POSTED UNDER Arm Lift REVIEWS
47yo F, Bilateral Arm Lift - Lancaster, PA
ORIGINAL POST
I had gastric bypass in 2001. Lost 125lbs.I have...
WORTH IT$8,000
I had gastric bypass in 2001. Lost 125lbs.I have quite a bit of excess skin, but my arms bother me the most. Consulted with 4 plastic surgeons before chosing mine. He didn't rush our consult, his before and after arm lift pics were the best, he had performed an arm lift in the last 6 months, and his staff was wonderful. He was voted the best PS in Lancaster County for at least the last 6 years.
Surgery was performed at a hospital out patient. Surgery took about 3 hours.
Came out of anesthesia fine. Arms were wrapped with ace bandage, and it feels so tight. Went home with 2 drains.
Only took pain meds 2 days. Drinking 48oz+ water a day, cut out salt, added grilled chicken, fruit, protein puddings and shakes.
Doctor put my in 5 days Ceftin.
I had my husband measure on the 4 th day and my arms are 2 inches less in circumference. Had my post op visit Monday (post op 4 days), still draining too much so no drain removal. He unwrapped my arms and I was pleased with how much smaller they were, but not prepared for how barbaric the scar looks. I can't even imagine that this scar will heal flat and lighter.... but I am trusting the PS and the process.
At day 7 post op, I am still draining quite a bit and hoping for drain removal 11 days post op. My arm pit scar also took on a weird look to it.
My forearms are very swollen and tingling and kinda hurt when I lean on them. Can't raise my arm up much, and I walk like a zombie.
My advice -a recliner chair is necessary. I tried on the couch with pillows and sitting up in the bed and was so uncomfortable.
Have button down shirts ( I bought some at Goodwill and borrowed some of my husband's) on hand.
Larger yoga pants or pajamas.
Medical tape. I taped pads and socks under my armpits cause the rubbing was driving me crazy.
Big thick dense pillows, I am using 2.
I ice on 20 minutes, and off. Probably only icing every 1-2 hours, not every 40 minutes like I have read.
My PS doesn't allow a shower before drain removal, so it's been 7 days so far. I have sponge bathed, but eewww lol, it's not the same.
Surgery was performed at a hospital out patient. Surgery took about 3 hours.
Came out of anesthesia fine. Arms were wrapped with ace bandage, and it feels so tight. Went home with 2 drains.
Only took pain meds 2 days. Drinking 48oz+ water a day, cut out salt, added grilled chicken, fruit, protein puddings and shakes.
Doctor put my in 5 days Ceftin.
I had my husband measure on the 4 th day and my arms are 2 inches less in circumference. Had my post op visit Monday (post op 4 days), still draining too much so no drain removal. He unwrapped my arms and I was pleased with how much smaller they were, but not prepared for how barbaric the scar looks. I can't even imagine that this scar will heal flat and lighter.... but I am trusting the PS and the process.
At day 7 post op, I am still draining quite a bit and hoping for drain removal 11 days post op. My arm pit scar also took on a weird look to it.
My forearms are very swollen and tingling and kinda hurt when I lean on them. Can't raise my arm up much, and I walk like a zombie.
My advice -a recliner chair is necessary. I tried on the couch with pillows and sitting up in the bed and was so uncomfortable.
Have button down shirts ( I bought some at Goodwill and borrowed some of my husband's) on hand.
Larger yoga pants or pajamas.
Medical tape. I taped pads and socks under my armpits cause the rubbing was driving me crazy.
Big thick dense pillows, I am using 2.
I ice on 20 minutes, and off. Probably only icing every 1-2 hours, not every 40 minutes like I have read.
My PS doesn't allow a shower before drain removal, so it's been 7 days so far. I have sponge bathed, but eewww lol, it's not the same.
andreajaye's provider
UPDATED FROM andreajaye
11 days post
11 days post op
Saw the doctor today. The CRNP removed 1 drain, put bacitracin on it and a band aid. OMG, did the drain removal HURT and burn!!
Doctor came in and He looked at my arms and arm pits. I have an appt. next Monday to hopefully remove the 2nd drain. I can shower tomorrow. He put white compression stocking (the ones that go on your legs in the hospital) on my arms, this is what he uses (not compression garments). He does put them from arm pit to wrist.
Now that the compression stockings are on, my scar scabs are starting to leak a little from the putting on of the compression stockings.
I am keeping gauze taped under neath my arm pits due to the pain of them rubbing skin on skin.
Doctor came in and He looked at my arms and arm pits. I have an appt. next Monday to hopefully remove the 2nd drain. I can shower tomorrow. He put white compression stocking (the ones that go on your legs in the hospital) on my arms, this is what he uses (not compression garments). He does put them from arm pit to wrist.
Now that the compression stockings are on, my scar scabs are starting to leak a little from the putting on of the compression stockings.
I am keeping gauze taped under neath my arm pits due to the pain of them rubbing skin on skin.
Replies (2)
May 3, 2016
What advice would you give someone who is about to undergo this procedure?
May 3, 2016
If you have has WLS- stock up on protein pudding, drinks and fruit.
Drink LOTS of water.
Stay away from salt-will make you swell more.
If you have a recliner-use it.
If you don't- borrow one.
Ice packs for each arm.
20 min on, 40 min off.
I do about 30 min every 2 hours.
It does help.
Elevate arms as much as possible.
Pillows under each arm.
Sleeping on your back, pillows under each arm.
I bought soft button down 1 size bigger top pj's from walmart.
Also zip up and down sweat jackets are awesome.
If you get drains, keep good records of your fluid. ** make sure you squeeze the bulb before replacing the top.
I took.1 week from work, called them after 1 week and said I needed another week off.
Buy gauze squares and tape.
My armpit stitches feel like they are rubbing and hurts. I put a bunch of gauze and they hurt less.
Everyone has different results and pain levels. I only took 5 pain pills.
You will need help.
I went to the salon and had my hair washed and blown put and it felt amazing since I couldn't shower.
Good luck.
AMy specific questions, please feel to ask.
Drink LOTS of water.
Stay away from salt-will make you swell more.
If you have a recliner-use it.
If you don't- borrow one.
Ice packs for each arm.
20 min on, 40 min off.
I do about 30 min every 2 hours.
It does help.
Elevate arms as much as possible.
Pillows under each arm.
Sleeping on your back, pillows under each arm.
I bought soft button down 1 size bigger top pj's from walmart.
Also zip up and down sweat jackets are awesome.
If you get drains, keep good records of your fluid. ** make sure you squeeze the bulb before replacing the top.
I took.1 week from work, called them after 1 week and said I needed another week off.
Buy gauze squares and tape.
My armpit stitches feel like they are rubbing and hurts. I put a bunch of gauze and they hurt less.
Everyone has different results and pain levels. I only took 5 pain pills.
You will need help.
I went to the salon and had my hair washed and blown put and it felt amazing since I couldn't shower.
Good luck.
AMy specific questions, please feel to ask.
UPDATED FROM andreajaye
18 days post
2.5 weeks post op
Had a post op visit with PS today. Right side drain still in (drainIng 30ml in 24 hour period). Also might have a possible under the skin infection (area is hot and red). PS gave me Ceftin antibiotic for possible infection and go back in one week for possible drain removal. Arms still hurt, arm pits really hurt. Still have limited mobility. I am heading back to work tomorrow.
Replies (4)