Arm lift / brachioplasty

[therealme89 54]

Hey everyone I'm scheduled for my brachioplasty this Monday June 23 just wondering if you all had advice suggestions of pre op this I should do or post op how was your experience ? Pain ? How much can you use your arms after ? One of my biggest concerns is if I am going to be able to use the bathroom without assistance after lol !

[LilBoo007 491]

These are great questions I would love to know the answer to as well!!!

[Scamp 207]

Pain = none at all

So little pain I went grocery shopping them remembered I had just got out of hospital and should not be carrying potatoes home - Had to call my son to come get me to make sure I didnt damage myself (and I had breast reduction at same time and still no pain)

My only suggestion would be to put things in kitchen etc lower down - You don't wanna stretch up alot - Hafta be careful of your incisions (unlike I was as I am bad lol)

You are supposed to keep your scars out of the sun for a year, as the sun can make the scar change colour or something. I would make sure I had an overshirt etc - And have clothes that don't go over your head to put them on for a while, just ones that do up in front.... Luckily I trained my daughter to do my Bra up at the time lol, my compression garment could be done up in front and back (combined garment for breast reduction and arm surgery)

Using bathroom = All ok, lol

before = (Hope these pics show)

Just after =

and later =

I was left with a red line for a long time - Now (4yrs later) it is just a white flat line, wider than I would have liked but - I am still very happy :-)

Looked everywhere for later pics - They have gone AWOL - These two are in May 2012 (Two years after) So are even flatter now - Just haven't takes pics in aaaaaaages...

One thing I did remember lookng back at these pics that I did not know then is - Keep your micropore tape on these scars for 10-12 weeks - your Doc may tell you not to - But - After having 5 Ops now I know that the ones where I kept the micropore tape on the scar for 10-12 weeks - Those scars are finer and flatter - I believe the tape supports the skin until it is healed all the way through and the scar does not stretch. I wish I had know this trick in the first few ops...

*EDIT*

OK - We just took some pics though only on my phone as cameras battery not charged....

These pics are taken 4 years and 2mths post Brachioplasty... Which was done at end of April 2010...

And the best ones = It shows you that you will always see the scar but it is pale... And put in a place where you would hafta be putting your arms in a certain position to actually see it..... I can only see it in certain lights, and to be honest when I compare the heartbreak I had when a photo was taken of myself and two friends and my arm was all hanging and twice the size of my friends - This is just amazing and I am happy :-)

I do hope that my utter babble and rubbish helps in some way...

Edited June 18, 2014 by Scamp

[shmily 424]

I was wondering the average cost of this surgery and I assume insurance won't pay??

[Sweet Pee 349]

Hey everyone I'm scheduled for my brachioplasty this Monday June 23 just wondering if you all had advice suggestions of pre op this I should do or post op how was your experience ? Pain ? How much can you use your arms after ? One of my biggest concerns is if I am going to be able to use the bathroom without assistance after lol !

After my recent arm lift surgery, I know I did not experience pain and it is hard to remember not to use your arms until they are healed. Use aggressive scar treatment methods as soon as possible. I am already using scar treatment oils and silicone for my healing, to have the thinnest, lightest scars possible. I strengthen my core and leg muscles, that way I did not have to use my arms for getting out of bed, sitting down or standing up.

You will be fine! And I am sure, like all of us, you will love your results. :-)

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

I agree with what has been said. No pain, easy recovery, don't reach or lift.

A weird thing I did have is about 6-8 weeks out I got a lot of weird nerve tingling. It went away though.

I am 8 months out and pleased as punch about my plastics, including the arms. The scars are not noticable in day to day life as they lay against your body. I put sunscreen on - heavy and regular - unless I am wearing a full coverage shirt. I am also aware to keep my inside of my arms away from the sun, even with the suncreen and shirt on.

[therealme89 54]

Thank you all for your responses they are so very helpful. I'm very nervous mostly because I'm scared of surgery lol the only other survey I've had was my lapband surgery and that went smooth so I'm sure this will too!

Other questions:

Compression sleeves did any of you use them recommend them ?

Did you all have drains after surgery if so for hot long ?

How soon after surgery can you drive ?

When were you able to go back to the gym ?

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

I had multiple procedures at once (so more restrictions) and followed doctors orders exactly. I didn't drive for 3 weeks post op, I wore compression garments, my arm drains came out a few days post op, but my lower body lift drains stayed in longer. Drains are your friend, help keep swelling down so dont fear them.

I needed help with the compression garments and the drains - tricky - but, I had many procedures at once so had a lot going on.

[Scamp 207]

Compression bra with sleeves I used and yes I would recommend them - I wore it for 6 weeks

I had drains for 2 days - That's it - In UK you don't seem to have drains for ages, and I have had no ill effects from this. No massive swelling or anything.

You are no allowed to drive until Dr says so - Was about two weeks I think....

All will go well :-)

Just remember - Paper tape is your friend, it holds the scars flat whilst healing.

Don't overdo things, no matter how great you feel...

Keep wearing your compression garments - I always felt like they were protection for me - Like my shield against all ills.

And finally - I reiterate the old words said to me ''Keep your eyes on the prize'' Knowing that getting through those few post surgery weeks is just a transition to the new YOU - Helps your mindset and in a matter of a week or two you will just be amazed at the new you!

Edited June 18, 2014 by Scamp

[shmily 424]

average cost?? Insurance??

[shmily 424]

I guess we will never know

[deedadumble 1,033]

Cost varies by what part of the country you're in. Realself.com has information on average prices. I'm getting my arms done in July but I'm having multiple procedures, so not sure of the individual cost.

Thank you so much for the pics and info.

What is the weight limit for lifting? I have a spoiled rotten 10 pound dog that I have to lift up occasionally. I've been thinking of getting doggy stairs. Do you think I'll be able to lift him?

[therealme89 54]

Mine is going to cost 7,000 . I hear average cost is about 6,000 . I'm getting mine done at Cedars Sinai in Beverly Hills because that's the place my dr recommended so I'm paying on the higher end of the scale but I'm too scared to go anywhere else I figure better safe than sorry because I'm a baby when it comes to surgery lol

[Dragonsmate 107]

all this is great information because this is the FIRST procedure I am aiming for after I reach goal and maintain for a year. My arms have always been an embarrassment and I hate not being able to wear cute sleeveless dresses, camis or tank tops. Awesome pics-give a person a realistic view of what to expect.

To the OP, good luck, you will do well, and as everyone has said, follow doctor's orders to have a great chance at a fantastic outcome!

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

Scamp, you look great! Thanks for the pics!