Arm lift. What to expect and things to prepare?

Question

Hello. Ill be going in for arm lift and full back, flank area of lipo in 2 weeks. Was wondering if there are things i should get? Garmet, lotion, etc and how soon i can take shower and able to move my arms around? Also, i have to sch. Breast implant revision with another doc and how far btwn i should sch after the arm lift surg. Or btr to have breast imp. Revise before the arm lift? Thank you.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, thank you for your questions about what to expect and things to prepare for for your arm lift and back liposuction.  Please see my website for an extensive, complete list of what you need for an arm lift.  Usually, I wait three weeks before I apply the arm garment. Your arm garment is usually kept in place for 4 to 6 weeks after your arm lift.  Ten to fourteen days after your arm lift, you are usually able to shower. You should be able to move your arms around 7 to 10 days after your arm lift.  At a minimum of one month after your arm lift, I would suggest you have your breast implant revision.    I would suggest you have your breast implant revision procedure done after your arm lift procedure.   Thank you for your questions regarding what you need in preparation for an arm lift or brachioplasty.  If you have any further questions regarding an arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty, back liposuction, or breast implant revision, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Robert N. Severinac, MD · Answer

An armlift or brachioplasty typically involves removing a spindle shaped area of skin and fat together from the inner arm from the armpit to the elbow.  The repair is done with deep sutures that dissolve over time.  You really should be asking these questions to the plastic surgeons involved in your care but I will try and give you direction beyond calling your plastic surgeons office.Typically, compressive type dressings such as ace wraps are placed after surgery.  The idea is to stabilize the area to movement so the tissue adhere and heal.  I typically have patient wears these for 3 to 4 weeks following surgery.    There are no lotions or ointments you would need right after surgery as you will likely just leave the dressings and wrap alone.  You may use a silicone type of scar treatment after 2 weeks to optimize scarring.  Showering is really your plastic surgeons call.  My patients can shower after thier first office visit within a week after surgery.  Movement of your arms will be limited by your plastic surgeon for a certain time especially reaching over the head.  Full range of motion can be started with my patients in 1 to 2 weeks as tolerated.I don't think it matters which procedure you do first but I would give at least 6 weeks of healing between the procedures.Again, call you plastic surgeon for their answers!All my best

Larry Lickstein, MD · Answer

Good luck with your procedure, happyfeet101.  I wrote an article a couple of months ago for Obesity Help about preparing for body contouring surgery after weight loss.  While you may not be a bariatric patient, many of the suggestions in the article really apply to preparation for any surgery.  This is an excerpt:· Fill your scripts in advance. Consider getting a stool softener to combat constipation related to pain medications and probiotics if you get GI distress from antibiotics.  Consider throat lozenges and chapstick, as well.· Load your fridge with foods easy to digest, low in sodium to limit swelling, and high in protein to aid healing. Make certain that there are plenty of fluids to maintain hydration. Consider food preparation before surgery.· Prepare 1-2 recovery spaces in your home with pillows for positioning, the TV remote, books, and your computer… Have batteries and chargers, sports bottles for no spill drinking, and maybe a notepad and pen handy to jot down questions and concerns.· Set up comfortable sleeping arrangements.· Prepare comfortable clothing that will be easy to change into and out of, preferably with some pockets for drains. Consider robes and slippers.· Purchase dressing supplies in advance.· Buy bathing supplies in case your surgeon restricts showers and baths.· Prepare the rest of the home by completing other projects: mow the lawn, do the dishes, take care of laundry…Hope that is helpful.  In terms of showers and movement, you really need to discuss your surgeon's preferences.  Many patients stage operations and I usually recommend about 3 months between procedures, not that there is any specific medical reason for that suggestion.  I just feel that after any surgery, individuals feel like "patients" and often have restrictions on their life for about 6 weeks.  I like patients to then go back to being a "person" and enjoying their regular life for 6 weeks before undergoing another elective operation.  Best of luck!

Arm lift. What to expect and things to prepare?

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