What Am I Allowed to Do Directly After Arm Lift E.g. Cooking, Etc?

Question

What exactly can one do on second day of OP with arm lift,eg cooking, cutting of vegetables etc? or may I not use the arms for a period of time? and how do I care for the woun ds? tomorrow is my op on arm also laser on face, neck, chest and hands.

Siamak Agha, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

You should first ask your operating surgeon as each surgeon has different post-operative instructions.

	Directly after your arm lift you should be resting and have very minimal activity that involves your arms. The first 7 days you will have your bandages on and should be giving your arms the proper time to heal.

	As far as cooking goes, I would wait about 10-14 days. As far as exercise goes, you should wait about 4-6 weeks post operatively.

	I have included a link below that may be of help to you. Best of luck.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about what you can do directly after an arm lift. During an arm lift, liposuction is performed and an incision is made in the armpit. Sometimes a crescent skin area is removed, or an incision is carried from the armpit to the elbow. It depends on your surgeon and your area of excess skin and fat. Immediately after surgery, compression is applied. Some patients will have an ace bandage from the wrist to the armpit. These ace bandages are left in place for approximately one week. Then they are taken down, examined, and replaced daily for another two weeks. Then a compression garment is inserted. I would suggest minimal activity after an arm lift. I suggest that your elbows are extended, and your hands are above your heart for a good week to ten days. I would not suggest bending at your elbows; instead, I would keep your elbows straight. You could probably start cooking and cutting vegetables approximately 2-3 weeks after surgery. This is up to you and your plastic surgeon to care for your arm lift, arm reduction, and brachioplasty wounds. Every plastic surgeon has their way of doing things. The most common method is to apply betadine and then pads to the incision, followed by compression. Thank you for your question about what you can do directly after an arm lift.
I specialize in arm lifts.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction.  If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, please contact my office.  Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Patients are eager to return to their normal activities as soon as possible following brachioplasty surgery. Unfortunately, resuming normal activity too soon after surgery can lead to an increased number of complications. For this reason, we recommend avoiding most activities that utilize the arms in the first week after surgery. After one week, we tell patients it's reasonable to start slowly resuming the use of their arms. It's important to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for at least 6 to 8 weeks. When these steps are taken, patients have lower complication rates and better overall results.It's important to realize that each patient's situation is unique. For this reason, post-operative care needs to be individualized. It's, therefore, important to discuss post-operative care with your surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to outline a post-operative care plan that is specific to your needs.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. Although probably best to address specific questions with your plastic surgeon, in general you will likely be out of commission  for most of the activities you have listed for at least 10 days. Your surgeon will  advise you regarding the specifics of activity and any  wound care that may be necessary.

	Best wishes.

Bryan Curtis, MD · Answer

After an arm lift, it’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. Generally, activities like heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and reaching for high objects should be avoided initially. Cooking is possible but be cautious with heavy posts or lifting. Follow your surgeon’s recommendations for a safe and smooth recovery.

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