For all of my surgeries I phased out my compression garments slowly. Once I had the go-ahead, I'd find there were times I wanted them and times I did. Even now, something like 9 months after my brachioplasty, there are times that I want to wear my arm sleeves because they would feel good.

I did switch from the heavy-duty compression gear to stuff I think of as OTC compression. I found some comfy arm sleeves on Amazon that are nice to wear, spanx-type things for lower body, etc.

I think the recommendation to stop wearing them is more of a "you can stop them now" and not a "you have to stop them now." Listen to your body after you've worn them as long as the surgeon requires.

Recovery from my arm and breast lifts was really easy. I found the arm sleeves quite comfortable, even in the height of a hot and humid summer. I can't remember exactly how long I wore sleeves, but it was fine.

In theory you'll have AC most places?

Congrats on the weightloss! I recently made this list for another poster, about what I found helpful after my LBL with auto-augmentation. I'm 6 1/2 weeks post op currently.

The things I found really important:

• Power recliner (I rented this and it cost about $400 for the month). I only used it for a week but the daily price made it worth it to rent for a month.
• A lanyard to hang my drains on while I was up moving around/showering
• A shower chair, I used this only for the first week, but it was needed
• For the first 8 days when I was in a binder (vs surgical garment), I used these surgical dressings
• Easy protein sources: For me, that was RTD protein shakes, and whole fat greek yogurt. I didn't eat much else at first. Oh and Ben & Jerry's ice cream just to get some calories.
• Plenty of pillows for behind your back and under your knees as you won't be able to lay flat at first.
• My Purple seat cushion. My butt hurt more than anything else! This was especially invaluable for my 8+ hour ride home.
• Tylenol for once I stopped narcotics
• PJ pants (in a larger size) and large t-shirts (I had no issues wearing pants right away)
• A loofa for when it's time to start gently scrubbing off the glue
• Tank tops for under the surgical garment. I wore those to stop rubbing on the incision for weeks 2-4

I'm using Dr. Katzen in CA. I hope you get your wish too!

Hi all,

I had a combination brachioplasty/mastopexy on 2/16 and so next week will mark the four week mark with my compression sleeves which is what was recommended by my surgeon. When I first started wearing them I was anxiously awaiting the day when I could stop but now that it is getting closer I am thinking about how I would like to keep wearing them longer as they provide a sense of safety and security.

Did anyone have a similar experience? Did you phase them out between days/nights over time? Any thoughts are much appreciated!

-K