Brachioplasty, or an arm lift, is a major surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and tissue to create a more proportionate and contoured upper arm. Your arms play a very important role in daily movement and overall function. Thus, you must take extra care during the recovery period, follow all activity restrictions, and protect your surgical sites to achieve the best functional and cosmetic results.
Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions is crucial for proper healing, minimizing complications, and a smooth recovery.
Post-operative instructions for healing
After the surgery
- Each arm will be placed in a compression wrap for the next three weeks, to be worn 24/7. These compression wraps help reduce swelling, support healing, and protect the surgical area. These wraps should fit but not be too tight to restrict blood flow.
- Stay in bed for the first night and only get up to use the bathroom with help, as you might be under the effects of anesthesia.
- Only lift your arms less than 90 degrees at the shoulder for the two weeks to reduce tension on the suture line.
- Use pillows to elevate your arms at night to decrease swelling during the first week. Put a pillow between your arm and side to prevent rolling onto the surgical site and ensure a better quality of your scar.
- The initial 3 to 5 days are tough. You may experience discomfort and swelling before they gradually subside, and you start feeling better.
Do not stay still or in bed all the time. It is important to be mindful of your shoulder and keep it loose and moving as instructed by your doctor after surgery. It will help with healing and keep the muscles active.
Caring for your incisions
- Your stitches are dissolvable, and your incisions will be covered with a dressing. This dressing will be changed during your first post-op visit, and the surgeon may place Steri-Strips to minimize scarring and provide additional support over the incisions.
- Do not smoke or take any nicotine products, as they can increase complications and affect the results of your surgery.
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun for several weeks after your brachiopplasty. Make sure to cover your arms well and apply a SPF 30 or greater when going outdoors to prevent sunburn. Even a mild sunburn can irritate incisions, cause swelling and delay healing.
- Only use the medicines and medicated products your surgeon has prescribed. Do not apply any creams or ointments without talking to your doctor first.
- Do not apply heating pads or cold packs to the treated site unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
What to expect?
- Pain – Due to the removal of tissue from your arms and stitches, you will experience tightness, pressure, soreness, and discomfort for several days or weeks following the brachioplastiy. They can be relieved with the pain medication your doctor has prescribed.
- Bruising – You will find bruises on your arms a few days after surgery. Most bruises heal in about 2 to 4 weeks. You may notice their color changes from purple to yellow or green as they start to resolve.
- Swelling – Your arms may be swelled for the next few weeks to months. Your clothes may not fit as easily as before due to this.
- Bleeding – Mild bleeding or spotting from the incision sites is normal in the first few days after surgery. This is usually not serious.
Do not panic if one arm is more swollen than the other or if you find differences in their sizes. The swelling will start subsiding as your arms heal. It may take several weeks before you notice the final results of your surgery.
Medications
- Take the medications as prescribed by your surgeon, including pain medications and antibiotics to prevent infections and keep discomfort to a minimum.
- Always take your medications with food to prevent nausea and vomiting.
- Use the specialized products prescribed for scar care as directed by your doctor to reduce the appearance of scars.
- Do not take any medications or products without talking to your doctor first.
What to eat?
- Eat a light, low-fat diet for the next week days. You can get back to your routine diet if you do not feel nauseous.
- Avoid greasy, fried, spicy, and heavy foods during the initial recovery period.
- Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day to ensure hydration. It is easy to become dehydrated after surgery, which can lead to dizziness and nausea.
- Stay away from alcohol for a few weeks or as long as your doctor says.
- Do not take your medication with alcohol.
Showering after brachioplasty
- Follow your doctor’s instructions about showering. You can usually shower two days after your surgery with help.
- Make sure to remove all the tapes and dressings so they do not get wet during the shower.
- Pat your skin dry gently and apply the gel or antibiotic ointment prescribed by your doctor.
- If your wounds were covered by Steri-Strips and they fall off during or after the shower, don’t worry. You can place new ones if your doctor has advised, or you can leave the area as it is and continue following your surgeon’s instructions.
- Stay away from bathtubs and Jacuzzis until your incisions have healed and you have your surgeon’s approval. It is best to wait at least a month for hot tubs, as they have more bacteria, and can infect your wounds.
Physical activity
- Stay away from all activities that include excessive or strenuous use of your arms, as it can stretch the incisions or result in bleeding.
- Do not lift or push anything heavier than 5 pounds for at least 3 weeks or until cleared by your doctor.
- Do not run, play tennis, or golf for 3 to 4 weeks. Your heart rate should remain under 100 for 3 weeks.
- You can start swimming 4 weeks post-operation if your surgeon is satisfied with your recovery.
Range of motion
- You will be advised by your doctor to limit your range of motion and avoid repetitive arm movements to protect incisions.
- Avoid raising your arms above your head or shoulders for 2 weeks. However, you will be encouraged to perform light, gentle movements as your incisions heal, and you can resume normal physical activity in 6 to 8 weeks.
Getting back to work
- Most patients undergoing brachioplasty require at least 2 weeks off from work, depending on their job responsibilities.
- After this period, you can start with a light schedule or get back to work part-time based on your surgeon’s guidance and how your arms are healing.
- Take short breaks to gently move your arms and maintain circulation.
Call your doctor’s office if you notice unusual symptoms, signs of infection, or have any questions. It will put your mind at ease and help you achieve a quick, smooth recovery.
Conditions that require emergency care
- Call 911 immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Intense pain that does not get better with pain medications
- Increased or sudden onset of swelling in one or both arms
- Redness or warmth on the incision site
- Excessive drainage on dressings
- Incisions that appear to be opening
- Bleeding that does not stop with pressure
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Allergic reaction, such as rash or itching
- Temperature above 101.8°F
- Shakes and chills
- Breathing issues
Seeking medical attention right away is essential for reducing risks and keeping yourself safe.