POSTED UNDER Arm Lift REVIEWS
30yr Female, Arm Lift with Lipo on Arms, Back, Bra Line, Buffalo Hump, Abdomen, Love Handles, Flanks and Crotch - Chicago, IL
ORIGINAL POST
I'm a 30 year old female that has battled with...
WORTH IT$15,704
I'm a 30 year old female that has battled with large and saggy arms my whole life. My grandmother had them so bad, they would flap in the wind. Thanks, babciu. My weight has also frequently fluctuated throughout my life, so I do have a lot of extra skin with pockets of fat. My boyfriend and I have begun talking of wedding plans, which means now is the time to do something about this and give myself time to heal before a wedding happens.
I searched for a long time for different doctors. I made consultation appointments with three and then narrowed it down to Dr. Gutowski. I was pretty nervous going into the appointment, but once I was in the appointment room, it made me feel relaxed. He was extremely easy to talk to and down to Earth. He won't try to sell you crap you don't need, either. He and his patient care coordinator, Ellen, are fabulous at keeping in touch and getting back to me with any questions or concerns. Ellen has been great at getting me accommodated with my crazy schedule and getting surgery set up for the perfect date so I can recover over my vacation.
I am having multiple procedures done, so I will create a review/post for both and will keep them updated simultaneously. I will try to get photos posted as soon as possible.
I know a lot of people are curious about costs of plastic surgery. I will be put under general anesthesia since I am having so much done at once, so my procedure is costing a bit more than if you were to do any of these separately under local anesthesia. Also keep in mind, the cost can fluctuate based on each customer and their exact needs. Here is the breakdown of costs:
Arm Lift: $6,000 with $2,752 anesthesia fee
Lipo to back, bra line, hump: $3000 with $1,350 anesthesia fee
Lipo to abdomen and flanks: $4,000 with $1,350 anesthesia fee
Because I am having all done at the same time, because I mentioned RealSelf and because I am allowing them use of my before and after photos, it dropped the total from $18, 452 down to $15, 704.
I searched for a long time for different doctors. I made consultation appointments with three and then narrowed it down to Dr. Gutowski. I was pretty nervous going into the appointment, but once I was in the appointment room, it made me feel relaxed. He was extremely easy to talk to and down to Earth. He won't try to sell you crap you don't need, either. He and his patient care coordinator, Ellen, are fabulous at keeping in touch and getting back to me with any questions or concerns. Ellen has been great at getting me accommodated with my crazy schedule and getting surgery set up for the perfect date so I can recover over my vacation.
I am having multiple procedures done, so I will create a review/post for both and will keep them updated simultaneously. I will try to get photos posted as soon as possible.
I know a lot of people are curious about costs of plastic surgery. I will be put under general anesthesia since I am having so much done at once, so my procedure is costing a bit more than if you were to do any of these separately under local anesthesia. Also keep in mind, the cost can fluctuate based on each customer and their exact needs. Here is the breakdown of costs:
Arm Lift: $6,000 with $2,752 anesthesia fee
Lipo to back, bra line, hump: $3000 with $1,350 anesthesia fee
Lipo to abdomen and flanks: $4,000 with $1,350 anesthesia fee
Because I am having all done at the same time, because I mentioned RealSelf and because I am allowing them use of my before and after photos, it dropped the total from $18, 452 down to $15, 704.
Replies (15)

March 13, 2016
I had a buffalo hump taken down with lipo a number of years ago. My posture improved. Really glad I had it done. I also had my abdomen done after having twins. Actually they went all the way around

March 13, 2016
I'm really glad to hear about your posture improving! I hope it helps mine, as well. I've been worried for a long time that I will be an old hunch-backed lady years down the road. Thanks so much for your comment!

March 13, 2016
That fat never came back so it was a great procedure. The belly and flanks lipo did really well not coming back until I hit menopause, so that one should be really worthwhile as well.
March 14, 2016
Good luck. I'm 13 days po arm lift and tt. My best advise is to have someone round the clock for the first week. I was naive. For some reason I didn't expect not to be able to do anything by myself. You will figure how to do things quick though. Oh! Gowns. At least a size big. So it will be easier to put on. Pants were not an option for me or undies. So much easier bathroom wise. Also, you will hate your cg. Take your time and find a way to be comfy in it. You will come to terms with it soon enough. Your armpits will suck. Put gauze or a pad to cushion. When you sleep built a fort around you to elevate. I have forearms problems with a compressed nerve. It is very painful but they can get you meds just for that nerve pain. Not super common at all but don't suffer if you have it. I did for 4 days. The meds help it. I hope this helps. Good luck and I hope it goes great.

March 14, 2016
Thanks, Sandi! My boyfriend took two weeks off work and my mother will come into town also. I'm already getting to brainstorm clothing ideas, robes, etc. Thanks so much for the tips! I think I'll get some more pillows, too.
March 14, 2016
Girls it could be worse... It's costs a lot more here in the uk!!
Definitely go with the best man/woman for the job. You need an impeccable reputation and one that takes pride in his work. You also need peace of mind that should things go wrong he will correct it.
I'm thinking of an arm lift but for whatever reason am more scared about that than I was about my tummy tuck. Lol.
Would love to see your after pics.
Good luck X
Definitely go with the best man/woman for the job. You need an impeccable reputation and one that takes pride in his work. You also need peace of mind that should things go wrong he will correct it.
I'm thinking of an arm lift but for whatever reason am more scared about that than I was about my tummy tuck. Lol.
Would love to see your after pics.
Good luck X

March 14, 2016
Thanks, Taitai! I will continue to post along my journey. I hope it will give you the encouragement to go for it. I will be totally candid with the pain, recovery, etc.
March 14, 2016
I too wanted it done before my wedding. It's strange as my arms are so much bigger than the rest of me and cause me the most amount of grief.
Thank you for replying so quickly xx
Thank you for replying so quickly xx
March 13, 2018
well I have seen two plastic surgeons one was 41k, the other would of been 45k, so those prices look old, I am seeing dr g next month
UPDATED FROM CoffeeTeaMe
2 days post
From the other side!
It is now two days after surgery day. My arms finally feel well enough to update you all!
I was very nervous going into surgery, but Dr. Gutowski was great at helping to distract me from my nerves. My mom was in prep with me and Dr. Gutowski happily answered every question she had, in great detail and made sure she understood everything. The anesthesiologist Dr. Gutowski works with is great. They have a wonderful partnership and think very highly of each other. Everything was over before I knew it and I was on my way home.
Everyone always told me that day 2 is the worst, but day 1 was most definitely the worst for me. The pain was probably the worst pain I've felt in my life. It was very emotionally frustrating not being able to do anything for myself at all. I needed my boyfriend and mom to do everything for me, even helping me eat. All the swelling my body had was crazy. I was larger than I was before surgery just because of the swelling. Some of my incisions were draining a lot of liposuction fluid on day 1, as I did have a lot of high-volume liposuction done. The first night, I woke up many times through the night needing to urinate from all the fluid being absorbed by my body and all the fluid I'd been drinking. I had to have help getting out and into bed every time, meaning my poor boyfriend did not get to have a full nights sleep. Make sure your partners or caretakers are aware and ready for this!
First day after surgery, the swelling was even worse. I was in shock at the amount of swelling in my whole body. I really felt like the Michelin man! However, the pain was more under control and my mobility and range of motion improved. The incisions on my arms were leaking and bleeding, but Dr. Gutowski assured me it was normal after asking me to send him photos. The second night, I slept through the whole night but woke up very stiff and think it would be better to set an alarm to wake up, take meds and move a bit.
It is now my second day after surgery. When I woke up this morning, I was so happy to see how much my swelling has gone down. We took the outer bandages off, per doctor's instructions. The incisions on my arms really hurt now that there's not the extra bandages to cushion them. It's still morning, so I'll be sure to update more in a day or two.
I was very nervous going into surgery, but Dr. Gutowski was great at helping to distract me from my nerves. My mom was in prep with me and Dr. Gutowski happily answered every question she had, in great detail and made sure she understood everything. The anesthesiologist Dr. Gutowski works with is great. They have a wonderful partnership and think very highly of each other. Everything was over before I knew it and I was on my way home.
Everyone always told me that day 2 is the worst, but day 1 was most definitely the worst for me. The pain was probably the worst pain I've felt in my life. It was very emotionally frustrating not being able to do anything for myself at all. I needed my boyfriend and mom to do everything for me, even helping me eat. All the swelling my body had was crazy. I was larger than I was before surgery just because of the swelling. Some of my incisions were draining a lot of liposuction fluid on day 1, as I did have a lot of high-volume liposuction done. The first night, I woke up many times through the night needing to urinate from all the fluid being absorbed by my body and all the fluid I'd been drinking. I had to have help getting out and into bed every time, meaning my poor boyfriend did not get to have a full nights sleep. Make sure your partners or caretakers are aware and ready for this!
First day after surgery, the swelling was even worse. I was in shock at the amount of swelling in my whole body. I really felt like the Michelin man! However, the pain was more under control and my mobility and range of motion improved. The incisions on my arms were leaking and bleeding, but Dr. Gutowski assured me it was normal after asking me to send him photos. The second night, I slept through the whole night but woke up very stiff and think it would be better to set an alarm to wake up, take meds and move a bit.
It is now my second day after surgery. When I woke up this morning, I was so happy to see how much my swelling has gone down. We took the outer bandages off, per doctor's instructions. The incisions on my arms really hurt now that there's not the extra bandages to cushion them. It's still morning, so I'll be sure to update more in a day or two.
Replies (2)

May 10, 2016
Thank you for talking about the pain! Can't wait to see photos... I go the 27th!

May 10, 2016
You will be so happy! It was totally worth it. I will have to give you a follow to watch your progress.
UPDATED FROM CoffeeTeaMe
3 days post
Swelling
So I told you all that my swelling has gone down. Well, it seems my areas of swelling and the amount changes quite a bit throughout the day. However, overall, each day is better.
I woke up this morning feeling pretty good. For now, the swelling in my tummy has gone down. My back continues to be very swollen and painful, probably because it is very hard to avoid putting pressure on it. I'm not really sure what I can do about that.
Since taking the outer bandages off of my arm incisions, my arms have definitely been in more pain. Dr. Gutowski says everything looks normal from pictures I send him.
I realized I haven't said much about my compression garment. It was put on me while I was still under anesthesia and I'm required to wear it 24/7 until I see Dr. Gutowski at my first post-op visit on Monday. From there, he'll let me know how much more to wear it. So, if I need to shower, I shower with it on. I can use a hair dryer to dry off if needed. As far as the fit, I don't feel that it is very tight, as I am used to wearing shapewear and compression hose to work. The arms do feel tight, but the rest of it is honestly nothing compared to my own garments. I could easily wear this for three more weeks if need be. There's an open hole for the gusset that is quite large. I've had no issues with urinating, but I think it needs to be open further up the backside for BMs. It is also very hard for me to reach back there due to my arm lift, so keep that in mind when recruiting those that will care for you after surgery.
My medicine has my brain a bit foggy, so I'll be wrapping up right now. I'll update as needed when things come to mind.
I woke up this morning feeling pretty good. For now, the swelling in my tummy has gone down. My back continues to be very swollen and painful, probably because it is very hard to avoid putting pressure on it. I'm not really sure what I can do about that.
Since taking the outer bandages off of my arm incisions, my arms have definitely been in more pain. Dr. Gutowski says everything looks normal from pictures I send him.
I realized I haven't said much about my compression garment. It was put on me while I was still under anesthesia and I'm required to wear it 24/7 until I see Dr. Gutowski at my first post-op visit on Monday. From there, he'll let me know how much more to wear it. So, if I need to shower, I shower with it on. I can use a hair dryer to dry off if needed. As far as the fit, I don't feel that it is very tight, as I am used to wearing shapewear and compression hose to work. The arms do feel tight, but the rest of it is honestly nothing compared to my own garments. I could easily wear this for three more weeks if need be. There's an open hole for the gusset that is quite large. I've had no issues with urinating, but I think it needs to be open further up the backside for BMs. It is also very hard for me to reach back there due to my arm lift, so keep that in mind when recruiting those that will care for you after surgery.
My medicine has my brain a bit foggy, so I'll be wrapping up right now. I'll update as needed when things come to mind.
CoffeeTeaMe I would have to agree with you on this one. I also chose my doctor based on comfort level, research and just knowing he was the right one for me. The cost was more than I had anticipated, however I was fine with it. He has excellent credentials and references. Going "Cheap" is not always the best route. Sometimes you get what you pay for and that is a good thing in my book. I am glad that you are happy with your doctor and excited for your surgery. Definitely keep us up to date on everything. I will be anxious to see your results.