New here. Getting ready to have brachiplasty on 7/2

by **luvababy5** » Sun May 06, 2012 5:11 pm

Hello. I've been reading message boards here for a while, but this is the first time I've posted. I am scheduled for b/a & b/l & brachioplasty on July 2nd. I am super excited as it's been a long time coming and something I thought would never happen. So I have a few questions... Did you use scar sheets / are they worth it? Scar cream? Compression garments?

Pain and recovery: I have 18 days to recover before I'm scheduled to go back to work as an RN in Labor and Delivery. My fellow nurses have agreed to help me if they can, but how realistic is this plan of mine?

I am also having a hysterectomy / tummy tuck 4 weeks before on June 4th.

Lucky for me I know the anesthesiologists and they are sweeping my anesthesia fees under the rug. I'm getting a discount on the O.R. and I got a discount with my surgeon becuase I am a nurse in the same hospital.

by **mrsamywright** » Mon May 07, 2012 11:08 am

I used scar sheets and wore a compression garment. I don't know if either really helped as I have nothing to compare not using them to. But, my PS recommended the strips and the garment was more for my comfort.

by **luvababy5** » Mon May 07, 2012 1:09 pm

mrsamywright wrote:I used scar sheets and wore a compression garment.

Thank you. Which compression garment and scar sheets are best? I would choose scars over batwings any day and have always had issues with my arms even when I was a medium sized teen. Very insecure. This sx is a long time coming.

by **mrsamywright** » Mon May 07, 2012 6:11 pm

I think there are a few good brands. I just bought the ones my PS sold. I bouth a Marena garment. It was pretty good. The only issue I had was that my forearms would swell and the forearm part would dig in, so I just cut a slit in the end of each arm and that worked.

by **goingracefully** » Tue May 08, 2012 8:58 am

Im 4 months post op brachioplasty.
I have been using rose hip seed oil and contracubex on the scars. I have to say Im pretty impressed with how they look at only 4 months. Im quite certain that within the year they will be barely noticable.
You should have no problem returning to work. I went back in one week, just had my customers help me lift things heavy.
I had a face lift at the same time and that was much more difficult than the brachioplasty. Really no pain just slight discomfort. Not being able to fully move your arms for 6 weeks is the worst of it.
Im super glad I did it and you will be too!
Good luck.