Update! Hopefully will get relief now: Itching from compression bandage is driving me...

Update:  I did some research and learned that this intense itch is part of the healing process and occurs even in people not wearing a compression bandage.  Thank goodness I have antihistamine tablets on hand so I am feeling much more hopeful!
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I had my arm lift surgery four days ago and was told to wear the original bandage and compression binding for two full weeks. 

The bandage covering the wound is fine and doesn't bother me a bit and my pain level now is 1 out of 10 so that part is great.

What is making me crazy is the intense itching I have to endure and I don't think I can do this for another 10 days.  What they did was wrap some mesh type stuff around my arm - kind of like cheesecloth but with a thick stitch every inch or so.  Those were digging into my very swollen arms to the point of deep red welts so DH removed them and I wept with relief.  We carefully patted my skin with cold, wet paper towels, dried it well and then DH put on gauze pads first then covered with tape (none touching my skin) and I endured that through the night but begged for it to be removed this morning.  We removed that and now I am wearing cut off compression stockings that I had to prevent blood clots after another surgery.

I literally have to sit on my hands at times so I won't scratch myself through the fabric.  Here I was worried about my pain level and that's nothing compared to the damn itch.

I just needed to vent - probably no answers to this but to just suck it up and wait it out but it feels just to say this part sucks the big one!

Mickie

Sorry you are going through this. Did you try benadryl?

I am three weeks out from plastics and have had multiple severe itchiness episodes . . . I resorted to Benadryl a couple of times but don't like how I feel after taking it.  I have used the spray anti-itch stuff on areas away from the incisions and that has helped lots.  

The itchiness is a part of the healing process.  If you are on pain meds, they can contribute as well.  Benadryl can be a huge help.  I have been taking it just before bed to help with the itchiness and to sleep more soundly.