How long does it take after an arm lift to get full range of motion back, and how much is movement restricted at first?

Question

How much are you usually allowed to move the arms right after an arm lift, and how soon can you start to move them more? When will I be able to wash my own hair, for example, and will I need help with everything at first? When does it return to normal completely and not feel very tight to move? I had lipo first, it will be 1 year from the lipo when I have the lift. Is it easier to recover than when you do lipo at the same time and not staged? Scars any better, less swelling or anything?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello BLiftFTransfer, thank you for your question. For most arm lifts, or
brachioplasty ex, I often combine the liposuction of the arm  and the resection of the arm skin and fat at
the same time. It is rare that I stage these procedures. I believe even in
extreme cases, you do not need to stage these two procedures.

I believe the results of the arm lift and liposuction of the arm, whether
it be staged or combined, will come out the same, and both procedures are
equally as safe. Having performing hundreds of arm lifts, I believe that
combining the arm lift with arm liposuction at the same time is a very safe
procedure.

The combined arm lift and arm liposuction procedure takes approximately
3-4 hours using general anesthesia. After surgery, I apply ace bandages from
the hand to the armpit. These are kept in place for 10-14 days. Patients are
encouraged to keep their arms at their sides and their elbows elevated above
their heart. This position is encouraged for the first 3-5 days. I also
recommend keeping the arms at full extension for the first 10-15 days.

After this procedure, you will need help brushing your teeth, eating, and
taking care if yourself in the bathroom. Before surgery, I would suggest having
your hair professionally done. You should be able to feed yourself and brush
your teeth after 3-5 days. After approximately 7-10 days, you should expect to
be able to brush and wash your hair. You should be able to return to a desk
type job in 10-14 days. If your job is more physical, and you have to do a
signification amount of lifting, then you should be able to return after 3
weeks.

Compression is encouraged for 4-6 weeks after your procedure.  The compression is typically applied after
1-2 weeks depending on your healing. Scar therapy is encouraged for 1 year, and
this comes in the form of silicone ointment and silicone strips.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, M.D.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Your plastic surgeon, who will likely have his/her own protocol, will be your best resource. Having said that, in my practice, I aske patients to keep their elbows by their sides and their arms elevated for the first week after arm lifting surgery. Then, patients are asked to increase their range of motion slowly/gradually.  By the 2nd-3rd week postop, patients will be able to raise their arms above their heads, and barring complications will have full range of motion available to them. I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to arm lifting surgery concerns) helps.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

There are many techniques for arm lifts, some based on the tissues extending onto the chest wall. Without photos it is hard to be specific, I would speak to your plastic surgeon. He / she can best advise you based on the technique that will be used.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

How long does it take after an arm lift to get full range of motion back, and how much is movement restricted at first?

Answers (3)

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.

How long does it take after an arm lift to get full range of motion back, and how much is movement restricted at first?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

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.