Brachioplasty (upper arm lift) 2019

My July 2019 brachioplasty took about 3 hours under general anesthesia.
I used a board certified plastic surgeon who had done an excellent job with my double labiaplasty a few years earlier. I liked his invisible, dissolving stitches. Prior to this in March 2019 I had a full face and neck lift, neck lipo and rhinoplasty. The brachioplasty was the last procedure after losing 60 pounds to correct excess skin everywhere. I definitely had “bingo wings” of my upper arms.Because work ill be done on both of your arms be prepared to have anesthesia place the IV in one of your feet or even your neck. The nurse took 3 stabs at it but luckily gave me a little lidocaine before each attempt so it was not as painful as it could have been.My surgeon came into mark my arms a few minutes before my procedure. I made certain to mention which arm was larger and have him inspect my tattoos well to keep things even.I have a medical condition called POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) so I made handouts for my anesthesiologist and post op nurses to be sure they knew how to manage my blood pressure issues. Post op I awoke with moderate discomfort. I felt a burning sensation and soreness in my upper arms. I was given tramadol or as I like to refer to it as, “arm pain candy” which worked well enough to get me home the same day.my arms were wrapped in absorbent pads, tegadern, gauze and surgical stretchy bandages. There was a little oozing and staining. My doc uses no drains which was far less hassle then my facelift.Make sure to get your antibiotic and pain med scripts filled BEFORE your procedure and have them ready at your bedside at home. I bought 4 cheap pillows and covers on amazon and had those available to prop up my arms too. I even brought 2 with me, left in my friend’s car who was driving me for on the way home. This was a lifesaver for comfort around the seatbelt and to keep my arms elevated for the drive home. Also, I wore a button down house coat to the hospital. Easy on, easy, off. Had frozen meals prepared and in the freezer as well as my go to organic bone broth for easy nutrients.I am fairly pain tolerant and took only tylenol once home. I was told to stay away from my favorite pain medication....ibuprofen due to increased bleeding risk. The first night was miserable. I walked outside to get the mail and the six steps got my arms throbbing. The next morning I watered yard plants with a hose and pulled one arm when the hose got stuck which caused me excessive and unneeded pain. There was a heatwave after that so I mostly rested indoors with AC and fans blowing. Looking back I feel the more still you are in the first few days the better your pain will be managed. You must still get up and walk the halls of your house every hour to prevent blood clots but otherwise resting is best.Not only did my doc remove excess skin on my upper arms but he also used liposuction to get rid of stubborn fat. Lipo makes the area hard and numb for many weeks after. It happened with my neck and took about 3 months to soften so be aware that this may happen to you. Each day post op I felt better and gained more range of motion. I had to sleep on my back even though I prefer my sides. I was not allowed to shower for two days. Then I could remove the compression bandages leaving only the absorbent pads covered with the waterproof yet breathable tegaderm. I could then see some more bruising (another after effect of lipo) and blood stains on the pads.Day two my face felt hot and was flushed. Swelling increased on my hands and forearms. I could hardly move my arms to wash myself in the shower and washing my hair was out of the question. I did my best. I recommend popping a pain med an hour before you attempt your first shower. By days 4-5 I was able to put on street clothes that did not button down, take a multiple block walk to a nearby park and wash my hair fairly well.I see my doc on day 8 to have him remove the pads and tegaderm so have not yet seen my scars. The tegaderm is already falling off at the edges and I was told that if it falls off there is no need to call the office before my scheduled appointment. Post op photos to follow.

Today I saw my plastic surgeon for the first time since my arm lift on July 16, 2019. I removed my tegaderm and absorbent padding the night before my visit. My doc and his nurse said that I am healing well and to keep my incisions moist with polysporin/neosporin or aquaphor until all scabs are gone (probably another week) and then begin silicone scar therapy (strips or cream).

Right now my incisions are raised and very tender. The challenge for me is not doing too much too soon. I was told I cold go back to the gym by next week but only for lower body work and recumbent cycling. Heart rate must be maintained below 100. I have already taken a couple of long walks in local parks. Since I never took any narcotics while at home I have been able to drive already taking care with my turns not to strain my arms.

I would say that my armpits are the most sensitive areas of my incision. Wearing a short sleeved cotton tee shirt helps with that but I can see why that area often has healing issues due to rubbing or pulling opening up the incisions.

I still tire easily and have been focusing on resting, walking and eating well...high protein and nutrient rich veggies, probiotics, supplements and plenty of fluids. I finished my 7 day antibiotic regimen yesterday

Photos soon..