POSTED UNDER Arm Lift Reviews
Body By Wanzel: Time For The Arms - Toronto, ON
UPDATED FROM Beth C.
1 year post
BRACHIOPLASTY: One Year Later
WORTH IT$5,060
Thursday marked one year since having the skin on my arms removed. I made a point of not comparing my arms to how they were for the last year, because I needed to see a distinct difference, and boy, did I!
Recovery went well. I still have some things that irritate me, but I don't complain. I still get tingles from armpit to fingertips on occasion, always when I put on deodorant. And my fingers don't handle the cold so well anymore. I don't in general actually, so I just wonder if that's because I have less padding on my body. I have some swelling in my left arm, but not in my right. The scar fade is better in the right, but not in the left, and I can raise my left arm higher up my back than I can my right.
I am in the maintenance mode of my lifestyle change now. Not looking to lose too much more weight. I currently weigh about 145, putting total weight loss at 206 pounds. I am 5'8 and large boned.
Life is good, I have some interesting projects in the works....things way out of my comfort zone. But I'm finally living life. Almost 40, and I'm finally alive! I'm so thankful for having the strength to do this, the family who supported me, and the fortune of finding Dr. Wanzel.
Recovery went well. I still have some things that irritate me, but I don't complain. I still get tingles from armpit to fingertips on occasion, always when I put on deodorant. And my fingers don't handle the cold so well anymore. I don't in general actually, so I just wonder if that's because I have less padding on my body. I have some swelling in my left arm, but not in my right. The scar fade is better in the right, but not in the left, and I can raise my left arm higher up my back than I can my right.
I am in the maintenance mode of my lifestyle change now. Not looking to lose too much more weight. I currently weigh about 145, putting total weight loss at 206 pounds. I am 5'8 and large boned.
Life is good, I have some interesting projects in the works....things way out of my comfort zone. But I'm finally living life. Almost 40, and I'm finally alive! I'm so thankful for having the strength to do this, the family who supported me, and the fortune of finding Dr. Wanzel.
Beth C.'s provider
UPDATED FROM Beth C.
3 months post
13 weeks post op
Thirteen weeks post op. Overdue update on the arms, requested by many. Sorry. :(
The epic swelling remains in the left arm, which I believe was done by the student doctor. I also have new swelling in both armpits. You can see it in the pictures. Also on the left arm, down near the elbow I continue to have problems with, I think, a stitch. Very sore spot.
No more forearm pain, that went away in both arms a couple of weeks ago, so about ten weeks post op. I do still have pain on touch in both upper arms and along the scar line especially. I also have new pins and needles type pain all along the scar line. It's random and grabs my attention when it happens.
I am still frequently checking for openings, ripping, blood, because the pain I feel sometimes make me think something grody is going on.
I am training (cardio) like crazy for this marathon in November. Also lifting every other day, we are gradually increasing weight as my pain levels allow.
Even with all the fear and discomfort, I'd do this one over and over again if I have to. I just wish my armpit skin wasn't so crepe-like and he could have removed more in that area.
PS: that mother in my armpit started draining and settled down on it's own. It was vile. Lol.
The epic swelling remains in the left arm, which I believe was done by the student doctor. I also have new swelling in both armpits. You can see it in the pictures. Also on the left arm, down near the elbow I continue to have problems with, I think, a stitch. Very sore spot.
No more forearm pain, that went away in both arms a couple of weeks ago, so about ten weeks post op. I do still have pain on touch in both upper arms and along the scar line especially. I also have new pins and needles type pain all along the scar line. It's random and grabs my attention when it happens.
I am still frequently checking for openings, ripping, blood, because the pain I feel sometimes make me think something grody is going on.
I am training (cardio) like crazy for this marathon in November. Also lifting every other day, we are gradually increasing weight as my pain levels allow.
Even with all the fear and discomfort, I'd do this one over and over again if I have to. I just wish my armpit skin wasn't so crepe-like and he could have removed more in that area.
PS: that mother in my armpit started draining and settled down on it's own. It was vile. Lol.
Replies (3)
June 25, 2014
The pics were so helpful. You are a very courageous woman to do all that work. Kudos!
UPDATED FROM Beth C.
1 month post
Uh oh
Figures I have no issues until I see Dr. Wanzel on Monday and he says "see you in four months"
Left armpit, right at the end of my scar, I have a huge, hard, painful lump. I know about the pimple like bumps that resolve themselves, but I never had one this big or painful with the other surgeries. And this is less like a pimple and more like a boil. A big boil. As in it probably has it's own digestive and circulatory system. I think it waved at me.
I've attached pics so you all can laugh at the drama queen within me. Maybe this just seems huge to me because it looks like it's breathing, when in reality (which I am rarely in touch with) it's just a teeny nuisance.
Left armpit, right at the end of my scar, I have a huge, hard, painful lump. I know about the pimple like bumps that resolve themselves, but I never had one this big or painful with the other surgeries. And this is less like a pimple and more like a boil. A big boil. As in it probably has it's own digestive and circulatory system. I think it waved at me.
I've attached pics so you all can laugh at the drama queen within me. Maybe this just seems huge to me because it looks like it's breathing, when in reality (which I am rarely in touch with) it's just a teeny nuisance.
Replies (5)
April 25, 2014
Owch that looks sore. Feel better soon. I have a question about your breast implants. How many cc did u go with. Dr. Wanzel wants to go with 335cc for me and I'm afraid that I'm going to think they are to small. He says bigger would be to heavy for my skin and nights sag. Surgery in 6 days I kinda starting to panic about it
April 25, 2014
365cc. He chose for me. I didn't know and I just trusted him to know what he is doing since he is a boob expert. I wanted a natural proportioned look and long term success (meaning no sag). I'd trust his judgement. :)
April 28, 2014
You look great `So of all the procedures which was the easiest recovery in your opinion and personal experience pain wise etc.
April 28, 2014
Thanks. :) So far, I have to go with the first one I had. The boobs and tummy. Had them at the same time, no pain or issues with the breasts, or maybe what I felt with the ab repair distracted me from the breasts. I think it was easier because we really take our arms for granted. That's why the arms were bad for me. :)
April 28, 2014
Thanks Beth...I am doing Arms and Tummy on the the 11th and then my breast reduction and lift on the 18th in November. I am staying at a recovery retreat and am taking as long as needed to recover fully I know a luxury. I asked this question because my pain tolerance seems to have lessened with age. :)
April 28, 2014
That's so exciting! It's hard, but take all the time you need to recover. It is major surgery. You will do great. I have a high tolerance for pain and used very little meds post-op. Use what you need, don't be a hero, rest your body, listen to your body, and you may surprise yourself. :)
April 30, 2014
You're so awesome!! I can't wait to get mine done! It def looks worth it to me!!! You go girl!!
May 1, 2014
Hi Beth - your arms look amazing! I am 2 weeks post-op (my arms were huge and hanging very low as a result of a 100lb weight loss). My left arm still seems big and fat. did you experience that as well? My right arm is a work of art and if it stayed this size forever I would be thrilled. I can't believe it will get thinner once the swelling reduces. I just hope the left one does too. Getting nervous!
May 26, 2014
What does it cost to get the fat cut off of your arms. How long are you laid up? See where other people are talking about next your skin and armpit. Does everyone have that? What is your telephone number please.
Replies (3)