Compression sleeves/How long did you wear them post brachioplasty?

Hi all,

I had a combination brachioplasty/mastopexy on 2/16 and so next week will mark the four week mark with my compression sleeves which is what was recommended by my surgeon. When I first started wearing them I was anxiously awaiting the day when I could stop but now that it is getting closer I am thinking about how I would like to keep wearing them longer as they provide a sense of safety and security.

Did anyone have a similar experience? Did you phase them out between days/nights over time? Any thoughts are much appreciated!

-K

For all of my surgeries I phased out my compression garments slowly. Once I had the go-ahead, I'd find there were times I wanted them and times I did. Even now, something like 9 months after my brachioplasty, there are times that I want to wear my arm sleeves because they would feel good.

I did switch from the heavy-duty compression gear to stuff I think of as OTC compression. I found some comfy arm sleeves on Amazon that are nice to wear, spanx-type things for lower body, etc.

I think the recommendation to stop wearing them is more of a "you can stop them now" and not a "you have to stop them now." Listen to your body after you've worn them as long as the surgeon requires.

Hi Gwen,

Thanks so much for your reply, totally aligned with my thinking. I do have quite a bit of travel coming up and was planning on wearing compression for the flights as I anticipate swelling.

Any chance you could share a link to your OTC compression sleeves, I had started the same search myself but there were so many choices. It would be nice to get my independence back from having to ask for help to hook/unhook my sleeves!

Thanks again,

K

Sure! Here's the product I used -- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDSXFCK

Also, regarding the hooking. My surgeon mentioned that I could hook the hooks and then put the garment on just like a t-shirt and WOW. I hadn't thought about that (because I'd just planned around having someone help me), but it totally worked. :)

Well, it worked once I had full range of motion :)

Thanks for the clarification...I think we have the same surgeon and compression sleeves and as I was walking through mentally how I could pre-hook them in order to slip them on like a t-shirt or jacket I just wasn't seeing how it could work with my (current) limited range of motion. Really appreciate your perspective and willingness to help others!

You're welcome - and good luck! Every new independence milestone is wonderful :)

Gwen, are you thrilled with your brachioplasty.

nervous one here