Arm & Thigh Lift Recovery Tips - How bad was it ?

Hi ladies, I am having an arm lift and inner thigh lift on Sunday (after a breast lift and tummy tuck 6 weeks ago).

I'm just wondering if you could tell me how the recovery was - in particular how was your mobility and how debilitating was the arm surgery?  How bad is the swelling and pain level? How long were you out of action etc

The surgeon said the recovery is not too bad (but heh - he's never actually had it himself!) - so I would welcome hearing it from those who have.

Any hints/tips on recovery ?  Should I invest in an over the bed type table for my laptop? toilet seat raiser? - anything else?

Many thanks
Debbie

I hope to read some answers here and also learn from your recovery.  I'd like to know how they compare - I'm waiting a while before I do the next surgery! 

You look GREAT!!!  Congratulations on the bikini shot!!!

I had my arms done, but they were done alone.  My arms were only really uncomfortable for the first 3 days.  During that time I had drains and my arms were wrapped tight to my fingertips with ace bandages to prevent swelling.  It cause me to walk like a mummy.  At day 3 I had the drains removed and the tight bandages.  I only wore the compression sleeves after that.  By day 10 I was pretty much back to normal and could have returned to work, but I am a teacher and had another week off for Christmas break.

I can't imagine having arms and legs done at the same time.  I think you'll need help at least the first few days.

Laura

I can only respond re: arm lift.  I'm 2 weeks post op.  JP drains in each arm for one week.  Still have tight ACE wraps on entire arm.

The first few days I could'nt reach forward, up or back.  Needed help to pull undies down & up.  I still have a weight restriction of 5 pounds.

Have a little stool to get into cabinets ( upper & lower).  If something falls to the floor - have to let it there or squat down using legs to retrieve it.

I couldn't wash my hair for about 10 days and had to have someone do it for me.

I also had fleur de leis tummy tuck done at same time.  Tummy was more pain than arms - but together I was useless the first 10 days.  Now I can take care of mysef.  Still can't put clothes on over my head.

My arm incisions go from just below elbow n fearm to midway through armpits.  The arm pit areas burn and are more sore (I think because skin touches skin more often.)

Hope this helps.

My arms were done w/ my LBL and didn't have any issues w/ them at all. I noticed that one began to hurt a little bit and realized that I had everything on the right side of my chair and that's the arm that was hurting. Try to keep things even and minimize use for the first week or so.

I had my thighs done w/ my BL/BA. The thighs were the most painful thing for me. The swelling was horrible and trying to sit on the toilet was the worst. Also didn't have full use of my arms to assist in keeping pressure off when sitting. That being said I was back to work in 10 days and back out at the club and going out w/ friends at 3 weeks. Felt pretty normal by  3 weeks w/ some residual swelling and mild discomfort at the end of the day. Was back to full workouts by 6 weeks. I did have some spots that didn't close where all 3 incisions met at the goin area until 3 months out but they didn't hinder me from doing anything other than baths, hot tubs & swimming.

 I had my arms and thighs done at the same time. I was pretty much like a mummy...LOL I used the freshette for peeing the first few days....it helps to not have to sit down to pee. I also used the toilet seat riser when I had to sit. I was able to clean myself....movements with the arms are just slow. Your movements will be slow and deliberate and I tried to stay in my recliner as much as I could for the first 3 days or so. You won't be able to just step up onto high places like a bed or an SUV. You might need a step stool. You also don't want to have to reach up over your head. It's very tight in the armpits for awhile. Have everything you need in easy reach and ask for help. The biggest thing for me was after showering...I definitely needed help reapplying my gauze and pads and then getting the compression back on. It got easier in time but the first week or so I needed help.

I was on pain meds longer for those 2 procedures. It was a lot of long incisions and I also had revision work done to my tummy tuck. I did not hesitate to ask for more pain meds as I continued to need them. I was pretty well moving around and doing for myself by about 3 or 4 weeks out.

Thanks everyone, looks like I'm in for an interesting recovery !

Will let you know how I get on with both arms and legs at the same time !

Hello All,
Great question and responses.  I'm having my arms done on June 21st so I'm very excited and trying to think about everything that I will need.  Also anything that will help make my scars heal better.  I'm planning to be off work for a week then work from home the rest of the time if possible.  Now I'm wondering if I will be able to do that. 

I'm just happy that soon I won't have to be ashamed of my arms for the first time since I was in junior high.  I had on a sweater this week when it was 100 degrees in Chicago.  I had people asking why? and you look hot...you're making me hot just looking at you wearing that sweater.  That should be over soon. 

Thanks everyone!

I had my arms done in Feb. I had almost no discomfort, and except for not being able to shower for a couple days, the recovery was a breeze. The only residual effect is some loss of feeling in my left elbow. Sounds like no big thing, but it's really annoying, and also a surgical risk. I had my arms wrapped for 3 weeks. Don't get me wrong...there was some pain, but when you consider the length of these scars, it was no big thing and worth the pain.