After Arm Lift Surgery

The first few hours after surgery will be spent in the recovery room. When the patient is fully alert, he/she will be able to go home with the assistance of a friend or family member. To effectively manage the arm swelling that will occur, the patient should use pillows to keep his/her arms continually elevated above heart level for a week. The patient should maintain this position as much as possible throughout the day and night. The arm compression garment is worn for four to six weeks following surgery to smooth and support the newly-contoured skin. It is important that the incision lines are kept clean and well-covered in a layer of antibiotic ointment until the sutures are removed ten to fourteen days after surgery.

After the sutures are removed, the incisions will feel tight for 24-48 hours and there may be a slight aching during that time. After 48 hours, the patients are more comfortable and pain medications are seldom required. Most patients are able to return to work at this point.

The arms are bruised and swollen for approximately ten to fourteen days following Arm Lift surgery. Patients may experience swelling in the hands as well. Keeping the arms and hands elevated is the best deterrent for this.

Arm Lift Risks

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