My dr didn't give me compression garments for my brachioplasty. Is that OK? And my armpits look terrifying (Photo)

Hi Sienna789, Thank you for your question regarding the fact that your doctor didn't give you compression garments for your brachioplasty and whether you need arm garments after a brachioplasty. Thank you for your history and your pictures. Your pictures look like you will achieve an excellent arm lift result. Your brachioplasty incisions appear to be healing very well. Every plastic surgeon has their own surgical technique and individualized post-operative treatment for each procedure, including arm reduction. Some plastic surgeons use medical-grade arm compression sleeves or vests. Some plastic surgeons use ACE bandages. Some plastic surgeons do not use compression garments or ACE bandages. Arm compression is used to reduce edema (swelling), decrease tension on the incision line, provide physical support, and compression on the scar. However, compression garments do have their drawbacks. If your arm compression garment is too tight, it can decrease blood flow (circulation), leading to decreased oxygen delivery and, consequently, poor healing. Additionally, if your arm garments are too tight, they can block your lymphatic circulation and prevent lymphatic channels from draining, thereby increasing (not decreasing) swelling. Also, if your arm garments are too tight, they can dig into the incisions and cause wound openings. Generally, most experienced arm lift surgeons begin using arm compression two to three weeks after the arm reduction. Usually, arm lift compression garments are worn for six to eight weeks to minimize swelling and help flatten the brachioplasty scar. However, follow your plastic surgeon's recommendations. Your plastic surgeon performed your brachioplasty and knows how to evaluate your arm wounds. Your plastic surgeon should be the person who knows best regarding when you need to wear an arm lift garment. It is plausible that with the technique your plastic surgeon uses to perform a brachioplasty, arm garments may not be necessary. I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction. If you have any further questions regarding arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty, or arm crease fat grafting, please contact an experienced plastic surgeon.
Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research. Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 150 arm lifts. Ensure they have the before-and-after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before-and-after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA. (Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

It is not unusual for an early postoperative healing incision to appear
to be somewhat red, possibly irritated appearing, and certainly not perfectly
smooth. The question as to compression garments will vary depending upon
your procedure, your healing, and the preferences and recommendations of your
board-certified plastic surgeon. I have found that my Melbourne, Florida,
brachioplasty patients benefit from the Ace wrap that I place on the arms
immediately after surgery followed by wearing compression sleeves for a few
weeks afterwards. The timeframe recommended for this varies depending
upon the patient’s healing. Follow up with your surgeon closely. I
hope this information is helpful to you. Best of luck!

Dear Sienna-Your arms actually appear to be healing quite well.These scars should settle and give you the improved contour you are looking for despite the initial heaped angry red appearing scars.Compression garments many body contouring physicians find can be cumbersome along the arms.Tensors or Ace bandages help reduce some of the swelling initially post operatively and can provide comfort for the patient however they can also lead to hand swelling and DVT of the arms.  Your surgeon may actually be right in not providing them to you despite you feeling perhaps it was an oversight.Continue to follow up with your surgeon for close monitoring of your incisions and best with your recovery.Warm Regards,Dr Quinton Chivers

Compression is optional is this procedure and it is up to your surgeon. There is no good way to get compression in the armpit regardless. I recommend compression for one week. The intersection of your incision will take some time to heal. Follow up with your surgeon ( a better resource than realself)