Do you need assistance at home after arm lift?

Good rainy morning everyone.  Well, I have made a decision to go forward with my arm lift.  I am choosing Nov 20th as the big day.  Thanks to all for your input when I posted a question earlier about travelling post surgery.

Was wondering if you need to have anyone staying with you when you come home from arm lift surgery?  When I had my tummy tuck and breast lift, I was fortunate to have family and friends with me for about a week.  Do I need to bug them again to come and stay with me after my arm lift?  If so, for how long?

Thanks again, and have a good day.

Take care...Linda 

Not really. If you do not have pets that need to be cared for you should be ok. Some advance planning is required because you will have limited arm movements. Move things to kitchen counters, have step stools available, put shower items on a shower bench so that you do not have to reach, have a mirror within reach to use for shaving underarms (one on the back of the bathroom door is helpful). If you have outpatient surgery like I did and take pain meds, you can't drive while on them. Pulling the car door shut is hard to reach. Opening prescription meds and other containers can be challenging ask that you NOT be given child-proof bottles. I only wore a compression garment for a day since I had little swelling. I will be 4 wks out on Wed. Prior to surgery and for 1-2 wks after really up your protein, water, eat fresh pineapple, take the vitamins you can. Don't overdue. I could take a shower two days after my surgery. I did use a shower bench and handheld shower nozzle the first two showers. A back scratcher is helpful. Try not to drop anything or have a grabber handy. Have button tops avail as you can't pull things over your head. Using a blow dryer is challenging as is brushing your hair for a few days. My arms look awesome and I love them! Had my boobs done at the same time! Wishing you a speedy recovery!

 Hi, thanks for the great info for post surgery care.  I am glad to hear that I don't really need anyone here with me when I come home, although I am sure there will be some who will insist...so I may suggest the first night someone stay.  Nice to be pampered once in a while 

When I was gearing up for my tummy tuck and breast lift, I did up my protein as you suggested and it must have helped as I had absolutely no problems at all...healed fast and well.

Congratulations on your recent surgeries...and continued good recovery.

Take care...Linda

 I have found that people need to be needed and wanted, and it is good to take people up on their offers of assistance - as much for them as for ourselves. 

I still have to post photos from my experience as I know how helpful the postings from others were for me. 

 Well, my husband drove me home and then left me alone.

He was there if I needed him, but I did not.

I had no nausea from the anesthesia.  I went to bed, propped my arms pillows and slept.

He drove me back to the surgeons office the next day for a wound check.

After anesthesia, you don't want. To be alone for at least 25 hours.

If you have an in-patient procedure, you should be fine once you get home.

If you are out-patient, you might wand someone ther or on stand by for a day or so.

Kath

I'd agreed it was good to have help for the first 24 hours.  My incision went from about an inch below my elbow, up my arm, and about 6" down my side.  After the first 24 hours the bandages were removed and I was able to bend my elbows again and after that didn't really need any help.  Congratulations on your decision.

I had surgery on 9/10....as mentioned above..u must make sure things on the counter .. u dont want to raise your arms ..or pull things... my drains were in for 9 day... still sleeping with pillows.. still use compression bandages partially... I love my arms even though they are swollen .. what a difference ...mild discomfort during first few days... Good Luck to u!!!!