POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover Reviews
Ready for my Body to Match my Mind - HAPPY N HEALTHY - San Antonio, TX
UPDATED FROM HappySuzy
2 years post
Brachioplasty/Lipo Post-Op Collages
WORTH IT$27,600
Just wanted to share the collages I made showing
Before
10 days Post-op
4 Weeks Post-op
Think the pics don't quite capture the difference, especially in the arms. There is a 2 inch difference on the left arm and a little over an inch in the right....and I started out with the left larger (almost 2 inches) than the right. Now they are almost exactly the same. Will be back at Jazz this week, so I'll start tightening up the arms...little a t a time, as they still burn and swell each day. Trying to be patient, it's only been 6 weeks. LOVING the tummy and back!!!
Take care :-DSuzy
Before
10 days Post-op
4 Weeks Post-op
Think the pics don't quite capture the difference, especially in the arms. There is a 2 inch difference on the left arm and a little over an inch in the right....and I started out with the left larger (almost 2 inches) than the right. Now they are almost exactly the same. Will be back at Jazz this week, so I'll start tightening up the arms...little a t a time, as they still burn and swell each day. Trying to be patient, it's only been 6 weeks. LOVING the tummy and back!!!
Take care :-DSuzy
HappySuzy's provider
UPDATED FROM HappySuzy
2 years post
Brachioplasty, Tummy/back Lipo - 5 Week PO
Hey there, hope everyone had a great holiday season...I know I did. BUSY, BUSY, BUSY, lots of family...kind of exhausting, but great ;-D
Recovery is going well. Healing is EXCELLENT, as you see by the photos. Incision lines are nice and thin for the most part, and it's still EARLY. Went to my 4 week follow up with doc and he was pleased with the progress. Said I can start exercising as soon as I feel up to it, but to be careful with arm movements as I have a couple little open spots. And, if ANY movement hurts, STOP. He also said to continue wearing my compression sleeves, as much as possible, until I return for my 3 month post op. My nurse HIGHLY suggested getting Biodermis silicone strips for the incision lines, to flatten and lighten incisions. I got them yesterday and have begun wearing them. She said to wear them 12-23 hours a day for best results. I got one pair of strips...going to order a second pair, so I can change out each day (it's recommended to remove them daily to wash and then let dry). I can tell already from just one day's wear that they definitely flatten the incision, so that's great. Hopefully the incisions will lighten the same way my breast and TT incisions did, crossing fingers.
Well, my energy level hasn't quite been up enough to returning to Jazzercise, and I really did NOT want to return until ALL of the incision lines were completely CLOSED. Happy to report at week 5, only one small open spot remains and I expect it to be closed within the next week. My plan is to return to Jazz next week, go 3 times/week for the first couple weeks - 1month, then add back in the 4th day.
Pain/soreness: Arms still throb, especially with activity, and kinda have a burning sensation off and on. Lipo areas are still numb, to some degree, and the skin feels sensitive/uncomfortable to the touch. ALL of this is normal at this point of recovery. Sitting/resting TOO long (more than an hour at a time), I get stiff and sore when I get up/start moving...SOOOO, trying to keep moving throughout the day. I'm sure when I return to Jazz, circulation will improve and numbness will begin to fade. I'm only taking Advil for pain now, a couple times a day.
All in all, pretty normal/good recovery...NO complications :-D
Now for my STATS:
Weight: 177.5, down from 185 pre-op
Left arm: 14 inches, 16 inches pre-op
Right arm: 14 inches, 15 inches pre-op
Waist: 36 inches, 39 inches pre-op
Chest-Waist-Hip measurement: 41-36-41
I am SUPER HAPPY with my results! My chest-waist-hips are now proportional and I LOVE how it looks...so does hubby ;-D. I am excited to get back to my workout routine and continue on my health journey. As I said in the beginning of my profile, this journey really began in Oct 2011, with a high weight of 258. I am down 81 pounds total ! Some (approx 25lbs) came as a result of the reconstructive surgeries, the rest has been my own HARD WORK and the lifestyle changes I've made . I can't quite believe it still. I would like to trim down a little more (get to 160-165lbs), but the focus this next year is to continue eating well and keep up my more active life. It'll be fun to see where I am by the end of this year...
Wherever I end up, it's gonna be a GREAT!
Guess that's all for now. Will check back in at 8 weeks PO (3 weeks from now).
Happy and healthy healing to all
:-DSuzy
Recovery is going well. Healing is EXCELLENT, as you see by the photos. Incision lines are nice and thin for the most part, and it's still EARLY. Went to my 4 week follow up with doc and he was pleased with the progress. Said I can start exercising as soon as I feel up to it, but to be careful with arm movements as I have a couple little open spots. And, if ANY movement hurts, STOP. He also said to continue wearing my compression sleeves, as much as possible, until I return for my 3 month post op. My nurse HIGHLY suggested getting Biodermis silicone strips for the incision lines, to flatten and lighten incisions. I got them yesterday and have begun wearing them. She said to wear them 12-23 hours a day for best results. I got one pair of strips...going to order a second pair, so I can change out each day (it's recommended to remove them daily to wash and then let dry). I can tell already from just one day's wear that they definitely flatten the incision, so that's great. Hopefully the incisions will lighten the same way my breast and TT incisions did, crossing fingers.
Well, my energy level hasn't quite been up enough to returning to Jazzercise, and I really did NOT want to return until ALL of the incision lines were completely CLOSED. Happy to report at week 5, only one small open spot remains and I expect it to be closed within the next week. My plan is to return to Jazz next week, go 3 times/week for the first couple weeks - 1month, then add back in the 4th day.
Pain/soreness: Arms still throb, especially with activity, and kinda have a burning sensation off and on. Lipo areas are still numb, to some degree, and the skin feels sensitive/uncomfortable to the touch. ALL of this is normal at this point of recovery. Sitting/resting TOO long (more than an hour at a time), I get stiff and sore when I get up/start moving...SOOOO, trying to keep moving throughout the day. I'm sure when I return to Jazz, circulation will improve and numbness will begin to fade. I'm only taking Advil for pain now, a couple times a day.
All in all, pretty normal/good recovery...NO complications :-D
Now for my STATS:
Weight: 177.5, down from 185 pre-op
Left arm: 14 inches, 16 inches pre-op
Right arm: 14 inches, 15 inches pre-op
Waist: 36 inches, 39 inches pre-op
Chest-Waist-Hip measurement: 41-36-41
I am SUPER HAPPY with my results! My chest-waist-hips are now proportional and I LOVE how it looks...so does hubby ;-D. I am excited to get back to my workout routine and continue on my health journey. As I said in the beginning of my profile, this journey really began in Oct 2011, with a high weight of 258. I am down 81 pounds total ! Some (approx 25lbs) came as a result of the reconstructive surgeries, the rest has been my own HARD WORK and the lifestyle changes I've made . I can't quite believe it still. I would like to trim down a little more (get to 160-165lbs), but the focus this next year is to continue eating well and keep up my more active life. It'll be fun to see where I am by the end of this year...
Wherever I end up, it's gonna be a GREAT!
Guess that's all for now. Will check back in at 8 weeks PO (3 weeks from now).
Happy and healthy healing to all
:-DSuzy
Replies (3)
January 9, 2016
You are doing so good! I am so happy for you! My arms and breasts feel swollen when I wake up but get better the more I move! My breasts have finally healed up! I'm glad I had you to look to for that! Keep up the great healing!
January 9, 2016
You've been thru a lot but your pics show it was worth it, I believe - Congrats!! My question is regarding the morning/evening vitamins and 2 supplements which reduce and minimize bruising and swelling - what did he advise you to take? Can you share that information?
January 10, 2016
Thanks CindyBig! The supplements were provided by my plastic surgeon. They are VitaMedica Brand. I got a bottle each of Morning Vitamins, Evening Vitamins, Bromelain and Arnica Tablets. My instructions were:
Take 2 each of morning/evening vitamins, starting two weeks before surgery, then continue on after surgery til gone (approx 2 weeks)
Take 3 each Bromelain and Arnica, on empty stomach (between meals), 3 times a day, starting 2 days before surgery, and continue after surgery til gone. Note, the Arnica are dissolvable tablets, you put them under your tongue.
If your doc does not provide, I HIGHLY recommend getting them. You can find them on line. Of course, check with your doc to make sure he's okay with it, most are. They are formulated specifically to support surgical prep and post-op healing. Many docs have begun prescribing and or providing them. The vitamins promote good nutrition and healing, and the Bromelain and Arnica are what help with the bruising and swelling.
Hope this helps. Best wishes :-DSuzy
Take 2 each of morning/evening vitamins, starting two weeks before surgery, then continue on after surgery til gone (approx 2 weeks)
Take 3 each Bromelain and Arnica, on empty stomach (between meals), 3 times a day, starting 2 days before surgery, and continue after surgery til gone. Note, the Arnica are dissolvable tablets, you put them under your tongue.
If your doc does not provide, I HIGHLY recommend getting them. You can find them on line. Of course, check with your doc to make sure he's okay with it, most are. They are formulated specifically to support surgical prep and post-op healing. Many docs have begun prescribing and or providing them. The vitamins promote good nutrition and healing, and the Bromelain and Arnica are what help with the bruising and swelling.
Hope this helps. Best wishes :-DSuzy
UPDATED FROM HappySuzy
2 years post
Brachioplasty, Tummy/Back Lipo - Day 10 Post Op
One week follow up went great. Drains came out and Lipo hole stitches removed. Everything is healing perfectly so far. Nurse was really happy with how everything looked, and I go back next week to get the tape removed from the incision lines, and any stitches that are visible (most aren't and will likely dissolve on their own). I will see the doc on the 4 week follow up. Also got switched from ace bandages to the compression sleeves I purchased...MUCH better mobility.
Pain level - not too bad. Arms are really "waking up". Less numb and throb a little off and on, also some zingers from the nerve reconnection. Lipo areas are pretty numb, but the skin is sensitive to the touch. Bruising isn't as bad as with hips/thighs, but the worst usually shows up about 2-3 weeks PO. I take a pain pill everyday between 10-12, and one in evening. A couple days I've needed another half pill at bed time. Trying not to take too many, but not being too heroic in the first two weeks.
Sleeping pretty good. Have taken naps several days...usually no more than 1-2 hours. Though one day I zonked out for 4 hours.
Swelling is pretty well kept down with the compression garments and foam pad. Though, as you'll see in photos, I have some extra swelling under my arms and sides of my upper back. The compression garment they put me in after surgery goes from mid thigh up to just below the bra line...that's where the extra swelling is occurring. Soooo, I ordered a new, legless, high-backed compression garment from Leonisa and should get it tomorrow. It should solve the odd swelling pattern, as well as be more comfortable. Also ordered a smaller pair of compression sleeves...nurse thinks I'll prolly need them in a week or so. Nurse says I need to stay in compression garments, around the clock, for at least 4 weeks. It will make sure I get the best results possible. On top of that, I'm trying to eat really well and drinking TONS of water.
Guess that's all for now. Check ou the pics, let me know what ya think. So far, the results are looking pretty good to me.
Hugs and healing :-DSuzy
Pain level - not too bad. Arms are really "waking up". Less numb and throb a little off and on, also some zingers from the nerve reconnection. Lipo areas are pretty numb, but the skin is sensitive to the touch. Bruising isn't as bad as with hips/thighs, but the worst usually shows up about 2-3 weeks PO. I take a pain pill everyday between 10-12, and one in evening. A couple days I've needed another half pill at bed time. Trying not to take too many, but not being too heroic in the first two weeks.
Sleeping pretty good. Have taken naps several days...usually no more than 1-2 hours. Though one day I zonked out for 4 hours.
Swelling is pretty well kept down with the compression garments and foam pad. Though, as you'll see in photos, I have some extra swelling under my arms and sides of my upper back. The compression garment they put me in after surgery goes from mid thigh up to just below the bra line...that's where the extra swelling is occurring. Soooo, I ordered a new, legless, high-backed compression garment from Leonisa and should get it tomorrow. It should solve the odd swelling pattern, as well as be more comfortable. Also ordered a smaller pair of compression sleeves...nurse thinks I'll prolly need them in a week or so. Nurse says I need to stay in compression garments, around the clock, for at least 4 weeks. It will make sure I get the best results possible. On top of that, I'm trying to eat really well and drinking TONS of water.
Guess that's all for now. Check ou the pics, let me know what ya think. So far, the results are looking pretty good to me.
Hugs and healing :-DSuzy
Replies (5)
December 11, 2015
You are looking good! Make sure you rest a lot!! You will love your arms more every day!! I still have a little numbness in my left elbow but right arm is feeling normal! Swelling is not too bad! My doctor doesn't do compression garments for arms. I'm going to try to start lifting weights next week!
December 11, 2015
I am resting lots. Yes, each day they look a little better. Anxious to see the incision line better after the tape comes off next week. My doc is big on compression for the first month. Go easy on the weights, and good luck. :-D
December 11, 2015
Looking great!!
December 11, 2015
You look fabulous!! A preview of good things coming! a great christmas present to yourself!
December 11, 2015
Don't you love the arms already?? Arms were actually one of my favorite things from my surgery - and you look amazing!
December 11, 2015
Yes, so far so good. Funny, cause I never even thought about the arms til I'd been working out for a while. Thanks so much! Hope all is going good for you, happy holidays :-D
December 11, 2015
Its been good to be off work for a bit - and the timing sort of worked out for the HOlidays too. :) Im doing well. My arms were a gift from both grandmothers and from my own weight loss path - so having them look strong and lean again is SOOOO cool! Working out and actually seeing muscles will be awesome! Happy Holidays to you and your family! And happy healing too. :)
December 13, 2015
Happysuzy, you're looking swell, lady :)))))))) Those arms are looking really good and slim too. Tummy is flat, body is slender - just fabulous! Your tt line has almost disappeared girl! Happy healing and happy holidays!!!!!!!!!!
December 13, 2015
Thanks sweet lady. I am REALLY glad I did the Lipo on the tummy...I wasn't originally gonna do it, but figured what the heck, I'm already doing the back. I kinda feel a little vain doing the Lipo...like it's not really necessary, ya know. But I really have worked on my core this whole last year, exercising and eating right...the lumpy spots just weren't budging. So hubby said, go for it. I'm proud of you and all your hard work. He is the sweetest man on earth. I am UNBELIEVABLY lucky. Thanks again and Happy Holidays to you and your whole family :-DSuzy
Replies (5)
You look absolutely amazing!!!!!
I'm gonna take some pics this week to show my 3 month post op look of arms and Lipo areas. Appreciate your feedback. I try to be helpful and honest, I think that's what helped me most here on Real Self. This site and these procedures have changed my life and more importantly my HEALTH! :-DSuzy