food to bite in my mouth.

I am still uncomfortable in my arms. But, what I have found is that everyone is so different with this surgery. You can see  my pics---I started with huge arms. I really feel that my skin is pulled tighter than most because my arms are on the larger side. I think it depends on the make up of your body. 

Your arms look good! 

I am size 4 right now but hate how the arms "drape".  Even when they are hanging at my side there are folds of skin wrinkling on upper and lower arm.  I know there is little they can do for forearm--doctor already warned me about that.  and it doesn't help that I am chronically dehydrated--can't drink water and still fit in food even three years out.  Sigh--who knew I would ever have a problem eating ENOUGH?

thanks for the feedback.  God bless!

Hi, it depends on the amount of swelling you have post op. The more swollen the less mobility it seems. I had very little swelling and my arm surgery was virtually pain free. I I had some restricted movement but it was mostly from lifting over my head. As far as being lactose intolerant, so am I. Designer Whey makes a 99% lactose free protein powder in vanilla and chocolate. I have used it for years. I use Lactaid brand lactos- free milk and frozen berries to make my protein shakes. I buy my Designer Whey at the grocery store Fry's. I believe the store is also named Kroger in other parts of the country. Best to you. God bless.

Thanks for the heads up on Designer Whey--if it is not too expensive I will try to get some before the surgery.

I have a lot of trouble with food and can seldom get more than 1000 calories a day in---as a result I am tired most of the time and can no longer work out at the gym.  Hopefully the swelling will be a minimum because I definitely need to be able to handle routine hygeine--some things you just don't want your husband to have to do for you, you know?

Thanks for the blessing--I can use all I can get!

I thought my arms was the easies out of all my surgeriest. I had an extended Brachiolasty, the first 24hrs was tough and then my PS took the bandages off & I was able to wear  the compression garment. I was able to feed myself & wipe myself.
face lift was fine also, it was sore to touch my face like if I wanted to wa**** or use moisturizer, but there was never a problem with eating or drinking and  I was hungry & did eat
Susan

I hope I have similar good luck!  My lower body lift was very sore the first week but then pretty okay. 

Face lift is just for my husband--he hates the wrinkles on my neck and I hate that my face sags and makes me look like I am frowning constantly.

Arms are for me because I am so embarrassed to wear sleeveless garments.  Then next year the THIGHS and I will be done!  thank you for the feedback!

check out my pictures
Susan

Can't speak for the face lift, but the arm lift is going well. I am now experiencing pain in my arms. It' smainly just annoying soreness, but not sore enough to take pain meds. I had no problem going to the bathroom and wiping. During the first couple of days you will probably have to have your arms elevated and no bending your arms. My g/f was nice enough to feed me and take care of me during this time. After the first couple of days, I was allowed to bend my arms and feed myself. He just said not to get too crazy.

Thanks for the feedback--unusual to get responses from a guy so I do really appreciate your taking the time.

My husband is currently unemployed so he will be available to feed me unless he gets job before end of October--which I really hope he does!  But then I will need "feeding"....so not sure what I will do in that case!  I guess I better stock up on some type of lactose-free protein drinks I can drink with a straw!