POSTED UNDER Arm Lift Reviews
Brachioplasty with Lipo - Oklahoma City, OK
Replies (4)
Do you have restrictions after one month...like work...lifting...exercise?
I am healing well, so I was told I can return to normal activity as of 30 days post. I am going to physical therapy for my back right now where they have me lift up to 70 lb weights. My arms are pretty weak as it is, but the weights have been ok on my arms, maybe just a tiny bit of swelling is all. I went back to work after 1 1/2 weeks post op, and I didn't have a problem except for a sort of sore sensation when my arms would rub against the side of my ribs as I worked or walked. But it's important you know I have an office/desk job where I don't lift anything more than maybe 5 lb of files or paper. As far as lifting... No more than 10 lb the first month but after that I went to normal weight lifting, although you will wanna slowly and carefully work up to stretching your arms straight above your head...your arm pits are the most fragile spot for your incision, you see so you wanna be careful there...try and keep them dry of sweat and too much tension. I am 5 weeks post op right now and I am able to safely lift my arms above my head all the way without feeling the tightness in my armpits, which tells me it's healed enough I probably will be ok from here on out.
I am scheduled for arm lift (skin only) and BL Dec. 30. You are looking good. Were you able to wear long sleeve shirts with the compression garment on? Concerned about going on errands and having the garment show. Trying to figure out if I have items I will be able to wear after my surgery or what type of clothes should I look for pre-surgery to have for post-surgery. Thank you very much for the information.
Sunshine230
Keep us posted on your surgery thats what im having Jan 2016
Keep us posted on your surgery thats what im having Jan 2016
I was able to wear long sleeves over the garment but it looked funny wearing short sleeve shirts over. The garment I had was beige, but sleeves extended down to just below my elbows.
Be sure to keep your arms elevated on pillows as much as possible after your surgery. I did that and had little to no swelling but I have seen other people who have had the procedure on RealSelf who didn't do that and their hands/wrists swelled up really really badly, and there's no hiding that onset clothes! Congrats on your surgery appt! It's fantastic!
Thank you so very much for your information. I am laying in a supply of pillows. lol. I had no idea how bulky the compression garment is and saw where one person wore sleeveless blouses. Glad to know I can at least try to conceal somewhat. I will ask for beige. Going to be hot, hot hot in FL.
Thank you. I replied below. There seem to be so many things to think about. Have second appointment with this surgeon in a couple of days and making my list of questions.
Yeah that was why I picked October, cooler weather. The worst thing out the compression garment was needing to take it off and hand wash the armpit area then let hang dry. I'd wash arm pit area daily (so it would dry faster, and I wouldn't be without the garment on too long) then on the weekend I would hand wash the whole thing once a week. You almost need 2 garments so you can wear one while you wash, but that's pretty expensive lol.
Oh and the sleeves are very thin material (almost like panty hose but more durable) so it isn't bulky at all which is a plus!
So glad the sleeves are thin. I will stop being concerned about that. One less thing to consider. lol. I think I will stick with one garment and deal with it. Thank you again
What do your arms look like now. That it been about 9 months? I wonder because Dr. Bajaj is doing my arms in 3 weeks and your story helped me pick her as the surgeon I wanted to do my arms.
UPDATED FROM hoitytoity
29 days post
Undisolved stitches finally splitting
Something kinda weird happened tonight.
I started massaging my scars today as my PS told me to do and there was a particular spot that was bulbed out and raised a little more than the rest of my scar so I applied a little more pressure to that spot to try and flatten it a little. While I was doing that I felt a really odd POP under my skin.
I can only describe it as being close to the sensation you get if you have a large zit that you pop. Well I immediately inspected that spot, totally convinced that I had an infection I didn't know about and that I had just popped a puss filled sac. But there was nothing there at all! No discharge and No change!
So I gently continue my massage on the other arm and it happened again. This time I realized that it was actually my dissolvable stitches that are underneath my skin and they are just splitting as I apply pressure. It's been a month, so they are really fragile and what has not dissolved I was able to break apart with massage.
It's normal but it's definitely a shocking sensation when you aren't expecting it!
Hopefully this will help prepare anyone planning on having this surgery.
I started massaging my scars today as my PS told me to do and there was a particular spot that was bulbed out and raised a little more than the rest of my scar so I applied a little more pressure to that spot to try and flatten it a little. While I was doing that I felt a really odd POP under my skin.
I can only describe it as being close to the sensation you get if you have a large zit that you pop. Well I immediately inspected that spot, totally convinced that I had an infection I didn't know about and that I had just popped a puss filled sac. But there was nothing there at all! No discharge and No change!
So I gently continue my massage on the other arm and it happened again. This time I realized that it was actually my dissolvable stitches that are underneath my skin and they are just splitting as I apply pressure. It's been a month, so they are really fragile and what has not dissolved I was able to break apart with massage.
It's normal but it's definitely a shocking sensation when you aren't expecting it!
Hopefully this will help prepare anyone planning on having this surgery.
Replies (3)
Good to know!
Thank you for that info about the stitches unspdeneath and massage. I'm having mine on 30 Nov. appreciate your review and all the info.
:-DSuzy
:-DSuzy
So glad you shared. That would have really freaked me out. I have 4 more days until 3 weeks. The no deodorant thing is my biggest complaint also. I had a full TT at the same time, and just didn't get as much info on the arm lift so I feel like I am flying a bit blind on this part.
UPDATED FROM hoitytoity
29 days post
30 days
Had my 1 month post op appointment with my surgeon. She says everything is looking good and I'm healing very well.
I no longer need to wear the compression top, and I am SO GLAD because I hated hand washing that thing daily.
She prescribed me an antibiotic ointment to put on the spot that tore a bit in my left arm pit...she said that's the most common place in a brachioplasty to have stitches rip, because it gets damp from sweat...so until that heals no deodorant for me.
I am to continue putting on my scar cream 2x daily and also start to massage my scars.
I will see her again in 3 months.
I no longer need to wear the compression top, and I am SO GLAD because I hated hand washing that thing daily.
She prescribed me an antibiotic ointment to put on the spot that tore a bit in my left arm pit...she said that's the most common place in a brachioplasty to have stitches rip, because it gets damp from sweat...so until that heals no deodorant for me.
I am to continue putting on my scar cream 2x daily and also start to massage my scars.
I will see her again in 3 months.
Replies (1)
Looking good! Looks like your range of motion is all there.
When you get a chance, can you post updated pics with your arms outstretched?
I follow all the arm lift patients, and I love seeing the updates. Mine is scheduled for 2/3/16.
When you get a chance, can you post updated pics with your arms outstretched?
I follow all the arm lift patients, and I love seeing the updates. Mine is scheduled for 2/3/16.
Sure! I'd have done it already but I need my boyfriend to take the pics for me. I will post those soon
And congrats! The recovery time is pretty fast!
That was quick! Thanks!
I'm doing my boobs at the same time!
Wow I bet you'll be so happy after you heal. My next step is getting a breast reduction, which my insurance should pay for once I finish another month of physical therapy. I should be getting it done in Jan or Feb and I can't wait, my back hurts so bad all the time.
Thanks for sharing your story with us. :)