POSTED UNDER Arm Lift REVIEWS
two weeks post op - Baton Rouge, LA
ORIGINAL POST
I lost 70 lbs and I took up cross training a year...
HoneySmithJanuary 14, 2014
$4,800
I lost 70 lbs and I took up cross training a year ago and developed lots of muscles, but still had lots of loose skin that exercise was not going to help. I wanted all of my hard work to show, but showing my arms was not an option. I weigh 128 and I'm 5'5" in a size 2 now.
I had this surgery done Jan 2. I was surprised that there was little pain after surgery, however, the next 3 days were very uncomfortable. The swelling of forearms and hands was very bad. There's no way to get comfortable with all the bandages and compression garments. The garments rub under the arms where the incisions are the worst.
The first 4 days were the worst for swelling and discomfort. By day 5 I was feeling better. Today is day 12 and the incision lines under my arms are the worst part. The last of the steri strips fell off a couple of days ago. I am covering most of the incision with scar away silicone strips and that feels nice. However, the ones under my arms are still scabby and gooey and not ready for silicone strips. I am applying neosporin and keeping them covered with gauze and paper tape bc bandaides are too irritating to my skin.
The itching and needle pains have started and I'm told that this is the nerves beginning to return. OUCH! I had to remove the compression garments last night bc it was just too irritating to the incision under my arm. I know I am not suppose to go without the garments at all, but I did for a few hours so I could sleep.
My incision is in a great location. Almost on the back of the arm but not quite. You cant see it from the front or the back. I'm happy with that. Also, the incision is a very fine line and looks nice and clean (except under the arm, where it's not nearly as flat and is more crooked)
What I would have done differently:
1. I would have planned to have someone come to my house at 2 weeks post op to clean my house and do laundry bc I still can't.
2. I would have bought more zip up hoodies, bc that's all you can wear for two weeks
3. I would have bought paper tape and gauze for the incision line
4. Have everything you will need for 1 week on hand. No driving!
5. Prepare for not being able to reach for anything for 3 wks
6. Unless you are at a VERY sedentary job, don't even think about going back to work for 10 days! You can't reach for anything. IT HURTS! Just keeping my arms up on my keyboard at my desk for hours made me hurt! I went back yesterday, but took off today. It just took all my energy and made me hurt.
I will update in a couple of weeks!
I had this surgery done Jan 2. I was surprised that there was little pain after surgery, however, the next 3 days were very uncomfortable. The swelling of forearms and hands was very bad. There's no way to get comfortable with all the bandages and compression garments. The garments rub under the arms where the incisions are the worst.
The first 4 days were the worst for swelling and discomfort. By day 5 I was feeling better. Today is day 12 and the incision lines under my arms are the worst part. The last of the steri strips fell off a couple of days ago. I am covering most of the incision with scar away silicone strips and that feels nice. However, the ones under my arms are still scabby and gooey and not ready for silicone strips. I am applying neosporin and keeping them covered with gauze and paper tape bc bandaides are too irritating to my skin.
The itching and needle pains have started and I'm told that this is the nerves beginning to return. OUCH! I had to remove the compression garments last night bc it was just too irritating to the incision under my arm. I know I am not suppose to go without the garments at all, but I did for a few hours so I could sleep.
My incision is in a great location. Almost on the back of the arm but not quite. You cant see it from the front or the back. I'm happy with that. Also, the incision is a very fine line and looks nice and clean (except under the arm, where it's not nearly as flat and is more crooked)
What I would have done differently:
1. I would have planned to have someone come to my house at 2 weeks post op to clean my house and do laundry bc I still can't.
2. I would have bought more zip up hoodies, bc that's all you can wear for two weeks
3. I would have bought paper tape and gauze for the incision line
4. Have everything you will need for 1 week on hand. No driving!
5. Prepare for not being able to reach for anything for 3 wks
6. Unless you are at a VERY sedentary job, don't even think about going back to work for 10 days! You can't reach for anything. IT HURTS! Just keeping my arms up on my keyboard at my desk for hours made me hurt! I went back yesterday, but took off today. It just took all my energy and made me hurt.
I will update in a couple of weeks!
HoneySmith's provider
UPDATED FROM HoneySmith
14 days post
What should I take for pins and needles
HoneySmithJanuary 17, 2014
Okay today is two weeks post op and I have pins and needles all through both arms. It's driving me crazy. Is there anything I can take? short of pain meds?
Replies (2)
January 17, 2014
theres really nothing you can do about the pins and needles except tylenol, motrin or your pain meds if you have any leftover from surgery. all the nerves in your arms are waking up and coming back to life so to speak. it will get better. it also helps to keep them covered with long sleeves or compressions. thats how i discovered the tube sock idea. i couldnt stand for anything to touch my arms. hang in there
January 23, 2014
Okay today is three weeks since my arm lift and I felt like yesterday was a real turning point in the way I felt and my range of motion. Yesterday was the first day that I could have hurt myself accidently because my arms didn't feel nearly as tender or sore. I had to be careful not to over do. The pins and needles aren't as bad right now either. My scars are looking more flat and not as red. I have been wearing the scar gaurd strips since day 10 and I know that helps a lot. So far, I'm happy. I guess I won't really know if this has all been worth it until 6 months out.
If my arms are shaped nicely, the scars don't show too bad and I get the feeling back, I will be thrilled with this surgery. We'll see!
UPDATED FROM HoneySmith
1 month post
4 weeks
HoneySmithFebruary 4, 2014
Well it's been 4 wks and I have to say I feel almost normal. I worked out today but did not include upper body. I have full range of motion now. I do still have tight feeling in arms. And a little discomfort from that. But overall I'm back to normal.
Replies (6)