What Is the Recovery Like After an Arm Lift?

Have you pushed tank tops, short-sleeved shirts, and strapless dresses to the back of your closet or even hidden them in a bin underneath your bed to avoid putting your arms on display? Have you recently lost a significant about of weight and are now self-conscious about the sagging, excess skin on the back of your upper arms? Arm lift surgery, medically known as brachioplasty, may be the perfect solution to achieve slimmer, more toned-looking arms and restore your confidence in wearing any clothing style that catches your eye.

The best way to get ready for an arm lift surgery is to prepare for the recovery process. Read on to learn more about what an arm lift has to offer and what to expect while you’re healing.

What Is Arm Lift Surgery?

Arm lift surgery aims to excise excess skin and fat from the upper arms. The area between the underarms and inner elbows can take on a “bat wing” appearance with age, and resolving this issue can help patients reclaim more proportionate, toned, and defined-looking arms. Results can be dramatic, and recovery can be relatively brief, but each patient heals at a different rate.

Arm Lift Recovery Timeline

Many variables contribute to how quickly you can bounce back from an arm lift surgery, including medical history, age, gender, and even occupation. Often, physically active people who have established healthy habits before their procedure see faster recovery times than people with more sedentary lifestyles.

One to Three Days After Arm Lift Surgery

Most patients experience moderate discomfort for the first few days after their arm lift surgery, which is manageable with prescription or over-the-counter medication. The surgical dressings and bandages that are necessary for faster incision healing will impact your range of motion. Try to keep your arms as still as possible for the first three days while your body adapts to the change.

One Week After Arm Lift Surgery

Though pain, swelling, and bruising should significantly subside by this point, anticipate that all these side effects can persist for up to a month after your procedure. Many patients transition to over-the-counter pain medication at the one-week mark, and may find the discomfort is manageable without any medication at all. To be sure you don’t overexert your muscles or put unnecessary stress on your incisions, you’ll want to keep your bandages in place and continue limiting your movement.

10 Days After Surgery

At this point, most patients are sufficiently healed to have bandages and stitches removed. Though your range of motion and arm mobility may have improved, it is essential to follow your surgeon’s post-care instructions about lifting heavy items or stretching your arms. Most patients can return to work at this time and resume household chores like laundry.

One Month After Surgery

Any residual swelling and bruising from your surgery should have mostly resolved by four to six weeks after your procedure. Your surgeon may also tell you that you no longer need to wear a compression garment on your upper arms. Many patients can resume regular exercise activities, begin lifting heavier items, and return to sports such as swimming, tennis, or golf. Any treatments to address scarring will continue as planned by you and your surgeon.

Ready to Confidently Show off Your Arms With Confidence?

Sleek, strong, toned arms are within your reach at Restora Austin. To set up your consultation with Dr. Reid or Dr. Gordon, we invite you to call us at (512) 371-8817 or message us through our convenient website portal. We look forward to helping you achieve the shapely arms of your dreams.