Yes, you will be swollen like that for a long time! I am still seeing a pretty consistent drop in my waist/hip size. My pants are huge, but I'm holding out until at least the 3-month mark before I buy new ones.

I wore compression sleeves for 6 months and am very happy with the long term results (well, 21 mo post-op). With arms, the long term downside is visible scars. If your arms swell, that puts stress on the inscisons and will make the scars more visible.

I had my surgery in early July and needed A****il October. I got extra sleeves - one wash one on. Also, I had help - no stretching for 6 weeks - put everything from your cabinets on your counters, etc.

I had bi lat breast lift withOUT implants - lipoed fat from saddlebags to breasts - finished at a B-, which is where I always was.

So, some things to think about:

1- how extensive an arm lift. I needed the full zip - from 3 inches below elbow up, through armpit, and down about 6 inches to where the bottom on my bra band would be. I have NO sweat glands left or armpit hair - that is how much was removed.

2-I am a teacher, so early summer was my only option. If I could, the winter would be easier. Sweat is NOT your friend - until the tissue heals, sweat does not work its way to your skin surface, it fills in the area where tissue is damage and causes swelling. This is not so much an issue for the breast lift, because the scars are not visible.

3-you will need help for the fisrt week. I found a elec recliner on craigss list for

I hope you have pain medication? For the itch, you could try a children's dose of benadryl. That, and the benadryl spray, helped me.

It sucks that you have to wait to shower until your drains are out. I was allowed to two days post-op for all of my reconstructive surgeries.

And, yes, having to rely on someone else sucks, especially when they start to be resentful.

Sorry to hear you are in so much pain! Did your PS give you anything for pain? I am 2 weeks post op from LBL and was sent home with Percocet and took that which really helped. The first few days I was taking 2 every 6 hours as prescribed, then dropped to 1 then dropped to 1/2 then only took 1/2 when needed (usually before bed or shower) then switched to Tylenol. I haven't needed any pain meds for a few days now and haven't had Percocet in about a week. If you don't have pain meds maybe ask your PS.

Good luck and hope it gets easier soon. I didn't have the same procedure as u but for me now at 2 weeks post op I'm back to work, and independent although I still sleep in the recliner because it's more comfortable. Good luck and keep us posted!

I've been icing. 2 days post op lbl....it does feel s bit better. I'm putting the ice packs on top of my tank top. I'm allowed a showe r today. Can't wait.