Raising arms above head after Brachioplasty/Arm Lift

Thank you for your inquiry about raising your arms after undergoing a brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift. It's essential to emphasize the importance of adhering to your plastic surgeon's personalized post-operative guidelines, as these are tailored to your specific needs and healing progress.
That said, general timelines after a longitudinal brachioplasty (incision from the armpit to the elbow) are as follows:
2 weeks post-op: You may be able to raise your arms up to 45° from your side.
4 weeks post-op: Typically, you can lift your arms to about 90° or shoulder level.
6 to 8 weeks post-op: Most patients can reach the point where they can comfortably position their elbow behind their head.
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines and individual recovery times can differ. Always consult and adhere to the advice provided by your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes for a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

After an arm lift, it is important to follow your surgeon’s recommendations for activity restrictions and for when to raise your arms above your head. I typically recommend not raising your arms for 2 weeks. By following your surgeon’s postoperative instructions, you will be doing all that you can to ensure a smooth healing process.

Do not raise arms above head or bend for 4-6 weeks. Do not extend your arms overhead and do not reach for items as this can put tension on the incisions and cause them to open. This can lead to delayed wound healing and a need for revision.