REVISION of Brach Surgery ( scars widened)

I had my original brachio of both arms done almost 20 months ago. The scars were nice and thin, but I needed a revision. When the first revision was done almost 10 months ago, the scars widened really badly. Then 6 weeks ago only the left arm was done, and so far that scar is not too bad just yet. However, the right arm has widened considerbly in 10 months.

With that being said, I was NOT told either time to tape. Just heard of that today. Also, I asked about wearing the compression garments of both surgeons - neither actually suggested on their own. I did get the compressions and have used them both previous times - faithfully. I had a problem for a few weeks with this last revision, so I've just started wearing the compression. Before I was wearing the ace, so as to be able to change the dressings and not put too much pressure on the open wound. I've been wondering that at this stage of post-op (6 weeks), if starting to wear the compression garment now would be effective at all? I've been wearing it at night especially to prevent the increased swelling that we automatically get at night. Anyway, all advice is welcome. :)

The sad thing is, is that my right arm may always have the wide scar (unless another scar repair and I really don't want another sugery), and the left arm will have a thin scar (hopefully). Oh well, such is my path of wls - and I wouldn't change a thing to be able to live this wonderful and healthy life right now!!! Thank You Jesus! :)

Blessings to all,
Rose

I always wear compression..  I did the sleeve compression for almost threee months and still mine widened .    didnt tape as my Dr didnt say too.  Now, I did start exercise at 3 months for the arms again because he said I could,,  I wonder if that did it ..
I am trying to gather all the info i can before the revision in hopes it doesnt happen again..
What kind of tape i wonder do I use to tape and am thinking it should be side to side ..

Did you start wearing your compression sleeves right away after you had surgery?  How long before you started wearing them.  Since I have a left arm revision only, I've been wearing the long compression sleeve at night only.  It's 100 degrees where I live, and the sleeve is from wrist to arm pit.  Too hot to wear during the day at work.  Wondering if wearing only at night is effective?  Wondering what I should do? I believe in wearing the sleeves.  I go to ps appointment tomorrow and I'll also ask him.  Sometimes I find more answers on OH.  LOL.

My Dr wouldnt let me wear them until about a week out ,,After that 24 hrs a day for 8 weeks min then at night for the next 4.   I was faithful but STILL they widened .   I DI D  start exercise about 6 -8 weeks out if i remember correctly .. I wont do that this time,,,CRAP , i will lift nothing more than a toothbrush  LOL as revisions are a pain in the butt and $$$ too ..

I learn more on here too LOL ,,,and in a lot less time than waiting on my DR ,,,  love him though :)

I hear you Shirley!  So far my arm is looking pretty good.  It still has quite a bit of swelling, but I understand that it will be several weeks or a few months before the swelling is completely gone.  As a result of the swelling, it has also effected my left breast.  It's still somewhat firmer on the outer side connecting to the left arm.  The right breast has settled and looks really good.  I can tell that my scar on the left arm is very thin, and I pray that it doesn't widen.  The only exercise that I'm doing right now is walking.  I'm not lifting anything.  I did a lot of weight (3 to 5 lb) lifting for months before my revision so that I would have muscle definition.  I can't see it right now, but I did see the muscles before the surgery.  Hopefully when the swelling is gone, I'll be able to see some definition.  My compression sleeve is so long that I don't want to wear during the day - it shows even with my jackets on.  So I do wear it faithfully at night.  My surgeon didn't even tell me to start wearing it, I just started wearing it on my own.  I see him today, so I will discuss it with him.  I'll give an update after I see him today.  :)

Thanks so much for responding.  Yes, we do love our surgeons - anyway!  LOL.

Be blessed!

Good mornng M,
Where did your get your compressions?  They sound like something that I want to go and buy right now.  Were they long sleeve to the wrist or the elbow?  After my first surgery (brachio), I got the one that hooked across the back and they were to the elbow.  I loved that one, but I bought it from a medical online facility - it was Meridia or something like that.
As always, thanks for the info. :)