POSTED UNDER Arm Lift REVIEWS
Flappy Arms Are Gone - Bel Air, MD
ORIGINAL POST
I had my brachioplasty done 4 months ago. I am...
WORTH IT$3,600
I had my brachioplasty done 4 months ago. I am extremely happy with the results.
The worst part of the whole ordeal were the drains and the swelling. The drains were only in for about 1 week and the swelling lasted about 4 weeks before it wasn't noticable anymore. The pain was very mild.
Yes, I have a scar down the inside of both arms, but I was aware of it going into this procedure, and like my doctor said, you have to be willing to trade off the flappy skin for the scar. My doctor did a fantastic job of placing the scar on the underside of my arms, and unless I raise my arms, you can't see the scar.
Cindy4287's provider
Replies (5)
February 15, 2011
Thanks for the update, Cindy. Wow, what a difference. Did the incisions heal well?
February 23, 2011
Yes, my incisions healed very nicely. I had internal stitches, so there was nothing to have taken out on the outside, which was great, and I think it made a huge difference in the way the scar turned out.
February 15, 2011
Cindy - any updated photos? Glad to hear you are doing well.
February 20, 2011
Looking good Cindy! Like you, I can't wait for summer... I have not had on sleeveless clothes in over 30 years!
Replies (39)
February 27, 2011
Cindy -
Thank you so much for sharing your story, and posting such great photos. Your scars are scary right after your surgery, but now they are barely noticeable. I am seriously considering the surgery, but am terrified if something went wrong. I have no idea how often someone dies from the surgery - or how often complications after surgery continue in the persons life. Any plastic surgery or surgery has its risks, I know.
My question to you is mainly on cost and time off work. I've read that the cost is about $2000 to $3000, depending on where you live in the country, so am wondering why your surgery was near 10k. Also - you said yours was outpatient surgery, but I've read that generally after surgery one must remain in the hospital for two days. I thought $3,000 was not much for having 2 days in the hospital. Wondering why laser surgery on the face is $5,000+ done in less than 30 min on average, and an arm lift would be cheaper (random thought, not really a question).
Lastly, time off work. I've read a person can return to work 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. That's a lot of time off work. Was this true in your case? I'm sure it depends on the type of work, but I work as an admin assistant, so behind a desk all day. No lifting. Just at the computer and printer, and phone.
Thank you again...and again for sharing your experience with everyone.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, and posting such great photos. Your scars are scary right after your surgery, but now they are barely noticeable. I am seriously considering the surgery, but am terrified if something went wrong. I have no idea how often someone dies from the surgery - or how often complications after surgery continue in the persons life. Any plastic surgery or surgery has its risks, I know.
My question to you is mainly on cost and time off work. I've read that the cost is about $2000 to $3000, depending on where you live in the country, so am wondering why your surgery was near 10k. Also - you said yours was outpatient surgery, but I've read that generally after surgery one must remain in the hospital for two days. I thought $3,000 was not much for having 2 days in the hospital. Wondering why laser surgery on the face is $5,000+ done in less than 30 min on average, and an arm lift would be cheaper (random thought, not really a question).
Lastly, time off work. I've read a person can return to work 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. That's a lot of time off work. Was this true in your case? I'm sure it depends on the type of work, but I work as an admin assistant, so behind a desk all day. No lifting. Just at the computer and printer, and phone.
Thank you again...and again for sharing your experience with everyone.
March 3, 2011
Hi Vicki,
I guess the most important thing I can tell you about the surgery is to make sure you are comfortable with your doctor. I had all my questions answered and knew exactly what was going to happen, and what to expect before I went into it. Like you said, anytime you are put under anestesia, there is a risk. But if you have confidence in your doctor, and you are cleared by your family doctor to under go the procedure, you will be fine. It is always scarry at the thought of what you will be going thru, but in the long run it is sooooo worth it.
As far as cost and time off work, my arms cost me $3600 and my tummy tuck was around $10,000. Time off work for my arms was about 2 weeks. I work in a bank and count money all day. I could have went back sooner, but I wanted to make sure the drains were out before I went back. The worst part of the whole procedure were the drains. You have to milk them a few times a day, and that can be tricky to do with only having 1 hand to do it with. I usually waited until my husband was around to help me do this. It was much easier to do the milking when I had my tummy tuck, cause I had both hands to do it with.
I had my procedure done as an outpatient in a Surgical Center, so I came home the same day, no hospital stay.
I am so happy that I had this procedure done. I can honestly say the photos do my arms no justice, they look great, and the scar has even started to fade.
Good luck to you and please feel to contact me anytime.
I guess the most important thing I can tell you about the surgery is to make sure you are comfortable with your doctor. I had all my questions answered and knew exactly what was going to happen, and what to expect before I went into it. Like you said, anytime you are put under anestesia, there is a risk. But if you have confidence in your doctor, and you are cleared by your family doctor to under go the procedure, you will be fine. It is always scarry at the thought of what you will be going thru, but in the long run it is sooooo worth it.
As far as cost and time off work, my arms cost me $3600 and my tummy tuck was around $10,000. Time off work for my arms was about 2 weeks. I work in a bank and count money all day. I could have went back sooner, but I wanted to make sure the drains were out before I went back. The worst part of the whole procedure were the drains. You have to milk them a few times a day, and that can be tricky to do with only having 1 hand to do it with. I usually waited until my husband was around to help me do this. It was much easier to do the milking when I had my tummy tuck, cause I had both hands to do it with.
I had my procedure done as an outpatient in a Surgical Center, so I came home the same day, no hospital stay.
I am so happy that I had this procedure done. I can honestly say the photos do my arms no justice, they look great, and the scar has even started to fade.
Good luck to you and please feel to contact me anytime.
February 27, 2011
Oh sorry - just noticed your surgery was about 4k. It's the average cost that shows near 10k, which makes no sense to me.
But - I think you said you didn't have to stay in the hospital.
thanks again.
But - I think you said you didn't have to stay in the hospital.
thanks again.
July 12, 2011
Hi
I have considered this and i had spoke with a dr he said could have it the way u did or lazer, had you been told of the lazer? i know the results not as good but mine had recommended me the lazer, but i felt it wouldnt have been enough as he said if it didnt give me the results i wanted we could go the other way! But im like hello who wants to pay twice!!!
thanks :)
I have considered this and i had spoke with a dr he said could have it the way u did or lazer, had you been told of the lazer? i know the results not as good but mine had recommended me the lazer, but i felt it wouldnt have been enough as he said if it didnt give me the results i wanted we could go the other way! But im like hello who wants to pay twice!!!
thanks :)
July 13, 2011
Sorry, but I can't help you with the lazer...I never heard of having it done by lazer to be honest with you, and I did alot of research before I had my arms done. I'm with you when you say "who wants to pay twice...or go thru it twice."
August 5, 2011
Hi Cindy, I have my arm lift scheduled for 9/1 and I am currently 9 weeks post op a VTL. Can you please tell me what I need in order to prepare for post op care? I was totally NOT prepared for the VTL when I came home.
Any details or other information you can share would be greatly appreciated.
Your arms look fantastic!!!!
Any details or other information you can share would be greatly appreciated.
Your arms look fantastic!!!!
August 6, 2011
My biggest suggestion is to have someone around to help you strip your drains. It is much easier to have someone help you than to try to do it yourself...it's kinda hard to hold the drain at the top and strip it at the same time when both your arms are bandaged up. Other than that, I would recommend some easy to get into clothes, especially tops. Keep in mind that your arms will be bandaged from top to just below your elbow and drain tubes will be hanging from them, so you want to be able to slip clothes on over your head that are roomy and baggy...nothing tight. Other than that, I was able to use my hands and arms, just couldn't pick up anything heavier than 5 pounds for awhile. Honestly though, the hardest part was trying to dress and undress myself. I was able to cook for myself and tend to my bathroom needs (although hubby had to wash my hair for me).
So, those were the 2 most challenging parts of the whole procedure..getting dressed and undressed, and stripping those drains. Good luck to you.
So, those were the 2 most challenging parts of the whole procedure..getting dressed and undressed, and stripping those drains. Good luck to you.
Replies (14)