Brachioplasty chicks!

A few questions:

My doc says there is really no difference between using paper tape and silicone strips on the scares. I've been taping with paper tape for the past 5 days and the incisions are thinning out...however, I do wonder if I should switch to silicone strips. Are they really better? If so, what's a good brand?

How soon did you start using deodorant? I started back on Friday...but I worry about it getting into my incisions. My incisions are pretty perfectly in the middle of my arms, so they don't run into the area where deo goes...

How long did y'all wear compression garments? My surgeon pretty says wears them when I need. I've been in them pretty much 24/7...but wonder when I can start stepping down!

I think it was SiberianCat who suggested the kids stockings/tights--thanks!!! They are perfect! I got a pair of children's tights and the are perfect for short sleeved compressions. Only bummer is I can only find them in black. Any idea where to get them in a nude color? I have stockings in nude...but they are more 3/4th sleeves.

Also, I'm returning to work on monday...what did you find the most comfortable with the compressions?

Thanks for all of your answers! I love this forum!! Oh and I've firmly decided that I'm not cutting myself open anymore lol. My bank acct thanks me. I love seeing/reading your experiences, though

Lazz I think we are saying we want do it again,but after this swelling and pain is gone we will be right back on that table..lol I told hubby this morning no i'm not getting my thigh's done, but I no that's a lie come January. You can find the stocking in nude at wally world or target they were $1.50 a pair. Also the store children's place $3.00 each.

Our Walmart had a 3 pack of childrens tights (white, beige & red) on sale.

I wore ACE bandages day and night for the first month.  My incisions go from forearm about an inch below elbow through my armpits.  I could not shave for the first month.  The armpit incisions gave me the most trouble - they were "puckery" and a couple opened between stitches. (I still have to shave at bathroom sink using a hand mirror!)

I got the silicone strips from my surgeon - they came 4 to a pack and are 1" by 6".  They are reusable and can be hand washed to get the "sticky" back.  Mine will not stay on by themselves - hence a covering of some kind.  I prefer the ACE bandage at night.

I wear tank tops with a 3/4 sleeve cardigan  or just wear 3/4 sleeve length tops (my arm covering comes about 2-3 inches below my elbow.  Yesterday the surgeon told me to keep wearing the silicone strips - so I bought more. As soon as my "open wound" closes, I will start silicone strips on my tummy tuck incisions.

I don't think I wore deororant for at least 6 months. I figured I showered everyday and did not "stink" so I did not worry about it. Even now with my brast lift incisions near my armpit, I have not worn deodorant in over a month. I wore my compression sleeves for about 6 months, too, and wore them at night fter that. I liked them and they made me feel secure.

Yeah, I have decided I'll NEVER get my thighs done, but we shall see....

Laura

Okay, ladies, now I have a question! I had my brachio a wk ago Friday. I saw my PS on Monday and I will go again next Thursday. All I was told was to wear my garment 24/7. I can take it off to shower, pat dry with gauze, cover w/gauze and put the garment back on. I know nothing about silicon strips! Is it b/c it's still early??

Yes, you are too early out. After the incisions have healed completely, you can use silicone strips to help lighten and flatten the scars. I wore them for several months under my compression sleeves.

oops! I deleted my last message in error...

Thanks Laura!

I have another question: When did you start exercising after your brachio? I feel so gross from sitting aroung all week!

I started taping at my one week post op when he removed the stitches and staples. It's amazing the difference in the scars in just a week! I use paper tape. My doc says there is no difference in silicone and paper.

I started walking on the TM 3 days after my brachio. Just light walking...now I've been walking with an incline. I started with just 20 mins (I needed it more for a bowel movement and to feel like i was doing something healthy for myself). Now I'm up to 40 mins. I am going to start back at the gym full time the week after next (3 weeks after brachio).

I just had a brachio. My doc just told me to make sure I do nothing that has my arms swinging and nothing that I have to use my arm muscles. I'm a runner and do spin...so I am not doing either of those until the week after next.

My experience  -  I came home right after the surgery with ace bandages and they were removed the next day.  My surgeon said no need for compression garments.  I did my arms first (two years ago in November) and spent a small fortune on silicone strips, cremes, whatever was recommended.  Three months later I had a TT.  I decided not to use any strips, cremes because no one would see the scar but me.  I can tell you that today the scars on my arms don't look any better than the scar from my TT.  I went back to work 2 and a half weeks after my arm surgery and started wearing deodorant then.