How long after an arm lift surgery can I return to work as a waitress?

Question

Hi, I am planning to get arm lift surgery in a couple of months but I am a bit concerned about the amount of time off I will need after surgery as I am a waitress, I lift heavy trays of plates and glasses all day and work long shifts. I would love to return to work asap to keep a salary coming in and also so I don't possibly lose my job being off for too long. How long after surgery, considering my job, would I likely be able to return to work? Thanks for your time!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding how much time you would need to take off of work after an arm lift if you are a waitress.  This is a very frequent question I get asked in my office.  I would suggest if you have a desk job that you are allowed to return to work two weeks after an arm lift.  However, if you have a significant amount of lifting at work, I would suggest you plan to take off 3 to 4 weeks after your arm lift.  You do not want to spend all that money, time and effort only to result in an arm incision breaking open because you returned to work too early.  It is better to wisely invest your time and take your time off than to return to work too early.  If you cannot take three weeks off from work, perhaps you could return back to work in 2 weeks, but not do much lifting.  Thank you for your questions regarding when to return to work as a waitress after an arm lift.  In your healing phase, it is very important to wear you arm garment and apply silicone sheeting to minimize the scar.  I am sure your arm lift will be worth it.  However, you do need to plan for your post-operative care and time off from work.  Before considering an arm lift surgery, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed many arm lifts in their career.  Travel out of state if you must.  Thank you for your question about arm lift recovery.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Amir Sadr, MD, MSc (Plast), FEBOPRAS · Answer

Dear SpaceSushi93
Thanks for your question. Time to return to work is depending on the type and intensity of work you do. Usually the wounds need 2-3 weeks to heal ( close and seal) and potentially after that you may go back to work providing you were your compression garment for more support. 
Even after the wound has sealed, doing too much physical work specially with your arms may result in stretching of the scar and a less than perfect aesthetic result.
In my practice I recommend patients to avoid working 2-3 weeks after arm lift and avoid intensive physical work using upper limbs up to 6 weeks after surgery to get the best aesthetic outcome.I hope you find this explanation useful.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question regarding your upcoming surgery. I advise that after a bilateral arm lift to not start cardio activity until 3 weeks post operatively and any type of weights or yoga until 6 weeks. I wish you all the best with your upcoming procedure.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I usually tell my patients 2 weeks every surgeon has different post op care instructions, consult with your PS.

T. Randall Blanchard, MD, FACS · Answer

I tell my patients one to two weeks. A lot depends on how extensive the arm reduction is. In general, let pain be your guide. Most importantly however, consult with your surgeon to see what they feel youe limitations will be. Good luck

How long after an arm lift surgery can I return to work as a waitress?

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How long after an arm lift surgery can I return to work as a waitress?

Answers (10)

Answer: Down time

Answer: Down time

Answer: Work after armlift

Answer: Work after armlift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.