31 year old brachioplasty after weight loss

Hi all! So my first experience with plastic surgery was nearly 4 years ago when I had liposuction on my arms, back, and tummy. I was still significantly overweight when I had the surgery. I ended up having the bariatric sleeve 2 years ago. Long story short, my arms and lower tummy did not have enough elasticity to handle the lipo then the weight loss, so I was left with excess sagging skin. Because I would like to have kids in the next few years, I decided to only focus on my arms for now. Dr. Stern in Asheville advised that the size of my arms was primarily made up of excess sagging skin that I would not be able to lose from additional weight loss/weight training. I weighed back and forth heavily on my options, as the unsightly scars from this surgery really scare me. I ultimately decided I would rather have scars than huge bat wings! I've also decided to get a half sleeve tattoo to cover one of my scars.
I am currently on day 4 of recovery. It's really not been that bad! Dr. Stern provided me with Ativan prior to the surgery, as I suffer from anxiety. When I went in for the procedure, the nurses were really friendly and soothing as they could tell how anxious I was. I was hooked up to an IV and my blood pressure was taken as I waited for surgery to begin. When I walked into the surgery room I got really scared and started crying, so the team sedated me immediately. I don't remember much about leaving the facility, but Dr. Stern reported it went beautifully. The rest of Friday was an easy day. I slept for a little bit and then ate dinner with my mom and boyfriend. I wasn't sick or very sore. I did have trouble sleeping that night, but I had also set my alarm to take my pain meds every 4 hours and change out my ice packs. I slept with 3 pillows propping up my back, and 2 large pillows on either side of my body to prop up my arms. Saturday morning I felt stiff, but I wasn't too sore. I was alert most of the day and enjoyed watching TV with my boyfriend. Saturday night was more uncomfortable. I wasn't in significant pain, but I was definitely sore as the swelling started to settle in. Sunday morning I was sore with some sharper pains when I woke up. I needed help getting up and walking to the bathroom. The soreness slowly faded some as the day went into on and painkillers kicked in. My stomach was hurting from not having a bowel movement, despite taking laxatives, so I took an enema and felt much better. Sunday night I had to take my large dog out as she was sick to her stomach, and she pulled on the leash, resulting in a searing pain in my right arm. Monday I went to the doctor to have my ace bandages changed out (up until this point I had not even seen the wounds or my arms, nor had I showered). Dr. Stern said everything looked good. My left arm was a little more swollen so she advised making sure I kept it propped up. When I got home I made myself a frozen pizza and even managed to do a load of laundry and put some dishes away. I also want to add I have been able to feed myself and brush my teeth with no issues. I took my first shower Monday evening and it was glorious. I will say that my arms hurt much more with the ace bandages off. Drying off was tender. My boyfriend used a hair dryer to dry off my tape. It was tender putting the ace bandages back on. Monday night I slept better. I didn't set an alarm to take any meds. I did break out in a rash on my chest but I took a Benadryl for the itching. Tuesday morning I woke up to a very swollen left arm. I was unable to close my hand into a fist. I'm not sure if it's because I didn't use as much ice through the night (since I didn't set an alarm), because I moved around more Monday, or because my bandages were too tight. Maybe a combo of all 3. I called my doctor and they advised that I continue keeping my arms elevated and to take it easy today. I've done a little bit of paperwork on my computer, but for the most part I've been taking it easy. Today is the most sore I've been so far, but it's not unbearable. As long as I'm reclined with my arms up, it's not too bad. Plus I'm already seeing results so I'm super excited!

I am 13 days post op and overall I am doing well. On Monday (10 days post op) I had my staples removed in the armpit area. The left arm was pretty tender, as the skin was red and inflamed. Over the weekend, there had been some cloudy liquid come out of it. Dr. Stern felt I didn't need an antibiotic. My nurse retaped this area and advised that the tape should stay on for another couple of weeks. She said when it comes off, I can put the silicon strips on. I ordered these strips online. On Tuesday I went for a brief walk in the park with my boyfriend and dogs. We then went to a local nursery, and I may have overdid it with trying to pick up smaller items. That evening my arms felt heavy and sore. Wednesday morning I woke up to swollen lower arms. Over the course of the day, my arms eased up and I went with my boyfriend to take my dogs to the dog park. I was able to just sit down so this was an easier outing. I had friends visit me for dinner, and that was fun. That evening my left arm started burning again and I saw the tape had come off around the armpit area. There was what looked to be a build up of greenish pus. I washed off with warm salt water and applied neosporin. My arm wrap was bothering me so I took it off for the night. Currently I'm feeling well. I still have swelling around the elbow area that is uncomfortable but not unmanageable. I'm able to shower myself and wash my hair. I can also cook simple meals. Sitting up and typing is getting easier. Dr. Stern advised I not drive until the 1st, so I'm working from home this week.

The most recent issue I'm facing is a returning seroma in my right arm, close to the inner elbow. I first had it drained Monday when it was the size of a golf ball easily, if not larger. It was hard to close my arm or keep my arm by my side. My doctor removed 10cc of fluid. The next day, the swelling and hardness returned. I had it drained again on Thursday. Friday morning it is beginning to return but not as big. I also took my tape off so I can begin applying silicon sheets, and noticed that I have a couple of open sores on my right arm. These weren't there Monday so I'm not sure what happened. I put neosporin on the wounds and placed a bandage over. For now I will only place silicon sheet on my left arm.