off topic, but I really want your opinions

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

I wanted a somewhat private place to ask this...

plastic surgery in one week. I really really need the lower body lift and breast work. I have been to many consultations and they all agree

i need arms and thighs too.

I am getting cold feet over the arms - and here is why.

SOME people get horrible scars from the arm procedure. The skin around the body heals up well and like my surgery scars aren't even noticable. i have seen lots of Tummy Tuck and lower body lift scars - a year out you can barely see them.

Arms... it is a bit more hit and miss.

I THINK it is worth the scarring for me to get the arms done, but i am having last minute doubts. I guess what i am asking is if you are the type that likes to dress nice, likes to dress in sleeveless things, is single and still young enough to want to be "attractive"...haha... would you do the arm surgery given my starting point? It is not about the money since I am doing it with the body work it is very little incremental cost - it is about the scars that leaves me with doubt.

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

Oh, I forgot to mention, the scars will not be visible with arms down at side, like walking along. They show up when you raise your arm, or wave or something like that.

[Chimera 644]

_{I know the scars from brachioplasty can be significant - and when my own plastics time arrives I will need to see if I want mine done, scars yes but also significant improvement of life by removal of batwings - my thighs/stomach/rump are what are the worst currently. I have a feeling if it were me I would go for it CowgirlJane.}

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

It's really hard to say. I have heard over and over again that it takes a specialist who specilalizes in arms to not have a horrible scar. I've seen them. You're right that you can't really seee them when the arms are down. I usually wear 3/4 length sleeves now because I find my arms embarrassing.

I guess only you can decide which bothers you more; your arms the way they look now, or with a scar. Maybe you could take a pen an draw one on there so you could sort of get an idea what you'll have afterward.

Does your surgeon have pictures you can look at?

Congratulations on getting plastics! You're going to feel so good when your excess skin is gone. I hope you'll have help while you're recovering. I hope it is quick and less painful than most!

I am so glad you joined our group!

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

Oh yes, there are tons of photos from my surgeon. Not the ones he cherry picks either - ones from a Facebook support group so the good, the bad and the ugly. some are so faint.. you think... there is a scar there? Others are horrible and red.. having to do with people who do too much too soon and also just your skins own tendency to scar.

Be really careful about internet before and afters... some of the surgeons that look amazing only put their cream of the crop photos out there.

anyway, I think I am going to go for it, I know where the scar will be - I am just hoping I don't regret it.

The 3rd photo I posted is sideways. That is the view I see when my arm is down and in front of me. It is absolutely hideous... that bothers me more than any other view. Okay, sorry for TMI, but I often see that view during sex or even when I am working out, and everytime it kind of gives me a startle...LOL

[Chimera 644]

I have the same thing as you do in the third photo - still have a bit of budge in mine because I am still in losing phase. I do not like it one bit!

[feedyoureye 3,087]

I have never liked my arms... before too fat to wear sleeveless, now too baggy.... would I get the surgery? Maybe. If cost, time down, and fear were not a factor...it sure would be nice to be able to wear sleeveless sometimes.... When I dance, everyone in the class go sleeveless....except me. There is always coverup makeup for the meantime....

[No game 14,437]

I hate my arms, weight loss and age has not been kind to them... I've seen the scars after the surgery and yes they can be quite long and noticeable but I'd take the chance and just use scar treatments as soon as possible.

If i thought about it? would I rather lift my arm and have my bat wings waving in the wind or lift my arm and perhaps have someone notice a scar?

I'd pick the scar

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

You have all given me good feedback.

You know what happens.. i almost convince myself its "not that bad"... because my arms are fairly shapely from a certain angle...haha. that third photo... well, it was enough to make me never want to be in certain positions... like pushups...LOL. Seriously, just when I am feeling good about my body, I get a look at what looks like wrinkly pantyhose or perhaps an elephant leg wrinkles and I just can hardly believe it is part of my body.

I came to peace with the scar tradeoff before, but someone on Facebook posted her scar photos about 4 months post op an they are dreadful. They went ketoid on her. And then someone else posted their one year and I seriously couldn't even make the scar out on the photo... so... actual results do vary.

In truth, I am doing plastics for ME. I think for ME, a toned and comfortable arm is more value then the down side of a scar. I realize it may be off putting to guys I meet in the future... but that is not something I can worry about.

I only have a week to go, and i am the kind of person, that once it is done - no regrets. i mean it is pointless right? All the sleeve post ops that lament how horrible it is they can't eat the way they used to.. like... duh, you didn't anticipate that? So, I am sure I will struggle with my arm scars but, once the deed is done, no room for regrets. I hope I feel that way anyway!

[BrownDoesAll 409]

Jane, I don't envy your decision. I too hate my "bat wings" I never wear short or sleeveless clothes. always wanting to hid my arms is a pain. I've never looked into plastic surgery. I promised my hubby I wouldn't do that. Sorry if this is a dumb question, I have not looked into this.. but is there no other way to get rid of the "bat wings"? I suspect plastics is the only way. Have you seen pics of the scars? What does your surgeon say about the scars? For my two cents if your getting the other parts pulled together then finish up with the arms, I wonder if you don't you'll look at all the other areas that were done, and kick yourself if you don't do the arms as well.

[BrownDoesAll 409]

Jane, I don't envy your decision. I too hate my "bat wings" I never wear short or sleeveless clothes. always wanting to hid my arms is a pain. I've never looked into plastic surgery. I promised my hubby I wouldn't do that. Sorry if this is a dumb question, I have not looked into this.. but is there no other way to get rid of the "bat wings"? I suspect plastics is the only way. Have you seen pics of the scars? What does your surgeon say about the scars? For my two cents if your getting the other parts pulled together then finish up with the arms, I wonder if you don't you'll look at all the other areas that were done, and kick yourself if you don't do the arms as well.

[Globetrotter 1,340]

I absolutely want bat-wing surgery, maybe even more than the rest. There is something about the arms that can make a person look fat even when they aren't anymore. Have you ever looked at Oprah? When she is in her average size, if you mentally edited out her arms, she would look pretty fit, but those arms deny all the hard work. So, I'm on board. Definitely find an arm specialist but any scars would be a worthwhile tradeoff to me, imo.

[Globetrotter 1,340]

I absolutely want bat-wing surgery, maybe even more than the rest. There is something about the arms that can make a person look fat even when they aren't anymore. Have you ever looked at Oprah? When she is in her average size, if you mentally edited out her arms, she would look pretty fit, but those arms deny all the hard work. So, I'm on board. Definitely find an arm specialist but any scars would be a worthwhile tradeoff to me, imo.

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

Are you having everything done all at once? That's a lot of plastics. You never mentioned if you were going to have help. I've heard the body lift is quite uncomfortable.

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

I am all set with help etc. LBL is no worse then TT- it is the abs that hurt.

You know yesterday I was doing a samba dance woekout video and I realized I would never do salsa dancing in public with the batwings,but would do it with the scars.... decision confirmed!