What's the recovery like after the arm lift? What can I expect in terms of downtime and scarring?

Hello and great question. Arms lifts are performed as an outpatient surgery (you go home after surgery). The total time you are in the operative room (including anesthesia, prep time, and surgery) is 2 to 2.5 hours.
Arm lifts are a great procedure and significantly improve the “hanging” skin and “tighten” the skin of the arm. The easiest way to think of this procedure is that we (the surgeons) are tailoring the skin on your arm. If you have a shirt that has excess fabric and you want the excess fabric taken in; then you would need to place a seam (also known as a dart) to do it. An arm lift has the same requirements. In order to take in the excess skin and tighten the remaining skin a incision or scar (or you can think of it as a seam) needs to be placed along the arm.
How long does the incision or scar need to be? The incision or scar needs to be as long as the length of the excess skin. This can be halfway down the arm for some individuals or the full length of the arm for others. I think this is extremely important; because some individuals will show before and after photos at angles that do not adequately show the scar. Revising the analogy to a tailor: if you went to the tailor and said you wanted the excess fabric taken in on a shirt, but then you told the tailor you didn’t want a seam opened up or a dart made on the shirt then the tailor would say it is not possible.
How noticeable will the scar be? Healing or scarring is an extremely individual process. If you are a person that makes thick or red scars, then there are different treatments we can do to minimize the scars.
What is downtime? The typical downtime is 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, you will have a compressive garment helping to decrease your swelling and further contour your arm. I like the compressive garment to worn at all times (except when showering) for 4 to 6 weeks.I hope that helps. Best of Luck!

An arm lift  is typically not a painful operation, so patients can go back to work and light duty in a few days. Garment however, should be worn for at least a month. Discomfort is common for 1 to 2 weeks post op, and swelling can take up to 3 months to subside. Scarring would depend on your existing skincare practices, genetics, age, and a few other factors. It would be best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who can help discuss your unique situation

Thank you for your question. The typical downtime is 1 to 2 weeks, you will want to refrain from doing arm stretches during this time. No lifting of anything over 8 -10 pounds for 4-6 weeks. A compressive garment helping to decrease swelling should be worn as much as possible for 4 - 6 weeks. The medial brachial groove incision (the part of the arm that is against the body with arms down side) is visible when you wave your arm or when arm is lifted up. The arm incisions aren't visible from the back, side or front. With good scar care these incisions will fade over time. Good luck with your decision. A board certified plastic surgeon experienced with these techniques can demonstrate scar location and help guide reasonable expectations.