How long should I wait after an arm lift procedure to have knee replacement surgery?

Question

I am scheduled for an arm lift and need to have knee replacement surgery. How long do you suggest I wait to have the knee surgery?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding when you should undergo knee replacement after your arm lift surgery. I would allow you at least 4 to 6 weeks to heal from your arm lift surgery. During that time, your body will need to replace some of the blood loss during the arm lift procedure. Though there won't be much blood loss, your body will need some time to recoup from the surgery. Before your knee surgery, you will have to have your blood tested again. Also, about six weeks allows your arms to heal enough to rely on your upper arm strength and body to assist your legs with their recovery. Of course, this is advice from an experience board-certified plastic surgeon. It would help if you were asking your orthopedic surgeon what they suggest. Good Luck. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding when you can have knee surgery after your arm lift surgery. 
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Dustin Christiansen, MD · Answer

I would recommend you wait at least six weeks from the time of your arm surgery. That should give the tissue time to heal strong enough to tolerate minor trauma such as crutches, if that became necessary for you. Waiting longer is certainly better because it gives everything more time to settle and become comfortable.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. We recommend waiting 6 to 12 weeks between surgeries. The wait time mostly depends on how long it takes your body to recover. Healing time will vary from one patient to the other, depending on issues like your overall health and how well you followed post op instructions. Generally, your plastic surgeon will recommend that you wait until you’re fully recovered before having another surgery. Best wishes.

Rafael Arenas, MD · Answer

I recommend to talk to your plastic surgeon about it; usually 3 months will be the preferred time so the areas are heal and you feel more comfortable in the movements.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Neat543545,
every surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon. You should be fully healed prior to another procedure.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It would be in your best interest to wait about 3 months between those two surgeries. It is best to discuss this issue with both surgeons, as well. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to be well healed with the wound completely closed and no scabs. I suggest at least 6 to 8 weeks. Please discuss this with your orthopedic surgeon.  If needed, do the knee surgery first.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

The recommended wait time between an arm lift (brachioplasty) and knee replacement surgery depends on several factors, including your recovery from the arm lift, your overall health, and the plastic surgeon's recommendation. Generally, it's important to allow your body enough time to heal from the arm lift before undergoing another major procedure like knee replacement.
Here are some general guidelines:
1.	The typical recovery time after an arm lift can range from 4 to 6 weeks for initial healing, though full recovery (including any residual swelling or numbness) can take up to 6 months.
2.	After any surgery, your body needs time to recover and regain strength. You want to ensure your arm lift has sufficiently healed, so you can mobilize your arms and upper body properly during the knee replacement recovery.
3.	You should consult both your plastic surgeon and orthopedic surgeon to assess how well you’ve healed from the arm lift and how your overall health is. If you're still healing from the arm lift, it may be recommended to wait at least 6 months to ensure you're physically ready for another major surgery.
In short, many doctors would recommend waiting at least 3-6 months after an arm lift before undergoing knee replacement surgery, but you should follow your specific doctor's advice based on your situation.

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

It takes about 6 weeks for the incisions to heal. Afterward, your plastic surgeon will release you to resume activity if all goes well. Obviously, you will need full use of your arms while recovering from knee surgery. So you may want to wait longer to feel comfortable with your arms. There is not much you can do to expedite healing, so make sure that you follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions to avoid any issues.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Each surgeon will have her/his own protocol on the amount of time recommended between procedures.  You will want to wait until you are fully healed from your arm lift procedure before having knee replacement.  Three to six months between procedures should be generally sufficient, but your surgeon will advise what is right for you based on your surgical plan.

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