POSTED UNDER Arm Lift Reviews
Arm Lift After Major Weight Loss - Austin, TX
UPDATED FROM Matineeidol
1 month post
Two weeks post arm lift
WORTH IT$5,300
Had my two week follow up today and things are going well. Doctor seemed please with the progress. The nasty elbow from two weeks ago is gone, and the only noticeable swelling I have left is at both elbows, and a little under the arm pits. Week 1 was pretty rough with soreness, uncomfortableness and not being able to do anything for myself in regards to dressing or washing my hair. Range of motion started steadily improving aftet a week, and by the end of week 2 I can do most any task within reason. Started back with my almost daily walking routine yesterday, and doctor cleared me to do other exercise, even weight bearing, but I think I will give myself a little mote time...I just don't feel ready. The large manuka honey pads at CVS have been worth every penny in helping to heal my incisions. I am going to switch over to a combo of Embrace scar solutions for the incision ony forearm and biocorneum for the rest of my incisions. Doctor will see me back in the office in a month.
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UPDATED FROM Matineeidol
23 days post
Day 5
Finally was able to shower, and there was no pain, just range of motion is still pretty limited as the stitches are very tight. I knew going in that the stitches would be tight, but until you experience it you have no idea. The worst of the tightness is in the incision in my arm pit. Day 5 was overall fine. No pain, just discomfort. Need help getting dressed as I cannot hook or unhook my bra. I would recommend buying a few front closure bras to anyone getting this surgery. Brusing and swelling look much improved, and using the manuka honey has already made a difference in the closing of the wounds. I am going to get my hair washed and blown out today as I don't think my range of motion is there yet to wash and dry and style my hair. Was able to work all day at my home desk job and was able to do a few additional very light chores today like putting the dishes away and loading the dishwasher slowly and gently.
Replies (3)
December 3, 2016
Please can you tell me are you eating manuka honey or putting it on your scar?
December 12, 2016
I bought manuka honey pads from CVS in the largest size, and they have been working really well. My elbow was nasty and after a day of the honey pads it looked considerably better. I wear them for three days and then change them out for new ones. I use four at a time, two on each arm, and that covers the incisions from elbow to below my arm pit.
December 13, 2016
I originally bought a tube of medihoney to apply under gauze, but for me it was too sticky. The pads from CVS have worked perfectly for me. They are CVS house brand and are in the bandaid aisle.
July 6, 2017
Hi! I am 8 days post-op today and I've had steri strips on the whole time - in fact, I just had the nurse change my steri strips today because I was paranoid abut them coming off, but it sounds like you had applied honey right to your incisions right after surgery or something? Did you not have steri strips, or how did this happen for you? The honey idea is really interesting and I just don't know if I should have these steri strips removed again to start using it or what? Is it supposed to be for helping scarring? Thanks!
UPDATED FROM Matineeidol
21 days post
Day 4 with pics (beware)
Let me preface these pics by saying that all my life I have bruised extremely easily, yet I am not anemic. So please keep this in mind when looking at the gruesomeness below. Took my bandages off this morning to change the dressing. Left inner elbow is still swollen and oozing, but there is no pain, no heat, no infection. Received my compression garment from Make Me Heal, and it already feels better on than the gauze and Ace bandages. I am planning have husband drive me to CVS tonight to stock up on gauze and manuka honey. Still having intestinal upset, and I think the Bromelain is the culprit. I don't remember if I mentioned this in my previous posts, but despite losing almost 100 lbs, I only lost an inch from each arm. My arms prior to surgery measured 16" and immediately post surgery with gauze and tape, I measured 12".
Replies (2)
December 2, 2016
Thank you for the update. i think I will wait like you have to get my compression garment. It makes sense to measure after the op :) You must really be pleased with going 4" slimmer . I will be so happy to get rid of the bat wings and have them look neater. x
December 3, 2016
The profile of my arms is dramatically changed to say the least. I have been a very overweight person for all of my adult life, and my arms are now as thin as they were before I gained all the weight. I feel I will be very pleased with the eventual outcome.
December 3, 2016
Brilliant, I can't wait to have mine done. I have lot three and a half stone this year which is a lot for my frame as I am only five foot tall, and every pound shows :). It will be lovely not to have to hide them all the time in three quarter sleeve tops etc. Reading your review I realise there are things other than compression garments to plan for. I am enjoying reading how you are getting on. xx
December 5, 2016
My doctor put a compression vest on me at the end of surgery. I was fitted for it right before surgery. I liked waking up with it on. It is very confining and yet very comforting at the same time. I switched to one with sleeves only last week. I really did not like the way it fit around my neck and in my arm pits so I have gone back to my vest! It helps that it is winter. I am three weeks post op.
December 5, 2016
That is good, but I have to provide my own compression garment. It is hard to work out what size I will be after surgery. I am thinking of getting it once I am home from hospital and can get my arms measured properly. I am worried how I will manage to wipe myself after using the loo in the weeks after having surgery. How did you manage? Were you able to cleanse your face etc? I have order a couple of from fastening bras and a big nightie with buttons down the front. I might buy some loose sweat pants. How did you manage in the early days after your surgery?
December 5, 2016
It really was not much of a problem. The major problem I had was getting the compression vest on and off by myself. The compression garment that are. Asia Llyod just sleeves are also difficult to get on and off by yourself. I was told not to raise my arms high so that added to the difficulty of putting them on... I now can do it by myself with few problems. My pain was very well controlled with the pain medicine that he prescribed. Be sure to get your pillows ready because for awhile you have to sit and sleep with your arms elevated. No reaching! No picking up anything heavy. My dogs sleep on my bed and they had to forget that for awhile. Best of luck!
December 6, 2016
Thanks you have put my mind at ease :). Yes I think the compression garment is the main problem for most of us. I have one in mind but as I said will get it after the surgery. I have quite a broad back and this one is has a front fastening, so there will be no way to extend it. I do have a husband who will help me dress and put it on. And I have planned to sleep in a spare room in a double bed with the pillows there to support my arms:) Also we have a dog and cat but luckily he is old and does not jump up on the settee anymore. The cat is another story and loves being on my lap so I will just have to be careful. I will have pillows wedged at the sides of me on the settee to support my arms throughout the day time. I will be very careful as I really don't want any delays in healing as we are going to Greece on holiday on 18 May giving me four months of healing. I will put factor 50 on while on holiday and keep my arms down. But it will be wonderful to wear sleeveless dresses for the first time in years :). Good luck with you healing and please keep in touch xx.
December 7, 2016
It is very exciting that you are going to Greece. I think you will be blown away by your arms. I have a compression vest that hooks in the front. The compression garment that just has sleeves and hooks around your back, I hated. It kept sliding up to my neck and for me it was not good! Your kitty will give you good company. You're going to do great!
December 13, 2016
I definetly slept propped up and with pillows propping up each arm for the first week and a half, then started slowly returning to a somewhat normal sleeping position by the end of week 2.
Replies (4)