POSTED UNDER Arm Lift Reviews
Having an Arm Lift After 16 Years of Not Showing my Arms in Public - Mandeville, LA
UPDATED FROM SunnyCaliGirlG
5 months post
4 Months Post Op......Scar Revision Required
SunnyCaliGirlGApril 3, 2016
$5,900
It's been a few months since I've posted any updates, initially due to depression. In my last post I shared that I was still having a considerable amount of drainage which lasted a few weeks after surgery. It eventually went away which I was oh so thankful for. Turns out, it was just my body's defense mechanism after the lipo......t's way of trying to heal itself and flush out toxins.
I also had a complication from the lipo where a small section of my left arm along the incision line near the elbow did not get any blood supply after surgery. It developed into a 2" wound that took a few weeks to heal from the inside out. It required cleaning and packing twice a day, and I was also required to continue on the strong antibiotics and I needed additional pain medication as a result. This really depressed me. I was angry at times and felt like a fool for even having the surgery to begin with. If asked then whether I'd do it again, the answer would have been a resounding NO! It took about two full months to completely heal. I went back to work after two weeks off, and took a kit to change my bandages as needed throughout the day due to drainage.
I'm left with huge scars on the back of my left arm, mostly from the wound, which are visible to anyone behind me for which I've been very self conscious. I've gone on two vacations since the surgery to the USVI and Miami and wore long sleeves throughout each to hide my scars.
I've had many follow ups with my PS who's been the best throughout this experience, and he's planning to do a revision for my scars once my skin loosens a little more. I'm somewhat excited about the revision, as it will give my wounds an opportunity to heal right this second time around. The incision will still be visible from the rear, but I'd gladly take a visible incision line scar over what I have today.
Given the complications from the initial surgery, I did not wear compressions sleeves at all (just ace bandages) which I plan to wear this second time around. I ordered several from the Internet but none fit quite right so will rely on my ps to provide a suitable garment this time.
All in all, and despite my post surgical healing experience, I'd still do it again. It feels so good being able to fit the arms of tops and jackets in my size. I'm a big girl, but my arms were not proportionate to the rest of my body. I wear a 16-18 or XL but needed to size up depending on the sleeves. In addition, I never wore sleeveless (which I'm still not wearing). However, I can now fit not only XL and 16 tops, but also some Larges and 14's depending on the style. I love the size of my new arms and still looking forward to the day that I can wear short sleeves and sleeveless in public without shame.
I haven't scheduled the revision surgery yet, but we're thinking late summer. I'm trying to lose a few more pounds to help my skin loosen up more. I'm also trying to get insurance approval for a breast reduction, so I'd prefer to have the BR and scar revision surgery together to combine the healing period.
Was the surgery worth the $5900 I paid? Yes!
In spite of the complications, I like being able to fit my clothes and my new slimmer profile. Still working on sleeveless but it's coming soon.
I also had a complication from the lipo where a small section of my left arm along the incision line near the elbow did not get any blood supply after surgery. It developed into a 2" wound that took a few weeks to heal from the inside out. It required cleaning and packing twice a day, and I was also required to continue on the strong antibiotics and I needed additional pain medication as a result. This really depressed me. I was angry at times and felt like a fool for even having the surgery to begin with. If asked then whether I'd do it again, the answer would have been a resounding NO! It took about two full months to completely heal. I went back to work after two weeks off, and took a kit to change my bandages as needed throughout the day due to drainage.
I'm left with huge scars on the back of my left arm, mostly from the wound, which are visible to anyone behind me for which I've been very self conscious. I've gone on two vacations since the surgery to the USVI and Miami and wore long sleeves throughout each to hide my scars.
I've had many follow ups with my PS who's been the best throughout this experience, and he's planning to do a revision for my scars once my skin loosens a little more. I'm somewhat excited about the revision, as it will give my wounds an opportunity to heal right this second time around. The incision will still be visible from the rear, but I'd gladly take a visible incision line scar over what I have today.
Given the complications from the initial surgery, I did not wear compressions sleeves at all (just ace bandages) which I plan to wear this second time around. I ordered several from the Internet but none fit quite right so will rely on my ps to provide a suitable garment this time.
All in all, and despite my post surgical healing experience, I'd still do it again. It feels so good being able to fit the arms of tops and jackets in my size. I'm a big girl, but my arms were not proportionate to the rest of my body. I wear a 16-18 or XL but needed to size up depending on the sleeves. In addition, I never wore sleeveless (which I'm still not wearing). However, I can now fit not only XL and 16 tops, but also some Larges and 14's depending on the style. I love the size of my new arms and still looking forward to the day that I can wear short sleeves and sleeveless in public without shame.
I haven't scheduled the revision surgery yet, but we're thinking late summer. I'm trying to lose a few more pounds to help my skin loosen up more. I'm also trying to get insurance approval for a breast reduction, so I'd prefer to have the BR and scar revision surgery together to combine the healing period.
Was the surgery worth the $5900 I paid? Yes!
In spite of the complications, I like being able to fit my clothes and my new slimmer profile. Still working on sleeveless but it's coming soon.
UPDATED FROM SunnyCaliGirlG
3 days post
S.O.S!!!! Post op day 3 drainage
SunnyCaliGirlGNovember 28, 2015
Can someone please share their experience with post op drainage?
I have a steady flow dripping from my right arm incisions. I read online that I only need to be concerned if the drainage has a consistency similar to dark red thick blood. It does not. It's a steady drip drop of bright red and orange fluid.
I'm still using ace bandages on my upper arms but just ordered 2 cg today. Also, I did not have post op drainage tubes installed. My left arm is visibly larger than the right arm which I assume is due to the drainage currently happening in my right arm.
Can someone please share their drainage experience?
Also, I took a shower today and cleaned my arms again very gently with the ivory bar soap. I did not put Neosporin or peroxide on my incisions not knowing whether it's okay or not to do so. Any comments?
I have a steady flow dripping from my right arm incisions. I read online that I only need to be concerned if the drainage has a consistency similar to dark red thick blood. It does not. It's a steady drip drop of bright red and orange fluid.
I'm still using ace bandages on my upper arms but just ordered 2 cg today. Also, I did not have post op drainage tubes installed. My left arm is visibly larger than the right arm which I assume is due to the drainage currently happening in my right arm.
Can someone please share their drainage experience?
Also, I took a shower today and cleaned my arms again very gently with the ivory bar soap. I did not put Neosporin or peroxide on my incisions not knowing whether it's okay or not to do so. Any comments?
Replies (5)
November 29, 2015
You should always ask your surgeon if it's okay to put anything on your incisions. I would not until you can ask.
I hope someone that has had this surgery can chime in about the drainage.
Sending you healing prayers. Hang in, girl!
I hope someone that has had this surgery can chime in about the drainage.
Sending you healing prayers. Hang in, girl!
November 29, 2015
Thanks Kim. I'll probably send him a text in the morning. My arms are so tight that it's soooo uncomfortable. My healing has not been pleasant in the least.
November 29, 2015
I had drainage from both elbows for 7 days. Once the cc was under25, they temovedxthem
Regarding putting anything on incisions, agree with Kim to ask Dr
My Rt arm was holding fluid-Dr removed some with a syringe last visit. Have pain late afternoon into
evening- my surgery 11/6 all the Best
Regarding putting anything on incisions, agree with Kim to ask Dr
My Rt arm was holding fluid-Dr removed some with a syringe last visit. Have pain late afternoon into
evening- my surgery 11/6 all the Best
November 30, 2015
Make sure you are keeping them elevated. It sounds to me like you are very swollen.
Definitely contact your surgeon. I'm praying for you!
Definitely contact your surgeon. I'm praying for you!
November 29, 2015
Dont know about the drainage u should talk to ur ps i am nearly 9wks post op and still have alot of swelling
November 29, 2015
Hi I had my arms lift surgery on November 3 201 I had the drainage for 10 days and yes it was red with strings than it turned to yellowish kind of fatty oil. My arms are still swollen and the right arm hurt very much at nights sharp painPS tokd me I was going to feel the burning and needles pinch as the nerve adjust and the tissues adjust I did use neoporin on wounds the first two weeks and in the small holes where the drainage was at. Wish you all the best in your recovery
December 2, 2015
I am so glad you are sharing this experience, I have thought long and hard about having this done but I have not reached point yet of decision.
UPDATED FROM SunnyCaliGirlG
2 days post
Post Op Day 2- Hunched Shoulders
SunnyCaliGirlGNovember 28, 2015
My skin is still so tight that I'm walking with hunched shoulders. How long does it take for the swelling to subside and for my arms to become more relaxed?
I still have 9 days before I return to work so hoping the swelling goes down and my arms relax by my sides before then.
Here's more pics of day 2. Nurse told me my incisions were glued but they look stitched to me. Still lots of bruising from the lipo I suppose.
I still have 9 days before I return to work so hoping the swelling goes down and my arms relax by my sides before then.
Here's more pics of day 2. Nurse told me my incisions were glued but they look stitched to me. Still lots of bruising from the lipo I suppose.
Replies (5)
I know how you feel. My scars are 2 months out, and while I didn't have a complication, they are getting fairly dark.
I feel like you with my BA, though. My left breast isn't moving and I'll probably need an adjustment in the next couple months. I feel stupid because I did it to myself.
But, would I do it again...yes.
Keep healing and good luck with the scar revision!