Question:
Looking for input on what to expect from my brachioplasty........

I am scheduled for brachioplasty(arms) surgery 8-12-04. I have done research on the internet, and this site, but would like to hear from other people on thier experiances. Could you lift your arms? How long did you stay off work? I have had an extended TT and Breast lift/implants, could it possiably be that hard? What pain level? Thank you in advance for your response...Just Julie    — Julie H. (posted on July 18, 2004)

July 18, 2004
Although everyone has varying responses, I had a great experience with my brachioplasty. I have incisions from armpits to elbows, but I am now two years post-op, and these incisions are just thin white lines which are not noticeable at all unless I hold my arms above my head. I had nearly zero discomfort...in fact, when I woke up in the Recovery Room, I asked if my surgeon had decided not to do the surgery! My arms were wrapped in thick, soft gauze bandages...no drains, no compression garments (every surgeon has their own approach)....and had no problem at all with full range of motion. I developed a small accumulation of fluid under the skin (seroma) of one arm, which was drained by the surgeon in the office 2-3 weeks post-op, but I understand that seromas are fairly common occurrences and both the seroma and its drainage were painless. I had an anchor-incision panniculectomy at the same time and was back to work in a full-time office position in ten days. My surgeon had (kiddingly) said that he hoped that I would wake up with the arms of a 16-year-old....I couldn't be happier with the results and I let him know right away that I didn't have arms this nice when I WAS 16! I wish you the same great experience :-)
   — Diana T.

July 19, 2004
Julie, my brachioplasty was an easy surgery for me. I had significant pain for two days but after that it was fine. I had it done on a Tuesday and went to a meeting on Friday. My arms were wrapped in Ace bandages for three days and then in elastic sleeves for 14 days. After that I wore the sleeves at night only. I had a bit od swelling in the lower arms and hands the first week but I understand that is normal. I had no drains or infections. If you want to see my results, go to www.sjacosmeticsurgery.com and click on "cosmetic procedures" and then "arm lift". The first set of pictures are mine. Just be warned: it was before my tummy tuck so that part of me that you can see is a little scary. hugs, Ann .... RNY 9/10/99..... 260/124
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 19, 2004
Julie~ I just had a brachioplasty, extended abdominoplasty, hernia repair, liposuction from the hips and pubic area, liposuction of the area on the sides of the breasts and removal of the skin that flopped over the sides of my bra this past Thursday. I used the pain medicine through Friday night, but haven't had anything since (not even a Tylenol). I can get in and out of bed without help, and pretty much take care of myself. My arms and breasts are wrapped in Ace bandages, so I can't really see them. My arms feel numb down past my elbows (as does my abdomen), which will gradually go away. Just yesterday and today I can start to feel the incisions in my arpits and next to my breasts, but not enough to take any medication for. I am physically able to lift my arms over my head, but my surgeon says not to raise them above shoulder height except to comb and wash my hair. He doesn't want excess pressure on the incisions, so the scar won't be as wide as it heals. For the same reasons, I'm restricted in lifting and carrying much. I feel pretty good just 4 days post op, but my surgeon strongly recommends three full weeks off work for me. I did call into the office today, and did some email work from home. I do get tired fairly easily, but no real complaints. I had seven drains (one in each arm and breast, and three in the abdomen). The arm ones came out before I left the hospital, and the breast ones and one in the abdomen will come out Wednesday. The other two abdominal ones are still draining quite a lot, so I'll have them for awhile longer. All in all, this has been much easier for me than I had hoped. I wish the same type of recovery for you.
   — Vespa R.