Question:
Arm Lift - What to Expect

I'm scheduled to have an upper arm lift and have the skin removed at my bra line on Monday and I was wondering about what to expect. I know pain varies between individual's, but I'm wondering what others have experienced in pain. I didn't have most of my surgeries except my thigh/buttocks lift. Any suggestions on how to reduce scarring? I'm having the incision run down my arm as the dr. said I have to much excess skin to expect a good result if I just had it in my armpit. Also, did anyone leave the hospital with drains and did you leak? After my thigh lift I leaked fluid from my legs for about 3 weeks to a month. The dr. said they have been noticing this is something that happens from weight loss surgery patients. Thanks!    — Lisa N M. (posted on February 26, 2004)

February 26, 2004
I had the modified brachioplasty with most of my scars being in the armpit. However, I did have my PS cut off the turkey fat from the top of my inside arm to about 2 inches down the inside. That surgery was in June. The inside scars are pretty much gone. Under the arm there still there but fading fast. As far as pain, I thought it was a painful surgery. I would advise to take your pain pills on a regular 4 hour basis. I did that and from Friday (surgery day) to Tuesday, I still can't remember a thing!!! You don't realize how much you lift your arms. My arms are still tight when I raise them completely above my head. Make sure you have shirts that don't require you to lift your arms much to put them on. It makes it easier with the bandages they have on. I had one drain put in my one arm and it was removed the next day. I had very little drainage from it at all.
   — Patty H.

February 26, 2004
It seems that brachioplasty patients have a variety of experiences with post-op discomfort. My brachioplasty involved incisions from armpit to elbow, and I actually experienced no real discomfort that I can remember. In fact, when I woke up in the Recovery Room, I asked the nurse if the surgeon had "forgotten to do my arms"....I had my tummy tuck at the same time, and that was the only area that was uncomfortable. My surgery was in 2001. The scars are now only fine white lines, and the incisions were strategically placed so that they are not visible at all unless I raise my arms above my head. I had no post-op drains in the arm area and no drainage of fluids from the incisions after the first day or two. I also had full range-of-motion of my arms as soon as I was out of surgery and was fully "functional" as soon as I got home on the next day. I wish you the same great experience :-)
   — Diana T.

February 26, 2004
Lisa, I also wonder about this. I am scheduled for surgery on Monday too.I am haveing arm lift and breast enlargement. My Dr. did not mention about drain tubes and I hope not. I am not a fan of drain tubes. I did not do good with the one I had after open ryn. Good luck.. Jane
   — Jane T.