Update on brachioplasty and mastoplexy-6days postop

Just wanted to give you guys an update.  I had brachioplasty and a BL on Monday, 11/22.  Surgery went well....out about 5 hours.   Woke up in moderate "burning" discomfort in arms, no pain in breasts, with 4 drains and the compression garmet on.  Went home with oral percocet and took 1 every 4 hours or so.   Had no problems brushing my teeth, feeding, other self-care but in alot of "discomfort" in my arms and armpits.  Laying propped up in bed with lots of pillows and arms out like a penguin elevated on even more pillows.

Went back to the Dr. on Tuesday.  Removing the garmet HURTS LIKE HXXX because it's difficult to bend your arms, but the scars were fine...no drainage, unusual swelling, etc.  All 4 drains were removed.  Moving around o.k.   Showered with a handheld and didn't remove my compression garmet on upper body when I got home.

Day 3 - more pain than the other 2 days.  Still o.k. moving around, but needed the percocet every 4 hours and got a little discouraged from the burning pain and the "uncomfortableness" of the compression garmet.  Also, percocet makes me nauseated and I just wanted to sleep all day.  Didn't feel like talking or even watching TV.  Showered lower body only and left the garmet on.

Day 4 - much better, but still burning.  Took 1/2 Vicodan in the a.m. and didn't need any more pain pills that day.  showered lower body only.  Still can't bring myself to remove the garmet....

Day 5 - much better.  Compression garmet just irritating.  Finally got the nerve up to remove my compression garmet and take a full shower.  MUCH easier...no pain this time.  Scars look fine.  No drainage or real swelling.  A little bruising but minimal.  Felt GREAT to take a shower and wash my hair!!!!! 

Day 6 - better yet. 

I have to say that this was harder than I thought it would be.  I have a pretty high pain tolerance and didn't expect these procedures to be this uncomfortable.  The BL was  a breeze, but the arms really hurt.  I thought i might do a tummy tuck later but I'm really reconsidering.  For me, I'm glad I did my arms because they BUGGED me to no end.   But, not sure how much my tummy bugs me.  it's really a trade off....based on how bad you feel about something versus what you're willing to go thru to make it look great.  I'm very pleased with my arms.  My breasts are smaller than I thought they'd be, but I definitely don't want implants, so I'm fine with them. 

Let me know if you have any questions!
Mary

Hi Mary -

I had the same 2 procedures on Thursday, Nov 18th --- went home with 2 drains that were removed on Friday, the 19th.

I have not had much pain at all --- some tenderness, but not really pain.
I have a post-op appt with the surgeon on Monday, Nov 29th.

I feel exactly the same way you express about the tummy and or thighs --- I thought I wanted them done, but not sure I want to endure surgery to do it -- LOL!

I, too, am very pleased with the arms -- my doc did a great job -- my breasts are smaller than I expected --- but I definitely want implants, either ---- happy that my surgery is over and was uneventful.

Hope you continue to heal well, and manage your pain/discomfort.

I bought some 'freezer wraps' at Walgreens, and can put an ice pack in and wrap it around my upper arms/velcro it closed -- then, I can even put them between 2 of the bras the surgeon gave me -- and that helps with the discomfort.

Hi Kath - I'm glad things went so well for you!!  The freezer wraps sound like they'd feel so good, but my surgeon said no cold or hot until he sees my on Monday.  I'm definitely going to ask about that...:)

Good luck to you in the future and thank you for the 'well wishes'!!
Mary