Brachioplasty swelling
I was supposed to have my brachioplasty done at the same time as my LBL, but due to complications, he wasn't able to safely do the arms at the same time.
I am curious how much swelling is associated with brachioplasty. I wasn't concerned about the arms so much since I was going to be off work for a month, but now doing it separately, I'll only be off about 10 days. I know my dr. uses ace wraps for a week or two. Did you feel you wanted compression longer than that? I ask because with the LBL, I was only required to wear the compression garments for 8 weeks, but I am more comfortable with them, and still have quite a bit of swelling, so I continue (I'm 12 weeks out). I was wondering if it would be the same with the arms. I didn't know if I should be prepared to get any of the arm compression garments to use after I go back to work. I imagine they would be easier to get on than the wraps (unless I get up at 4:30 and have hubby put them on daily - LOL).
Any other helpful hints for this procedure?
I wore my compression garment on my arms for six weeks. It just felt better and kept the swelling to a mininum. The garment I had was like sleeves with an elastic running across my shoulders and a velcro closing in the front. If you can get it in black it just looks like you are wearing a long sleeved shirt under your clothes. I would be very careful not to split your incisions if you are going back to work. I was told to do nothing for three weeks and keep my arms elevated on pills at night when I slept. I was to lift nothing more than a lb for the for the first six weeks. What type of work do you do?
I've been looking at different types of compression garments. How do you gauge what size to get? Do I go by pre-op or post op measurements? It would be nice to order ahead of time if possible.
I have a desk job and don't need to lift anything. There are people around that can lift or reach if something came up. I will prepare my work area before I go out so that what I need is within easy reach. My incisions won't go very far into my armpits, so that will be better for healing too I think.
From what I've seen online, the size is based on bicep measurement. I did ok with selecting a size pre-op for the spanx when I had my LBL, but wasn't sure if I'd have the same luck with the arm compression garments. They are so expensive, I don't want to get stuck with $100 garment that doesn't fit.