Brachioplasty on Friday

Does anyone have any advice/tips/suggestions for me as I prepare and then recover from my brachioplasty. I'm sooo nervous and soo excited. I've told my family and friends that in lieu of flowers, send tank tops!

Good for you!! I love, love, love my arms since brachioplasty!! First 3 days i was wrapped to my fingertips to prevent swelling and walked like a mummy. Day 3 my drains and the wrap were removed and I had a better range of motion. By day 10 I was ready to get back to work. My recovery was easy. Just keep your arms propped up and be patient!!

Laura

I'm going in tomorrow for m brachio. I'm nervous and excited.

I will pray that both of our recoveries are a breeze

Hi - I had my arm lift done 5 weeks ago, and have posted about my experiences on my blog if you want to take a look.

Here's a response I made to Laz22girl a few days ago also.

Whilst the surgery was uncomfortable I wouldn't say it was particularly painful - I was only on a paracetamol drip in hospital then paracetamol tablets afterwards. I could manage to wiggle into T-shirts over my head straight away - but needed a bit of help getting them off !

2 weeks off work should be ok as long as you don't need to reach/lift etc when you go back to work - read my blog for info on re-arranging a few things around the house etc after surgery for some hints/tips.

I'm at week 5 today and this is the first week when (apart from the swelling and slight discomfort) my range of movement is back to normal and I even slept on my side/arms last night with no discomfort.

My surgeon is quite cautious about exercise - he won't let me do any for 2 months - to be honest I'd like to start soon as I'm really missing exercise (just blogged about that too !) - but having paid for the surgery I'll be guided by him.

My surgeon uses www.newmedical.com/ for silicon - I used this on my tummy and breast - I then cut the tape up and am using on my arms. He also recommends using Contractubex gel for massaging along the scar which I'm using - it's fairly inexpensive and seems to be doing the job - though it's difficult to know if it's this or the silicon or just my body healing.

Whilst I know you said you aren't doing compression - you might find a pair of compression arms really useful - they give support, reduce swelling and for me make me feel much comfortable. I also think they will minimise any pulling on the scars as I don't want them to get any wider.


Good Luck with your surgery, keep us updated on how you get on.

Debbie x

Thanks for the advice. Luckily I'm a teacher and I'm off for the summer. I don't have to do anything until the first week of September, so I have plenty of time to heal. I can't wait to have my surgery!

Ohhhhh Gail love the send Tank top idea  ( i'm stealing that one..lol) posting that sign on my office door for my co-worker..seriouly. Good Luck and Happy Painless Healing!>>>>>>>> My gift too you

I LOVE that tank top! Thank you!

I'm 8 weeks post brachioplasty and fleur de lis tummy tuck.  I couldn't get tank tops on for a month due to incisions in armpit that restricted things going over my head.  Also had to wear ACE bandages for the first month so I kept my arms covered.

For last 4 weeks, I'm wearing silicone strips on incisions for scar minimization.  They won't stay on with out a "sleeve" fitting over them.  I have toddler "tights" with legs and toes cut off and slide them over the incisions - so still covering my arms with a sweater, 3/4 sleeves or a shawl.

My arms look great.  I'm hoping at my next appt (July 29) the surgeon tells me I can do without the silicone strip and enjoy my new arms "naked."  I'd like to take advantage of what warm weather is left to show them off.

Again, thanks for sharing your experiences. I saw the PS yesterday for a pre-surgery appt. He was a bit nonchalant about the recovery. He said the restrictions are "common sense things" and that after 10 days I should feel fine. I have confidence in his surgical ability, but after reading all of your stories and looking at pictures I don't think the recovery is as easy as he makes it sound.
Question: What did you wear home after your procedure? I'm guessing a button-up shirt would be best?

Like I said earlier, I got mine done yesterday and I feel great! Yesterday I slept the whole day. I had a tiny bit of nausea yesterday right after surgery, but after some phenegran the nausea subsided for good.

I was bandaged really well yesterday, but today he took them off. Now I have gauze and pads for the scars. I'm in more discomfort than pain. I've been pleasantly surprised,

I am swollen, but it's really not bad, at all!

I hope it continues to go smoothly.