Brachioplasty Compression Garment Necessary? And for Breast Lift?

Along with with the tummy tuck, I'll be have a breast lift, flankplasty, and brachioplasty. For the breast lift (no implants and i'll likely come out a B) the PS wants me to wear the granny bra they'll put on me or a front closure sports bra. That sounds good up me but did anyone do anything different and why?

For the arm lift, they'll just wrap me in gauze and that will be the extent of it. Do reduce swelling in my hands, I'm to rest with my arms supported on pillows. I saw compression sleeves on the Marena website and I'm wondering if anyone used this or any other compression contraption for your arms? Did if help?

I want to do what I can to reduce swelling, increase comfort, and reduce the risk of splitting anything open. Thanks!

Jennifer

I did not have a breast lift at the same time as my brachioplasty.  I wore a compression garment from marena - it is the one that fits like a jacket - with sleeves that go all the way down to the wrist.  It fit pretty snugly across the chest - so I don't know what affect that would have on your breast lift.  It helped keep the swelling down on my arms and make me feel comfortable that I would not reach too far and pull any stitches.  They also have a garment that is just sleeves that attaches somehow in the back.  Not sure if your arms are wrapped how you would make sure that you got that back on correctly once you are able to shower.  While I hate the compression garments because they are so tight - especially when you begin to swell, I love the safe feeling that I have when wearing them.  Good luck with your surgery.

 

JoAnn

Thanks, JoAnn. I too am concerned about not thinking and reaching too far up or away and opening the stitches. I'm also concerned about swelling. I like the idea of just the sleeves that attach at the back. I'll have my husband and mom here so they could help me put it on. I'll check that garment out on the Marena website.

Jennifer

If you are also going to be cut in the arm pit area and down the side of the breast, you might want to get the jacket type for additional protection. For the first few days, my hubby helped me take it off and on. After that I was able to get in and out of it myself. My ps wanted me to get the jacket type.

JoAnn

I have not had my arms done yet, but a friend of mine did and she cut the feet out of compression socks and used them over the gauze to help keep it in place and to help with swelling.

Yet? Are you considering that next, Tess? 😉I'll let you know how it goes. The compression socks are a great idea! I have the thigh highs from when I was 50 pounds heavier and I could cut them in half and use the calf part. If I ever needed them again, I'd need a smaller size anyway and insurance covers a new pair every year.

Jennifer

I would love to have my arms done but my hubby tells me no more surgery.  He can't handle it, but if I had the extra cash, I would go for it in a moment's notice.  

I had a breast lift and did wear a front closure sports bra for the first month.  I was a DD before and a DD after so couldn't wait to get back to my underwire bras.  I had very little pain after this surgery

I also had an arm lift.  I did exactly what you are being told to do.  I was told to remove the gauze 24 hours after the surgery.  I can tell you my arms would swell for the next few months.  The incisions were very sensitive so I wasn't interested in compression garments.  The recovery was painful but well worth it.  Take the pain medication you're given it will help with your recovery.

My arms were really bad so my incision goes from about an inch below my elbow, up my arms, and down about 6 inches from my arm pit.  The removal of skin from my arm pit and side helped with the "side boob" skin and another benefit I don't have to shave under my arms.

 

 

I found some cotton front closure bras at Meijer today and I think they'll be quite comfortable after the granny bra can be removed. I've always worn an underwire, not sure how long before I'll be comfortable and feel supported in a bra that isn't. Then again, I was a DD-F when I was breast feeding for two years and after that stopped a year ago and also lost my regain, I'm a C. After the lift and excess skin are removed, the surgeon thinks I'll be a B. my body is smaller and will be even more so, so I'm thinking I'll be happy with that.

Awesome on no shaving! I think my incision will start at my arm put and go about four inches. The side fat...flanks...will be a separate horizontal incision, again about 4 inches. Maybe longer. I'll still have to shave. Was there anything you did that helped relieve the swelling? Is the pain more intense than the breasts because of it's location and it rubs? Thank you for sharing.

Jennifer

I am 13 days post op from a big surgery that included arm lift, flankplasty, and breast lift. My incision goes form my elbow, up my arm, into my armpit, down the side of my body, and under the breast. Then there is a lollipop incision on each breast. I went from a D to a B and will be getting implants.

I do not wear a compression garment and I did not have drains. I do not wear a bra. I awoke from surgery with gauze and ace bandaages around my arms and a surgical bra. My surgeon removed all of these 48 hours after surgery. I have not had much pain in the arms and none in the breasts.

The openings will happen only in the armpit and you cannot put a compression garment there. So wearing a compression garment will not help prevent skin dehisence. Generally if you get through 3-weeks without an opening then you are in the clear.

My arms feel quite good without the compression garment. They felt much better after he removed the bandages so I am glad that he does not recommend the compression sleeves. I think they would be uncomfortable and not provde any better outcome as far as aesthetics. Dr. Capella does wonderful arms and none of his patients use compression.