Experiences with Brachiplasty Requested

Well, I did it. I went to the plastic surgeon last week and my brachioplasty (removal of the fat under my arms) is scheduled for July 12 - eight days short of the third anniversary of my gastric bypass. Doctor said I will feel better in a week, healed almost completely in two weeks. I will need to wear a compression bandage for six weeks and not lift for eight (no big deal, I'm a teacher, we lift books once in a while). Complications of nerve damage and drainage (yuck) explained. So tell me, what are your experiences? I'm not looking for the nightmares so much as the reality.  I would rather be prepared than not. How is getting out of bed with sore arms? Should I get the LaZBoy out again - saved my after the bypass surgery. Do you think the doc's estimates are reasonable? I know that this will be worth it because I can't buy clothes this way - what fits the torso doesn't fit my arms. To fit my arms, I need to buy blouses two sizes too big and get them tailored and Lord, would I love to wear t-shirts and short sleeve shirts. I currently look like Popeye in reverse - skinny little lower arms and huge uppers...just not muscular! :-) In advance, thanks for the info! Hugs, Judi   

Hi Judi. I had a brachioplasty about 2 months ago. It wasn't that bad. I had my incisions extended to below my forearm to prevent the Popeye look. I had no problem sleeping in bed. I used pillows to prop my arms up. I got tired of the ace wraps my ps put me in. So I devised my own support and compression sleeves. I bought TED thigh high stockings in a smaller sizes to snugly fit my arms. I cut off the foot and thigh portion. They worked beautifully and stayed up with no effort. I had no seromas or drainage. Very nice scars that will lighten up in time. I am very happy with my arms. They look awesome. I can't wait to go to the pool next weekend.  There wasn't much pain; some soreness and tightness. I think you will do just fine! Best wishes, Lucy

I had a brachioplasty in mid-February.  Your doctor is on target.  I felt better after a week and almost completely healed after two weeks.  I had no drainage problems or seromas.  I din't wear a compression garment at all.  My arms look great and the scars are healing nicely.  They are thin lines.  The worst part in under my arm pits. I haven't experienced nerve damage.    I used a pillow under each arm at night and propped them up.  Go for it!  Its not bad.  I don't think you'll need the Lazyboy. Good Luck to you!

my arms were never more sore than if I lifted too many weights.  it was not a difficult surgery. I couldn't extend  my arms all the way over my head for a few days,  I could raise them enough to shampoo myself over the sink and put on my own clothes. I could not reach in the high  shelves in the kitchen cabinets or buckle my own seat belt.  the shape of my arms is awesome.  I do want to say a brachioplasty removes excess skin, but it does not firm the muscles. I have done about a million tricep extensions, bicep curls and shoulder presses to shape my arms up and continue to do them on a regular at least 2 times a week basis.  they ugly in the situation. I have scars from my armpit to my elbow.  they  are the only scars I had that really thickened , and raised and after 2 1/2 years are still pretty visible.  I had steroid injections which helped some to flatten them down. they still look wide & darkened.   My scars from my RNY. LBL,  and thigh lift all lightened and thinned and are barely visible. My ps sewed them beautifully, very fine stitches all under the skin and they started out very thin and thickened and darkened later.  I did everything I could find out to minimize them, silicone strips, massage, expensive scar reducing creams etc, and none of it seemed to help much.  Overall I am very pleased wihth my arms inspite of the scarring. I wear short sleeves and sleeveless tops and really enjoy the fact that I dont have hanging skin, and that I have nice arms.

Hi there, I had my arms done in March and have been THRILLED with the results.  The wearing of the ACE bandages was the worst, mainly because it's so hard to sleep with the darn things on for 2 weeks.  But, my surgeon was absolutely fantastic and I'm in the "scar cream" phase now, and have been using the cream for 30 days and what a difference in my scars!  He didn't recommend MaDerma or anything OTC, he uses a Rhonda Allison product and it's PHENOMENAL!  No drainage issues or complications for me and I was back at work after 4 days.  I couldn't raise my arms for about 2 weeks after, other than that, everything is great!  I'm glad that they came out as well as they did and I think the only thing that was different in my experience from everyone else, is that I've had to have my lymph fluid drained a couple times in the past month.  It collects in these little "pockets" on my right arm and feel sort of like "balls" under my skin.  My surgeon assures me it's totally normal and as soon as he drains them, it's back to normal.  That should only happen for a few more weeks if at all and really, I think he drains them more to ease my inconvenience than for medical necessity.  Hope this helps, good luck with your procedure!

Thank you all! I am feeling better about this by the minute. Had to laugh because I forgot about the hairwashing thing. When he said I couldn't raise my arms, I was just thinking about reaching for things in the cupboard. I tend to scar well so am hoping this does too but appreciate the input on that as well. It is really reassuring that everyone seems pleased with the results as well. Many thanks. Judi

Judi, I had my arms done in October of 2004, along with breast lift/augmentation.  My arm skin bothered me more than almost anything else and the results were dramatic.  My scars have faded to an acceptable degree and I'm thrilled to wear sleeveless tops, which I hadn't done for 30 years or so. Recliner won't  be necessary.  The only problems I had were with shampooing hair (only for a week or two) and getting things out of high cabinets.  I just kept things out on the counters that I would need for a while. A wonderful bonus for me was the removal of the sweat glands in the armpits, so I have none of the characteristic body odor and haven't bought deodorant in 2 and a half years.  Also he removed 98% of the hair there and I got the rest lasered off so no shaving the pits either. I agree with Willow in that toning of the biceps, triceps, etc., will definitely improve the overall look of the arms.  You could start this now and it will make your arms look super!! I hope you're as happy with the results of your arms as I am with mine!! Hugs, Connie -147#

I had my surgery on a March Friday and was back working from home on Monday, in the office on Thursday -- after the drains were removed on Wednesday.  Little pain, just some awkwardness with the drain sites.  My "seams" are placed somewhat to the back of my arm, and will have visible, but not tremedously ugly scars.  My PS does not use ace bandages, but compression sleeves for two weeks.  If you are supposed to wear those suckers for six weeks, I would ask about compression sleeves (they have them at make me heal) -- much easier to deal with. 

My doc actually uses compression sleeves that one of his patient's found on line - they fit sort of like a bolero vest and he said he has nothing but good response from patients. The first few days are ace bandages and then compression. I wonder why six weeks? Maybe I misunderstood. Will have to check with my husband (the official notetaker at the event). Thanks for your input. Judi

The amount of compression time required seems to depend upon the PS.  Some prefer shorter times -- some longer.  It might depend upon their particular surgical or suturing techniques.  It's like their showering rules -- mine wanted me to shower 48 hours after surgery.  Some want you to wait until all the drains are out, which can be weeks.