Minimal-incision Brachioplasty. Greece.

Exercise and radiofrequency treatments have not helped improve the loose skin damage done to my body by smart lipo 7 years ago.
I decided that I can't live the rest of my life covered up.

Starting with arms.
After a very long search for a reputable plastic surgeon, I found what looks to be a good one in Athens, Greece. Dr. Zisis Boukouvalas.
My assessment on Dec. 4th went great.
I am not willing to go for the full Brachioplasty. Dr. Boukouvalas confirmed that I can have the minimal incision arm lift.
He told me that he would do a little lipo to the under part of my arm and with a "lazy s incision on the armpit" he would tighten the skin. That is what I was hoping for.
I can't say how nervous I am.
The smart lipo destroyed my life. I went from living at the beach to have to wear long sleeves and capris in 40C weather.
Dr. Boukouvalas is my last hope for getting my life back.

I am starting with the arms and if he is as good as I hope he is, I will have my inner thighs done in the fall. The Greek summer is just too hot to have anything done.
Things move fast. I had my consultation on the Dec. 4th and the procedure is coming up on Dec. 13th.
Katerina, Dr. Boukouvalas assistant is amazing. Very friendly and willing to help answer any questions and concerns.
I am told that I have to stay in the hospital for one night. Not a problem.

I am taking the advice of another reviewer on this site that had the same procedure done, freedomh20. I will start taking,
RUTIN every morning
2000 VITAMIN C once every morning.
She also said she took Arnica tablets. I can't get them here and I don't have time to order them online. I will have to go without them.
I am sure my doctor will tell me as well but I am prepared.
I value the advice of others that have gone through the procedure.

Dr. Boukouvals will be taking pictures. I will post before and after and my experience as soon as I can.
Keeping my fingers crossed.

A little more about my surgery experience.
I arrived at the hospital at 9:30 am. Things moved quite quickly from there on.
All the pre-op was done.
Blood work, cardiogram by tech and then I was seen by the cardiologist.
I met with the anesthesiologist (wonderful man) and an amazing OR nurse. They all made me feel like I a long time friend.
Dr. Boukouvalas assistant P.S, Dr. Sergki Gkotsarik took pictures. Another very nice man. He is the one that is doing the aftercare.

Dr. Boukouvalas met with me before the procedure. He took the time to go over every little detail again. He also did the markings.
I have a little loose skin under my armpit as well. He told me that instead for the lazy S, he would do a procedure where most of the axillary is removed.
After the surgery, I had absolutely no pain (I guess pain meds work well . :)
I had great aftercare by nursing staff and Dr. Gkotsarik.
Dr. Boukouvalas came to see me as well later on after he was done with the surgeries.

Friday, Dr. Gkotsarik changed the dressing, removed the drains from the lipo, I was told to not take the sleeves off, do not get the incision wet.
I was given the prescription for antibiotics.
As for painkillers, an over the counter painkiller that I have taken 3 times all together.
I was asked to return on Monday morning for a dressing change.

It's a 2-hour dr. to Athens.
Dr. Gkotsarik was good enough to come to the hospital on Sunday at 1:00 pm for me. That way I would not have to wake up at 5:00 am to be at the hospital on Monday before they star surgery.
As I stated before. Dr. Boukouvalas and his team are absolutely wonderful!

My right arm is great. I have been feeling a pinching on the left arm.
After everything, I have read on this site, my major concern at this point is incision separation.
Dr. Gkotsarik assured me that the incision looks fine.
I was asked to return on Tuesday to be seen by Dr. Boukouval. The weather is terrible and I did not want to make the 2-hour drive. I am going in on Wednesday knowing that I will be seen again by Dr. Gkosarik as Dr. Boukouvala is not available this day.

I take the sleeves off for a moment to wet bath my arms. I am happy with the appearance.
My arms look smaller and I don’t see the crepey skin that drove me nuts.
I must note that there is no bruising from the lipo.

These are my ugly arms before surgery. They are my pictures and not the doctors.
I will add new pictures when I stop wearing the compression arms...

I'm at 16 days post-op. I change the dressing daily. My arms look good. No swelling at all. I have a small makeup mirror and I monitor every inch of the incision very carefully. So far so good. I believe I will be able to breath easier at 4 weeks.