How long does it take to recover from an arm lift? (Photo)

Question

How long are you advised to take off from work after a arm lift? I have a desk job with typing.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

For
your arm lift or brachioplasty, I would suggest a full arm lift.  This would include extensive arm liposuction
to remove arm fat.  In addition, an
incision would be made from the axillae (armpit) to the elbow.  Your arm lift or brachioplasty should take
3-4 hours to perform.  Since you have a
desk job, you should be able to return to work 2-3 weeks after your arm lift.

You
did not include forearm pictures.  It is
possible that you may also need a forearm reduction.  In this surgery, the arm lift incision is extended
past the elbow onto the forearm.  In some
patients, I have extended this incision to the mid-forearm while in other
patients, I have extended this incision to the wrist.

Since
you have significant excess arm skin and fat, you should seek insurance
coverage.  Unless there is exclusion for
massive weight loss, your brachioplasty or arm reduction should be covered by
insurance.

Good
luck with your arm lift or brachioplasty surgery.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Recovery takes up to 3 weeks. During this time swelling will start to subside. You can return to your work after one week. Be sure to keep all of your follow up visits with your surgeon.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

Based upon the photos you have provided, you can expect a dramatic change in the appearance of your upper arms after an arm lift!I would plan on taking a good two weeks off of work.  Some patients who type a lot at work will take off three. You will find that once you return to work your arms will likely be sore at the end of the day.  Although this won't affect the final results, it can be annoying.  Rest assured, though, because with time this discomfort will resolve completely. Best of luck to you!

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your picture.  I recommend that you take off about 2 weeks from work to allow adequate time for the initial recovery.Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD,DD, FACS

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and the
picture.Each surgeon's instructions are going to be different.  Ask your surgeon for his/her specific instructions and follow them.I have included a web reference to our arm lift recovery instructions and typically recommend return to a desk job between 1-2 weeks.

I hope this helps.

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

Assuming that healing is uneventful you should be able to return to a desk job in 1 week.  It would be more ideal however if you could take off up to 2 weeks.  Each surgeon has his or her own postoperative regimen.  Very commonly however immediately after the operation compressive Ace wraps are placed from the fingers up to the armpit.  These can normally be removed within 24-48 hours postoperatively.  Elastic compression sleeves commonly worn by athletes can be purchased relatively inexpensively at any sporting good store.  Many patients wear these for up for up to 2 weeks postoperatively.  No vigorous activity or strenuous activity is recommended for 3 weeks postoperatively.  Complications following a well planned and well executed brachioplasty are uncommon.  They may include however wound infection or wound breakdown.  Is very important to follow the directions of your surgeon postoperatively to ensure the best result.

Henry Mentz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I do also appreciate the good pictures which you have sent. Based on your photos it appears that you would require a brachioplasty or arm lift along with some arm wiper suction. The recoveries from the surgery range between one and three weeks depending on the patient and also how much other surgery is combined with it.

James C. Grotting, MD, FACS · Answer

The main issue that affects time away from work following
arm lift surgery is the type of work you do.  If you work at a desk and are not doing manual labor then one week
should be an adequate period of time.  Any
movements that stress the incisions put you at risk for separation of the
suture line.  You would likely need to
wear a compression garment though to help minimize the swelling.  I recommend you consult with a board
certified plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring after weight loss.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Arm lift after extensive weight loss require an incision in the arm pit and from the arm pit to the elbow or slightly lower.Recovery may take between 2-3 weeks Samir Shureih MD. FACS

Rami Ghurani, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, thanks for your question. You definitely will benefit from a Brachioplasty. Recovery immediately after surgery is usually about 2 to 3 weeks. You will continue to see healing over a whole years time. I usually recommend to the patient to wear a compression garment to help with the swelling. I think you can be back typing at around two weeks. Best of luck

How long does it take to recover from an arm lift? (Photo)

Answers (12)

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