Brachioplasty

Prepare for the surgery as you have been told. In addition:

• Tell your doctor about all the medications you take. This includes herbs and other supplements as well as illegal or illicit drugs. It also includes any blood thinners, such as warfarin, clopidogrel, or daily aspirin. You may need to stop taking some or all of them before surgery.

• Do not eat or drink during the 8 hours before your surgery, or as directed by your surgeon. This includes coffee, water, gum, and mints. (If you have been instructed to take medications, take them with a small sip of water.)

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The day of surgery

The surgery takes about 2 to 3 hours. You may go home the same day. Or you may stay overnight.

Before the surgery begins:

• An IV line is put into a vein in your arm or hand. This line delivers fluids and medications.

• To keep you pain free during surgery, you’re given general anesthesia. This medication puts you into a deep sleep through the surgery. A tube may be inserted into your throat to help you breathe.

During the surgery:

• An incision is made in the Arm from the axilla to elobow  This is often You and your doctor will choose the exact incision site prior to surgery.

•  the skin and fat are pulled back down. Excess fat and skin are then removed from the ARM.

• Any incisions made during the surgery are closed with stitches, surgical glue, or both. If stiches are used, they may dissolve on their own. Or they may need to be removed by the doctor at a later date.

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After the surgery

You will be taken to a room to wake up from the anaesthesia. You may feel sleepy and nauseated. If a breathing tube was used, your throat may be sore at first. You will be given medication to control pain. If you need to stay overnight, you may be moved to another room. Once you are ready to go home, you will be released to an adult family member or friend.

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Recovering at home

Once home, follow any instructions you are given. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to your normal routine. During your recovery:

• Take any prescribed medications exactly as directed.

• you will be adviced to use the pressure garments

• Care for your incisions and the bandage over them as instructed by your doctor.

• Don’t shower for 72 hours after surgery, or as instructed by your doctor. Avoid swimming, bathing, using a hot tub, and other activities that cause the incisions to be covered with water until your doctor says it’s OK.

• When you shower, gently wash your incision sites. Then pat the incisions dry. Don’t apply lotions, oils, or creams to the incisions until after they are fully healed.

• Don’t lift, push, or pull anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least 14 days.

• Avoid strenuous activity and exercise as directed. Talk to your doctor about light exercise, such as walking, that you can do to maintain your weight until you’re fully healed.

• Don’t drive until you are no longer taking prescription pain medication and your doctor says it’s OK.

• If advised by your doctor, use a cold pack wrapped in a thin towel to relieve discomfort and control swelling. It’s important not to leave the cold pack on for too long, or your skin could be damaged. Put the pack over your bandages for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Then, leave it off for at least 20 minutes. Repeat this as often as needed during waking hours until swelling starts to improve. Don’t fall asleep with the cold pack on. If you’re not sure how to safely use the cold pack, ask your doctor.

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When to call your doctor

Call the doctor if you have any of the following:

• Chest pain or trouble breathing (call 911 or other emergency service)

• A fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher (or as directed by your doctor)

• Symptoms of infection at an incision site such as increased redness or swelling, warmth, worsening pain, or foul-smelling drainage

• Pain that is not relieved by medication

• Nothing comes out of your drains for more than 6 hours

• Pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in your leg, calf, or thigh 

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Follow-up

You will have follow-up visits so your doctor can see how well you’re healing. If needed, stitches or drains will be removed at one of these visits. To maintain the results of your operation, take steps to avoid gaining weight. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns.

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Risks and complications

Risks and possible complications include:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Blood clots

• Excessive scarring

• Changes in sensation, such as numbness or pain

• Skin discoloration

• Death of fat cells deep in the skin (fat necrosis)

• Damage to nearby nerves, blood vessels, soft tissues, or organs

• Not being happy with how it looks

• Risks of anesthesia