Looking forward to my brachioplasty in two days

Well, four months. I no longer even think about my arm surgery. Occasionally I get some aching low near my elbows, I think due to over-exertion. There’s a kind numb/weird sensation along the scar line and about two inches out. Not bothersome, just there. Strange feeling.
The scars change off and on, sometimes red, sometimes while. They have thickened somewhat, but not objectionable so. I stopped massaging over a month ago. I use scar tape sometimes, just because I bought a bunch and brought them down here (small village, Mexico, where it isn’t available). Figure I might as well, thought I’m not impressed so far. And I really dont worry about about scarring, I figure in a year or so, they will be white and pretty invisible. One positive for older age patients. Certainly a worthwhile trade off.
For those of you worried that people will notice, in my experience, no one has here. Not even the fairly nosy expat community where I live. Turning up in my compression garment in the 90 degree heat with three quarters sleeve tops over, not a word. Scar tape and tea shirts, not a word. I had my story down pat, really didn’t care that anyone knew, but frankly no one noticed. Maybe later in tank tops? No se.
The ‘dent’ that the doctor said probably would go away, almost has. It’s only visible from the back, when I raise my arms. Probably no one would notice this either, except myself and my perfectionist doctor. If it’s still there at the six month check, he’s going to do a little fat injection to fill it in.
Okay, here’s the possible side effect kicker...about five months after surgery I developed very weird neurological symptoms in my left leg. Very painful in areas, numb in others, tingling in foot, toes, calf. The symptoms kept changing daily but definitely weird and strange. DVT and Baker’s cyst were ruled out. MRI of sacral/lumbar area. Had an abnormal nerve conduction study, and so far several visits with a neurologist. Need more tests, more rule outs, but one theory is that there was nerve damage, hopefully transient, due to nerve compression due to the prolonged period of laying flat on my back to sleep after surgery. I was active during the day, but flat on back, legs extended, for three to four weeks post surgery...couldn’t sleep on my side or stomach until then. In case it’s surgery related, here’s a caution, try to vary sleeping position as much as possible.
Don’t know how to edit this post, but Worth It is definitely my vote

Not a whole lot going on, just tincture of time. Remember, ladies, there will come a time, somewhere between two and three months, when your arms are no longer a focus for you. I stopped wearing the compression garment every night about two weeks ago, now only wear it if I feel some swelling from the days activity. I don’t look at my arms in the mirror. I apply scar tape, most of the time, but its more because I’ve already bought the stuff than any belief that it makes a significant different. Yes, very very worth it. Now on with life. BTW, finally noticed a difference on the scale when the swelling went down. About two pounds of wings??? I didn’t ask the PS how much, nor ask for photos, figured it really didn’t matter.

Everything seemed to settle down and in over the past few weeks. The swelling is gone, at least as far as I can see, the discomfort is gone. I’m feeling pretty normal. The scars need to mature. They are quite acceptable at this time. They feel funny against my sides, so maybe some residual swelling or numbness. Again, quite acceptable. Befores and Afters: yes, worth it! I do have a question about scar tape. I’ve been using it daily but notice that when I remove it, the scar area seems harder and the skin is definitely bunched and creased. Is this normal? I’m tempted to stop using it.