Aftercare and Timeline for Arm Lift Recovery
The initial stage of arm lift recovery is not governed by the disappearance of swelling. There are changes that continue to occur to the scar and tissues after the swelling subsides.
The extent of the brachioplasty and whether liposuction, among others, was done will determine the recovery time for an arm lift.
How Is the Recovery of the Arm Lift?
The early stages of the recovery process will be characterized by tightness of the upper arm and discomfort, as well as swelling and bruising.
There are restrictions to movement when the incision sites are still fresh.
The medical team will provide their specific care instructions regarding the wearing of dressing, the use of compression garments, medications, and their activity level.
The First 24-72 Hours
The focus in the first few days after the arm lift procedure is mainly on rest and preservation of the surgical area.
Dressing will be placed over the incisions and arm support may be used to reduce swelling.
There are also patients where temporary drains are used.
The First Week
Swelling and tightness of the arms are still present in the first week.
Movement is usually restricted, especially those that are put on the incision.
Walking is usually allowed, but strenuous activities involving the upper body remain restricted.
Weeks 1-2
Swelling generally remains, but bruising and discomfort starts to diminish.
Depending on the healing stage and the demands of the work, some patients can return to light activities.
The follow up appointments are especially vital because the medical team will check the surgical area and any drains or dressing.
Weeks 3 – 6
As the recovery phase continues, the movement becomes easier.
Just because the arms feel better, does not mean that the upper body exercises can be resumed. Patients should continue to avoid heavy lifting until the decision is made by the surgeon.
The Following Months
The swelling will eventually go down, allowing the arms to be better contoured.
The scar also enters a longer maturation process. Scars can be firm or prominent in the beginning but may soften and become less noticeable over time.
Those who research the returning appearance weeks after surgery can also see the before and after pictures in our guides.
Why Compression Garments?
Those who have had brachioplasty may be advised to wear a compression garment to help control the swelling in the arms.
The duration and the type of compression garment may vary.
If the garment is causing problems, it should be brought to the attention of the medical team.
How Should the Incisions Be Cared For?
The care of the incisions will be determined by the state of the wound.
The surgical team will provide the proper guidance.
Once the incisions have healed from the primary concern, care of the scar will also be addressed.
When Can You Return to Work?
There is no specific date that applies to everyone.
Desk jobs affect arms very differently than jobs involving lifting, the potential for injury, or repetitive movements.
The type of surgery and the healing of the wound, along with the assessment of the surgeon, are all things that will determine when a patient can return to work.
When Can You Exercise Again?
Walking and light activity is very different than lifting weights and doing strenuous physical activity involving the upper body.
Since heavy lifting can create tension on incisions that are still healing, exercise can only be resumed after a doctor gives the approval.
What Can Impact the Time to Recovery?
Something that can all impact the time to recovery are the following:
- The amount of skin that was removed.
- If liposuction was also done at the time of the surgery.
- Your overall health.
- The use of nicotine or cigarettes.
- How the wound heals.
- How well you follow the instructions given for the surgery.
- If multiple surgeries were done at the same time.
Removing excess skin, or excess skin and fat when liposuction is also involved, can change the extent of the operation and the recovery after arm lift surgery.
What Are Some Signs That Require Medical Attention?
Patients should be given individualized details by their surgery team.
More redness than is acceptable, an increase in pain, fever, strange drainage, the opening of the wound, and shortness of breath and swelling of a body part that should not occur are all signs that something is wrong.
Our guide that covers the safety and risks of brachioplasty surgery covers more details on the potential complications that can arise.
Planning Recovery When Traveling for Surgery
Patients that travel from other countries need to plan their recovery for the follow-up check-ups and not just for the time of their flight.
The medical team should determine when it is acceptable for the patient to travel back home.
Patients that want to learn more about the full procedure are encouraged to check out our resource on the Arm Lift procedure in Turkey.
Final Thoughts
There are multiple stages to the recovery process for an arm lift. Of the many things that are impacted, swelling and movement are the things that improve the fastest. The scar and the body contour will take much more time to finalize.
Activity level during healing should be decided based on progress instead of time.
Medical References
- Arm Lift Recovery — American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
- Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): Surgery, Recovery & What To Expect — Cleveland Clinic.
- Brachioplasty — Johns Hopkins Medicine.