Had my arm lift surgery with Lipo at exactly one month ago, when can I get back to normal life activities?

Question

At eight weeks we are vacationing at the beach and hope my arms will not stop me from enjoying the family time.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

I just saw a patient back today who had an arm lift 5 weeks ago, and she is going to be vacationing in a few days.  She will be spending time in the swimming pool as well. My arm lift (brachioplasty) patients are definitely able to get back to normal activities by 4 weeks.  After a month almost all of the arm swelling is gone and the incisions should be completely healed. I don't think you need to worry about enjoying your family vacation. Because you did have some liposuction performed as well, you may have some swelling that lingers on for a bit longer, but again, I think your vacation won't be affected. Definitely discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon and try to adhere to his/her advice. Thanks for sharing!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding when you can return to normal life activities after arm lift surgery with lipo performed exactly one month ago.  Thank you for your question.  Everybody has different healing schedules.  Typically, most patients can return to work 2 to 3 weeks after a brachioplasty or arm lift. Returning to your normal activities will be gradual.  At the 3 to 4 week mark, you should be able to walk without restrictions.  In terms of using your arms for weightlifting, you should be able to begin training at approximately 6 to 8 weeks after your surgery.  Regarding swimming, you can return to swimming at approximately 4 to 6 weeks after your brachioplasty.  However, these are generalizations.  Every patient’s recovery path is different.  Every patient’s needs must be taken into account.  You need to connect with your plastic surgeon to see if they have any limitations regarding your arm lift surgery.  Good luck.  I hope this helps answer questions regarding when you can return to normal life activities after an arm lift with liposuction.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Typically after liposuction at arm lift you should be able to get back to your normal activities within six weeks from your operation. Most of the swelling and discomfort should be gone you may have to wear a garment during the nighttime after six weeks but that's up to the discretion of your surgeon.

Melinda Haws, MD, FACS · Answer

I release most of my brachioplasty patients to resume normal activities around 3 weeks post op, IF there have healed normally, and IF there are no extenuating circumstances.  This doesn't mean that they necessarily go right back to where they were pre op, rather it means I am no longer concerned that increased activity will compromise their final result.  I would recommend you speak with your surgeon, as your healing, the extent of dissection and swelling may all affect when you can be released. Best of luck!

Sumanth Pagadala, MD (retired) · Answer

Thanks for your question. I usually find that my brachioplasty patients are able to return to normal activity within 4-6 weeks post op. Most discomfort and swelling are gone within 3-4 weeks and patients are able to become more active. A beach trip at 8 weeks should be fine! Enjoy your vacation.

Had my arm lift surgery with Lipo at exactly one month ago, when can I get back to normal life activities?

Answers (5)

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