Wound care after Bracioplasty

I had my brachio 4 weeks ago.

From the surgery center, i went home bandaged from wrist to armpit --- with a net stocking over the bandages.

I went back to the doctor the next day for a wound check/dressing change.

They gave me some dressings to take home (sterile pads -- 8" x 10") and some gauze.

So, days 1 and 2 were handled by them, on day 3 I took a shower and washed gently, and then my husband helped to bandage me -- we put the pads over the wounds and he wrapped gauze over them.

After that day, I did not use dressings of any type  as I had no drainage --- I wore a long-sleeved under-shirt (Cuddle unders) under most of my clothes to protect my wounds from the seams of my shirts.

I have not done any compression garments -- surgeon said that they are a pain to try to keep up.  He recommends long sleeved shirts -- in a size that fits.

Good luck with your surgery!!!!

Good luck with your upcoming surgery. In my practice I place steristrips along the incision line and all my patient have drains. I cover the incisions with ABD pads and then ACE wrap patients from the hands to the armpit region until the drains are removed. The arms should also be elevated as much as possible to minimize the swelling. I remove all dressings daily and re-wrap the arms. I get compression garments for all my patients, I recommend the sleeve compression from the Marena Comfort wear http://marenagroup.com/garmentstore/product/tabid/199/p-80-l ong-sleeve.aspx. This should be worn for 4 weeks.

Best of luck with your surgery!!

Thanks Dr. Michaels for taking the time to weigh in.

Obesity Help is the best forum I have ever belonged to for support, encouragement, information and sometimes a few laughs :)

I appreciate each one of you!

Mickie