Hello, I was wondering what is the recovery time for an arm lift? For example, how long do I need to take off from work, restrictions with using the arms before, during and after surgery, certain amount of weight that I can lift, etc.? I work in retail as a manager and sometimes we are unloading merchandise off trucks, etc. I also wanted to know what to expect right after surgery and do I need my husband to take off work too to help me. I am trying to make appointments with three PS this summer.
April 10, 2017
Answer: Arm lift arm reduction arm liposuction brachioplasty long arm scar recovery time lifting working out work restrictions Hi Fatfatt, Thank you for your questions regarding the recovery time for an arm lift and extended arm lift. Every patient is different and every surgery is different. Every patient heals at a different rate. There are several different types of arm lifts. There is a crescent arm lift where an incision is made in the armpit, and the incision is relatively hidden. There is a extended arm lift where the incision extends from the armpit to the elbow. The crescent arm lift takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to perform. The extended or full, longitudinal brachioplasty or arm lift takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to perform. In either case, I would plan to take off 2 to 3 weeks from work. It sounds like you do a significant amount lifting at work, so I would suggest you take off three weeks from work. During this time, your arms will be an arm garment to minimize swelling and help to flatten the arm scars. During the initial arm healing phase, I would not suggest you raise your arms above shoulder level. This restriction lasts for approximately three weeks. I would not lift anything more than 5 pounds for the first three weeks. After that, you should be able to add 5 pounds lifting to each arm eat week. I hope I have answered your questions regarding an arm lift or an extended arm lift. I hope I also answered your questions regarding the recovery time after an arm lift. If you have any other questions regarding an arm lift and what recovery is like after an arm lift or brachioplasty, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.
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April 10, 2017
Answer: Arm lift arm reduction arm liposuction brachioplasty long arm scar recovery time lifting working out work restrictions Hi Fatfatt, Thank you for your questions regarding the recovery time for an arm lift and extended arm lift. Every patient is different and every surgery is different. Every patient heals at a different rate. There are several different types of arm lifts. There is a crescent arm lift where an incision is made in the armpit, and the incision is relatively hidden. There is a extended arm lift where the incision extends from the armpit to the elbow. The crescent arm lift takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to perform. The extended or full, longitudinal brachioplasty or arm lift takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to perform. In either case, I would plan to take off 2 to 3 weeks from work. It sounds like you do a significant amount lifting at work, so I would suggest you take off three weeks from work. During this time, your arms will be an arm garment to minimize swelling and help to flatten the arm scars. During the initial arm healing phase, I would not suggest you raise your arms above shoulder level. This restriction lasts for approximately three weeks. I would not lift anything more than 5 pounds for the first three weeks. After that, you should be able to add 5 pounds lifting to each arm eat week. I hope I have answered your questions regarding an arm lift or an extended arm lift. I hope I also answered your questions regarding the recovery time after an arm lift. If you have any other questions regarding an arm lift and what recovery is like after an arm lift or brachioplasty, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.
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April 21, 2017
Answer: Time off work We recommend patients take 2 to 6 weeks off work when recovering from an arm lift (brachioplasty). No lifting more than 10 lbs and no raising arms above shoulders for 2 weeks after surgery. Also, no activity that will raise your blood pressure for the first two weeks. You could go to work at 2 weeks with light duty for an additional 2 weeks (total of 4 weeks with lifting restrictions) if necessary. Another thing to factor in is if you are attempting to keep your procedure private. You will have restricted range of motion for a few weeks and find yourself guarding your arms, which will be apparent to those around you. Sometimes going back to work too soon can also lengthen your recovery time merely due to fatigue. Best wishes for a smooth recovery! Dr. Poggi
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April 21, 2017
Answer: Time off work We recommend patients take 2 to 6 weeks off work when recovering from an arm lift (brachioplasty). No lifting more than 10 lbs and no raising arms above shoulders for 2 weeks after surgery. Also, no activity that will raise your blood pressure for the first two weeks. You could go to work at 2 weeks with light duty for an additional 2 weeks (total of 4 weeks with lifting restrictions) if necessary. Another thing to factor in is if you are attempting to keep your procedure private. You will have restricted range of motion for a few weeks and find yourself guarding your arms, which will be apparent to those around you. Sometimes going back to work too soon can also lengthen your recovery time merely due to fatigue. Best wishes for a smooth recovery! Dr. Poggi
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