Brachioplasty--What to Expect?

I'm scheduled for brachioplasty on Thursday, Dec. 12.  Even though I'm not nervous about the surgery itself, I am a little anxious about post surgery because I have no idea what to expect.  Some of my questions: Will I have a great deal of pain or will I be able to control the pain with pain medication?  Will I be able to bend my arms? What will I be able to do with my arms? How long before I can do my own hair? 

If you have had a brachioplasty, I sure would appreciate hearing about your experience, what to expect, anything at all.  Thanks for your help.

Hi,

I had mine on Aprill 11 2013 To my suprise it was a little bit more painful that I expect.

But it was in control by percoset. I used it for 10 days.

Everyone is different and some people do not have such pain, but mine was painful.

I could not move my arms and could not put them over my head, I wore button front shirts for 3 month.

I had my armpits opened for 4 month, no infection, just annoying to deal with them. I needed help for about 1 week.

I liked my arms and forgot all pain already.

I wish you good luck.

Alla

Thanks so much for you comments. Why were your armpits open? I haven't hear of that before--something to talk to my surgeon about. I always wear knit tops, but purchased some button front shirts to wear for a few months.  Very glad to hear that you like your arms; I'm looking forward to a few months from now.  Thanks.

My surgeon did not use any compressions on arms.He removed ACE bandages after 48 hours and then nothing.

he told me I moved arms a lot, but nope, I could not do it. I cannot say why they opened, I think just my luck.

So what could you do for yourself? When your surgeon said you moved your arms a lot, what did he mean? Will I be able to fix food for myself or feed myself? I really have no idea what to expect.  My surgeon told me he keeps the ACE bandages on for at least two weeks. He'll take them off at each post-op visit, then put them back on, eventually having me wear compressions. Hopefully that helps. 

I had brachioplasty at the end of August.  I really had no issues with the recovery.  I had a compression garment that I wore full time for 2 weeks and then half time for 2 weeks.  I was able to shower after 48 hours.  My hubby helped me with my hair the first time but after that , I was able to do it myself although a little bit slower than normal.  Each day I was able to raise my arms a little higher.  I had no issues with any other movement of my arms.  I wore some loose tops that I was able to get my arms into – no buttons.  I was on pain killers for the first full day and the first two nights after surgery.  Sleeping the first few nights was tough as I am a side sleeper.  I slept sitting on the sofa the first two nights – I was more comfortable that way.  The compression garment made me feel protected as I couldn’t easily reach beyond where I should.  Since your arms are only going to be unwrapped by the doc,  will you be able to shower?

Thanks for you input. This sounds much better than I had expected, and more in line with what my surgeon predicts for me, although his surgical assistant said I may not be able to do my hair myself when I return to work. I'll just wait and see what I can do when that time comes. It sounds like the biggest concern with arm movement is going up over my head? My doctor wants me to sleep sitting up for at least a week--in my recliner with pillows elevating my arms, then I'll use a pillow wedge in bed. I'll be okay with that.  As for showering, I'll do a sponge bath up top and use my removable shower spray on my bottom--plan to leave it hanging down so I can easily turn it on and grab it. Dr. doesn't want my bandages to get wet.  He seems super cautious, but that's fine with me because I prefer not to have any problems.

Where did you get your compression garment? Is it the kind that's like a vest with sleeves? I've heard of that and need to check it out. My surgeon also said compression stockings will work after he takes off the bandages.

Did you have drainage tubes? My doc says he doesn't have to use those very often for arms, but sometimes he does. 

Thanks for your helpful comments.

It is lifting above your head that is the most concerning because you are stretching the area that was stitched together.  So you want to make sure that you don't pull it and pop a stitch.  I had one or two small pinholes in this area but they healed quickly.  

I had the garment from the marena group.  It was a small jacket with sleeves that went down to my wrists.  The doc wanted the long sleeve one to prevent swelling in the forearms.  

The first couple of times I washed my hair in the sink - it was easier to bend over and not lift my arms all of the way up.  Doc didn't really give me instructions on limitations other than to say do what I felt comfortable doing - he has done other procedures on me so he has a feel for how I react to this kind of stuff.

I had no limits on sleeping either.  I just slept sitting up because I was concerned about waking up to go to the bathroom during the night. I didn't want to have to disturb hubby since he was going to work those first couple of days.  I figured the pain meds would help me sleep no matter how uncomfortable I was - LOL.  But after those first two nights, I was back in bed first just on my back but then slowly propping myself up on pillows more on my side.

I didn't have any drains - my doc doesn't usually use drains for this particular surgery either.  

I wouldn't be too happy not being able to shower.  That is the one thing that makes me feel normal.  But you have to do what you have to do.  

Good luck to you.

JoAnn

Thanks, JoAnn. I certainly appreciate your experience and support. 

Susan

I had mine done in March 2012 and I LOVE the way they turned out. Minimal pain and it took about 3 days to be able to do my own hair. My surgeon still gets excited at his "handy work" whenever he sees me. He took off 8" on each side and went from my elbows, up under my armpit and down around under my breasts to prep for my upcoming lift and implants which I am having done on the 23rd. My scars are fading nicely and I still have a little tingling which is a sign of healing. I only took pain meds for 2 days at night. I wore the compression garment for 30 days which helped greatly but I was ecstatic to get rid of it!