Posted February 20, 2024 in Arm Lift
Arm lift surgery can eliminate sagging, loose skin, and stubborn fat around your arms, which are resistant to reduction through diet and exercise. An arm lift is undoubtedly enticing for those who want toned, contoured arms, but some patients are curious about what to expect from their recovery. This blog discusses arm lift surgery and a detailed timeline so you know what to expect, including estimated downtime during recovery.
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Are you among the many people plagued by the infamous “bingo wings”? Are you self-conscious about how you look in sleeveless or short-sleeved shirts? Do you avoid waving to friends or cheering at sports events and concerts because you’re embarrassed by the jiggling skin under your upper arm? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it’s time to take your life back and explore the benefits of arm lift surgery.
What is Arm Lift Surgery?
Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, is designed to eliminate excess skin under your arms. A combination of heredity, aging, and weight gain and loss can form these pesky skin flaps. Some people are born with the natural predisposition toward flabby arms, while many people simply get them as they age and their skin loses its natural elasticity. Weight loss is also a culprit, as losing significant weight can make it difficult for your skin to spring back into place. The result is stretched-out skin hanging loosely under your arm.
How is an Arm Lift Performed?
There are several brachioplasty procedures, including limited-incision brachioplasty, standard brachioplasty, and extended brachioplasty. While each type of surgery addresses different degrees of lax skin, they all eliminate redundant tissue and tighten and shape your upper arm. During arm lift surgery, your surgeon removes the drooping skin along the underside of your upper arm and tightens the remaining skin around your muscles.
Liposuction is often paired with arm lift surgery for an even better result. By removing excess fat from the upper arm, the contour of your arm muscles is more visible, giving you the shapely arms you’ve been wanting.
Expected Recovery Timeline for Arm Lift Surgery
Arm lift surgery is an outpatient procedure performed using general anesthesia. After surgery, your arms will be bandaged, and you’ll be required to wear compression garments to help minimize swelling and shape your arms. Below is a timeline of what to expect as you recover from arm lift surgery.
One to Three Days After Arm Lift Surgery
Most patients experience moderate soreness and discomfort the first few days after their arm lift, which can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. There will also be some bruising, swelling, and even a bit of pressure or pulling near your incisions, but these are normal. The bandages and incisions will limit your range of motion, and you are prohibited from lifting anything heavy. Having someone stay with you for at least the first 24 hours is a good idea, and you’ll need extra help from family and friends as you heal. Wear comfortable clothing, ideally something that buttons up the front so you don’t need to lift your arms over your head.
One Week to Ten Days After Arm Lift Surgery
By one week after surgery, most of your discomfort, bruising, and swelling will have diminished significantly, though swelling often persists for several months after your surgery. You should be able to return to work by now, but that will depend on the exertion required at your job. You will be able to get back to many of your everyday activities, and though you may be feeling much better and have an improved range of motion and mobility, be sure not to overexert yourself too early in your recovery.
Two to Three Weeks After Arm Lift Surgery
Two to three weeks after your arm lift surgery, your incisions should be healed, and you can start using scar treatments to minimize the appearance of your brachioplasty scars. Silicone scar strips and scar gels or creams can be applied, and keeping your incisions out of the sun will also help diminish their visibility. You will also be able to do some light exercising, but you’ll need to continue to refrain from strenuous exercise or weight-bearing activities involving your arms.
One Month After Arm Lift Surgery
At this point, most swelling and bruising should be mostly resolved, and compression garments are likely no longer necessary. You can slowly add more exercises and activities, but follow your surgeon’s instructions and listen to your body.
Two Months After Arm Lift Surgery
By now, most of the surgical swelling will have gone down, and you should be able to see the complete results of your arm lift surgery. Your surgeon will clear you to return to more strenuous exercise, and your scars will continue to improve.
Like any surgery, several factors contribute to how quickly you heal after your arm lift procedure. Patients who are nonsmokers in overall good health, eat a nutritious diet, and lead an active lifestyle will generally recover faster than less healthy patients. But recovery also depends on how well you care for yourself as you heal. Following your surgeon’s orders and not jumping back into activities too soon are essential to proper healing.
Learn More About Arm Lift Surgery in Dallas
Are you ready to unselfconsciously wave your hands in the air like you just don’t care? If you’re tired of constantly hiding your sagging upper arms, it’s time to explore the advantages of arm lift surgery with Dr. David E. Morales. To find out if you’re a good candidate for brachioplasty, schedule a consultation with Dr. Morales today by calling 214.827.8407 or completing the online contact form.
