Recovering from Arm Lift Surgery

Jan 11, 2017 @ 01:00 PM — by Dina Eliopoulos

For people who are dealing with hanging, excess skin and fat on their upper arms, whether due to the natural aging process or weight loss, brachioplasty can represent an excellent means of rejuvenating their upper bodies. Using minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Dina Eliopoulos is able to produce natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing results through arm lift surgery, with subtle, inconspicuous scarring and contours that complement the patient’s proportions perfectly. Patients emerge from surgery looking younger, fitter, and all around healthier.

For all of its benefits, however, arm lift surgery remains a serious surgical procedure and, as such, entails a fairly significant recovery period. Dr. Eliopoulos discusses arm lift recovery in detail during consultations at her Chelmsford, MA plastic surgery practice so that patients know precisely what to expect before they commit to the procedure. In order to achieve proper healing and the best possible results from surgery, patients must be willing and able to follow all post-operative instructions provided to them by Chelmsford Arm Lift provider Dr. Eliopoulos, a point that she makes clear from the start.

Are you a good candidate for arm lift surgery? To find out, please schedule your initial consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dina Eliopoulos at The Center for Plastic Surgery today.

Recovering from Arm Lift Surgery

Before you undergo arm lift surgery, Dr. Eliopoulos will provide you with post-operative instructions specific to your case. However, the following will give you a general idea of what to expect in the days and weeks after your arm lift surgery.

The First Two Days after Surgery

You will have to have someone drive you from your surgical appointment, as you will be unable to drive for at least 10 days after your procedure. You may want to have someone on hand to help you with basic household duties for the first day or two after your surgery, as well.

In the initial hours after surgery, you will be permitted to drink only liquids. When you return home, your appetite may allow you to start eating small meals. If you experience nausea or vomiting, contact our office.

Although strenuous activity will be off limits for at least a month, you will be encouraged to do light walking as soon as possible. Aside from light walking, get as much rest as possible and avoid lifting your arms or doing any lifting.

Any pain or discomfort you feel can generally be controlled through the medications prescribed by Dr. Eliopoulos.

You will be sent home with a compression garment. Wear this garment as advised, removing it only to clean your incisions as directed or to shower.

The First Two Weeks after Surgery

Continue to do as much light walking as you can and to wear your compression garment as advised. By the middle of your first week, any pain and discomfort you were experiencing should have subsided for the most part. Swelling and bruising will continue to subside and should be mostly gone by the end of the second week.

By the end of the second week, you will most likely be approved to return to work, driving, and other non-strenuous activities.

The First Six Weeks after Surgery

After your return to work and driving, your exercise routine will remain restricted. At around week four, you may be cleared to do some cardiovascular activities, but heavy lifting, jogging, and more strenuous exercise will still be off-limits. At around six weeks, assuming you have healed properly, you will be cleared to resume full activity.

Learn More about Arm Lift Recovery

To learn more about arm lift recovery, please contact the Center for Plastic Surgery today.