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 · 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

Mark Soldin, MBChB · Answer

Many thanks for your query.Return to work will depend on the type of arm lift and how the post op period goes.As a waitress lifting heavy plates and rushing from table to table, you would be risking wound problems if you returned to work any sooner than 3 weeks. I would plan a month off, and if all is going perfectly, perhaps try a quiet shift after 3 weeks.Always follow the advice of your surgeon.Hope this is helpful.BestMark

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.

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your question. Every surgeon has different post-op protocol. I recommend that my patients refrain from strenuous activity besides walking for around 2 weeks. After 2 weeks I recommend they refrain from lifting anything heavy for two more weeks. I don't know the extent of how heavy the trays are that you carry but if it's possibly to have someone help you get things to your tables, or make a couple of trips instead of one with all the weight I would recommend that. I also have my patients keep ACE compression wraps on the arms for 4 weeks to help heal swelling faster than it would like to without them. Visit your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, as he has specific protocol he/she will want you to follow. Good luck and best wishes!

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

Providing that your recovery and wound healing is uneventful he should be able to return to your job after 2 weeks.  It is very important to discuss this with your surgeon.

Andrew P. Ordon, MD · Answer

Downtime after armlift surgery can vary but we generally suggest 10-14 days downtime. Most importantly listen to your body.

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

Answers (10)

More Arm Lift Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (10)

More Arm Lift Questions

20 days po arm lift (no lipo). L arm is an inch larger due to swelling I think. Worried surgery wasn't aggressive enough?(photo)

Do many doctors do arm lifts in-office under local anesthetic?

Loose creepy skin on arms in early 30s? What type of treatment is best? Laser? Peels? (Photos)

Arm lift: When giving cost of $5,000-$7.000 is that both arms or per arm?

Can I sleep on my stomach after mini arm lift & BBL?

Arm lift and compression garments: should I be wearing one to keep the swelling down? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS