Brachioplasty

[Spiceyfrog 269]

Looking for some advise and/or encouragement from those who have had Brachioplasty. On December 29th I had brachioplasty and breast augmentation/lift and so far am not happy with either procedure, but that is another story. Since about day 3 I have been getting a sharp, stabbing pain in my left elbow. When I went to my post-op appointment last week, I mentioned it to the surgeon and he said pain is good because that means the nerves are reconnecting. After further conversation, he said if it continues and I am still getting the pain at my three month appointment, there are some further tests he can order to determine if there was nerve damage.

I am still having the elbow pain, but now I have noticed that each night in the shower, as I gently wash that arm, no matter what part of the incision I touch, it creates pain in my elbow. It quickly goes away, but is VERY painful, like a knife. Has anyone else experienced this and if it did, when did it go away or improve? For the most part my incision is still numb and I realize it is still early, but I just hate having to be so cautious with that arm and really do not want to have to deal with this for three months before he decides to order further testing.....from washing it to not putting my elbows on tables, to the position of my arms while sleeping (still elevated).

Thanks in advance!

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

I had lots of twinges as the nerves were healing. Can't remember details, but I think I felt something on a hand or wrist even! It was not severe or sharp and went away.

How about not scrubbing the incision? I don't think I did.

I love the end result of this procedure and 2 years later scars hardly noticed. Hopefully you will too!

[Pinkgirl1234 761]

Hycaclens anti bacterial wash

[jess9395 5,450]

I don't remember that type of pain with my brachioplasty, no. But I didn't spend any focused time specifically washing the incisions at less than two weeks out either. Mine were still pretty much bandaged up at that point.

If the part you don't like is the "pie crust" type of raised incisions, don't worry! Those go away! I had them too and now at seven months out they are totally flat and faded.

You really look quite good for so soon after! Very little swelling or bruising... Nice contour. I'm impressed!

[Spiceyfrog 269]

I have just been gently going over them (one or two swipes because of the pain created) with a loofah and antibacterial soap, in fear of infection, I have by no means been scrubbing them. It did cross my mind that the incisions was very raised, but I know it early, so I am glad to hear of your great experience @jess9395. My arms were wrapped for the first week and when I went to my post-op last week, my surgeon said I could take the bandages off, so I am just two weeks out today. I know, like most things it's a waiting game, I was just concerned about permanent nerve damage, but time will tell.

[MichiganChic 3,262]

I remember my arms feeling worse than the 360 lift I had at the same time. With all the narcotics, it's all a blur now, lol. I just remember both of arms, from shoulder to finger tip, were miserable.

Now, 18 months later, I am thrilled. I have some visible scarring, but not bad, and it was so worth the trade for the flab that you could see, no matter how I tried to cover it.

Hopefully, it will get better with time.

[amazon 579]

I am 5 weeks out tomorrow from a brachioplasty (also a TT and panni). I am also having arm pain, and it varies in where it is. It can some times be around the elbow(s), or radiate down the arm a bit, or be right by the incision by my bicep. But it's all still healing and as it was explained to me by my surgeon, all normal. The work is all done right next to a nerve that runs down your arm. It's going to be irritated for a while.

I've attached a pic from last week. They all ready look much better a week later, and now that I've started the massaging. Hang in there.

[jess9395 5,450]

I have just been gently going over them (one or two swipes because of the pain created) with a loofah and antibacterial soap, in fear of infection, I have by no means been scrubbing them. It did cross my mind that the incisions was very raised, but I know it early, so I am glad to hear of your great experience @jess9395. My arms were wrapped for the first week and when I went to my post-op last week, my surgeon said I could take the bandages off, so I am just two weeks out today. I know, like most things it's a waiting game, I was just concerned about permanent nerve damage, but time will tell.

I'm still not sure id even gently use a loofah at this stage. Still so early. Maybe a soft washcloth or my hands and some antibacterial soap. My incisions were bandaged and taped with scar tape for six weeks post so I did nothing except go in weekly for new tape.

I have nerve damage in my wrist from a completely different surgery that went awry. It's an unfortunate potential side effect of any surgery that messes around where there are nerve endings. My plastic surgeon was afraid he got too close to a nerve on my brachioplasty but he didn't after all. My Tummy Tuck and breast lift, however, I am still numb from six months later.

There isn't a whole lot they can do to fix a severed nerve, honestly. I went to a specialist and he attempted to reattach it in my wrist, but it didn't work. It's annoying but not the end of the world.

Two things, though. First, if there is a chance at nerve repair, it has to be done within the first 30 days or it won't work. So if you truly think there may be nerve damage and you would want surgery to repair it, I wouldn't wait.

Second, if the nerve damage causes pain (mine is just numbness and tingling) there is a surgery to fix the pain. They basically "bury" the severed nerve endings into a bone. So the end result is numbness instead of pain. That surgery can be performed any time, not just in the first 30 days.