When can I wash my own hair after brachioplasty?

Question

Today is my 18 days post of an arm lift (liposuction and brachioplasty) had the stitches done in my underarm. The swelling has gone down and I was able to sleep on my sides. I was just wondering when is it safe to wash my own hair in the shower. And when will I be able to move my arms over my head.

Eddy Dona, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Being guided by your body and if it is comfortable, you may attempt to raise your arms and wash your hair from 2 weeks post op.  Please follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon for their specific instructions.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding when it is safe to wash your hair and regain full arm mobility after brachioplasty. At 18 days post-op, you are still in the healing phase, and it’s essential to take care not to strain your incisions or disrupt the healing process.

Typically, patients begin to regain enough mobility to raise their arms and wash their hair about 3-4 weeks post-op. However, this depends on your specific recovery progress and whether there were any complications. Since your incisions are located in the underarm area, stretching too early could place tension on the sutures and potentially compromise healing.

If your surgeon has not restricted you from light movement, you can gradually attempt to raise your arms within a comfortable range. Start by lifting your arms just enough to manage washing your hair without fully extending them overhead. Use a gentle motion and avoid any pulling or straining sensations.

In the meantime, you may want to use alternatives like a handheld showerhead or ask for assistance to ensure you don’t overexert your arms. Continue sleeping in a supportive position that minimizes tension on your incisions, and consult your surgeon if you feel any discomfort or tightness when trying to move your arms above shoulder level.

It’s also helpful to begin light stretching exercises once cleared by your surgeon to improve mobility safely. These exercises can gradually help you regain full arm extension over time.

Good luck with your recovery, and I hope you’ll soon be back to full mobility without issues!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Assuming you have had no postoperative complications, you should be allowed to wash your hair at this point.  I do recommend following up with your plastic surgeon to see what his/her postoperative recommendations are.  Each plastic surgeon has their own post-op protocol.  Best of luck!

Jon Kurkjian, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Every plastic surgery office has their own set of pre and post operative instructions that they recommend their patients follow. It is most important to follow the instructions of your surgeon.

Renee Burke, MD · Answer

I would follow up with your surgeon regarding this question. In our office we would start lifting the arms two weeks after surgery. You would not want to do anything that would compromise your outcome so please verify with your surgeon. Good luck to you!

Michael P. DePerro III, MD · Answer

Each surgeon has their own post op protocol.  I personally let my patients raise their arms the day after surgery.  It will feel tight and they need to go slow but I don't think raising your arms causes any harm.  I restrict lifting to 10 pounds but don't limiting the range of motion.  You should check with your surgeon to confirm their post op protocol.  Good Luck!

When can I wash my own hair after brachioplasty?

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