Arm lift: do I need to wear my compression garment or can I use compression bandage instead?

It is very important to follow the directions of your surgeon. Your surgeon knows exactly what type of procedure you had and has the ability to examine you and make more precise recommendations.
In our practice,immediately after the operation, compressive Ace wraps are placed from the fingers up to the armpit. These can normally be removed within 24-48 hours postoperatively and replaced by elastic compression sleeves commonly worn by athletes. These can be purchased relatively inexpensively at any sporting good store. Most patients wear these for up for up to 4 weeks postoperatively. No vigorous activity or strenuous activity is recommended for 3 weeks postoperatively. Complications following a well planned and well executed brachioplasty are uncommon. They may include however wound infection or wound breakdown. Is very important to follow the directions of your surgeon postoperatively to ensure the best results. In the last several years improvements have been made in the performance of brachioplasty (arm lift) resulting in better results and more acceptable scars. These improvements includes more precise incision placement, better closure techniques and use of post operative scar reducing systems. With greater attention to these details the benefits of arm lift surgery can be achieved with more acceptable scarring than in the past.

It is important that adequate compression be achieved to minimize recovery time and promote good scarring. The exact garment is less important. I would take both garments in to have your plastic surgeon evaluate - perhaps the first garment can be modified to avoid the armpit. Best of luck, Dr. Meghan Nadeau, Seattle, WA