Brachioplasty
A week after my brachioplasty, I'm feeling much better. The surgery went well, according to my surgeon, and he is pleased with my progress.
Instead of using traditional compression garments for arms, the surgeon used compression stockings with the feet cut out. These felt so good on my arms but pinched under my arms. After a week, however, I was still taking a pain pill every 4-6 hours and I was getting concerned since several other people have said they had so little pain and didn't require medication within days. Yesterday at my week check-up, the surgeon took off the compression stockings and I haven't had to use a pain pill since. I figure they (the compression stockings) were cutting off my circulation and causing greater pain.
I am now wearing ACE bandages, which cause their own problems but I am coping fairly well with them. The weirdest thing about this surgery is the fuzzy feelings in my lower arms, the tingling of those major nerves as they heal. My lower arms seems super sensitive to touching anything at all. My incisions themselves don't cause any pain at all.
I am pleasantly surprised at the range of motion I have with my arms already, although I definitely cannot reach too high nor can I carry anything heavier than my toothbrush (according to surgeon). I do lift things heavier than that, but I am very careful.
I have contemplated ordering a compression garment with the two sleeves that attach in the back, but I am reluctant to spend so much money if I will only wear them for a couple of weeks.
In spite of the discomfort, I am pleased with how my arms are looking already. The swelling has gone down a lot and I can already see some definite refining and shaping. My arms are skinnier than they have ever been.
It's been 10 days since my brachioplasty, and I haven't driven yet. Surgeon gave me permission to drive to my two-week check up, but I'm not sure I will since it's an hour away.
Someone told me that pain medication can cause itching, and I think that's a good explanation. I itched constantly, my face, my arms, my bac****il I quit using the pain medication after five days.
Glad everything is going so well for you.
Susan M.
Yes me too for both of us. It gets better every day. I am at day 6 an don't need the pain meds any more. How long did your dr tell you that you needed to take off work. I am a little worried I did not take enough time. I go to see my dr Thursday. So I guess we will talk about that then. What is next for you to have done. I think I am done. Sorry for punctuation and spelling errors I am on my phone
Cindy,
I have three weeks plus three days off work, return on Jan. 6. I teach high school English, and I have planned some easy-to-do things for the first couple of weeks to help prevent swelling. I'm worried about not being able to do my hair when I return, but the kids will be fairly understanding when I tell them why my hair is not normal! How long did you take off work?
I had originally wanted to do the arms and a fleur de lis tummy tuck at the same time, but my daughter warned me not to do that. Boy, am I glad I listened to her. I'm planning the tummy tuck in June so I'll have enough recovery time before school resumes in August. I've been reading some posts about tummy tucks, and now I'm worried about doing it all. My daughter's tummy tuck was so successful, however, that I think I'll still plan on it.
What have you had done already? What would you do next if you decide to have something done?
