bikefan

18 weeks post op arm lift- not an easy recovery but end results have been worth it. was a week before drains out,which is normal. also have to wear compression sleeves for a while, depending on your surgeon's preference. it is a major surgery, not to entered into lightly. I have wanted for at least 15 years- just couldn't lose that arm fat and if you'd asked me weeks 1-4 if I'd do again, I would have either said no or hesitated. I can't imagine arms and tummy at same time. There was quite a bit of swelling in arms and hands and just really gotten under control last few weeks.

Wondering how other's recovery from arm lift have gone. I am 18 weeks post op and while I LOVE the results, the recovery was way more than I expected or was prepared for. Luckily, I had taken 2 weeks off work and my employer was flexible enough to let me work from home for 2 weeks after that. I found that I couldn't go long at all (maybe 2-3 hrs.) without elevating my arms. The first 10-12 weeks were spent focusing a lot of time on my arms- had to go to PT to help with swelling, scar mobilitzation and scar reduction. It was extremely helpful and would recommend to anyone who under goes arm lifts. I will say the end result, at least at this point is 4 inches off each arm which is huge when you go try on clothes. I was having to buy a size bigger to fit my arms or stretching and stretching to get my arms in shirts. For the first time in years I am wearing tanks and sleeveless shirts, even with the scars. The location of the scars is such that no one can really see unless I lift my arms up. I look thinner because I don't have that softness or roundness to my arms. I would just prepare anyone who has this surgery that 1 week and life back to normal is not really accurate. At one week, you are just getting drains out and bandages off. Another warning would be that you still need to use your arms post op and not hold in one place. I made that mistake and ended up with tendonitis. Try to keep joints moving and mobile. It will help. Compression sleeves are uncomfortable at times but will be your best friend at other times. I went through 3 different types...still never found a completely comfortable pair but one I could live with. Thankfully, I haven't had to use in a week or so now. Hope this helps anyone thinking about doing- there just isn't too much information out there about the recovery.