How soon can I go back to work after an arm lift I work as a healthcare assistant?

Question

I work as a healthcare assistant within the NHS but would not be able to go back on light duties how long should I wait after an arm lift and double chin liposuction

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Excellent question. The goal of an arm lift procedure is to restore a more natural look to the arms. My signature LipoLift® arm lift has been designed to tighten the arms while leaving the most amount of lymphatic, nerve, and blood vessels behind. This allows patients to heal quicker with minimal trauma to the area. So, normally I recommend my patients to take 1-2 weeks for recovery and refrain from any heavy lifting or strenuous activities during that period. The best way to assess your needs and give true guidelines for your recovery time would be an in-person exam. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.
  
best of luck!
  
Dr. Schwartz
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Amir Sadr, MD, MSc (Plast), FEBOPRAS · Answer

Dear SpaceSushi93
Dear mandy.c
Thanks for your question. Time to return to work is depending on the type and intensity of work you do. Usually the wounds need 2-3 weeks to heal ( close and seal) and potentially after that you may go back to work providing you were your compression garment for more support. Even after the wound has sealed, doing too much physical work specially with your arms may result in stretching of the scar and a less than perfect aesthetic result.In my practice I recommend patients to avoid working 2-3 weeks after arm lift and avoid intensive physical work using upper limbs up to 6 weeks after surgery to get the best aesthetic outcome.I hope you find this explanation useful.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for questions regarding being able to go back to work after arm lift (brachioplasty) as a healthcare assistant.  During an arm lift, arm liposuction and arm skin are removed. Typically, incisions are made from the armpit to the elbow. If you have a desk job that does not entail lifting, you should be able to return to work two weeks after your arm lift. If your job entails lifting anything more than 5lbs like moving patients, I would suggest you return to work at least three to four weeks after your arm lift. By allowing yourself three to four weeks to heal, this should allow the incision enough time to withstand the forces of having to lift and move patients. If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift or brachioplasty or being able to return to work, please call my office.
  
Sincerely,
  
Dr. Katzen

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! For my patients, I recommend taking 10 days off of work from a desk job that does not require physical activity or heavy lifting, then back to the gym for cardio at 3 weeks, and weights and yoga at 6 weeks. If you have a very physically demanding job, I recommend extending your time off from work. However, it is best to discuss specific restrictions and recommendations with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concerns.
I suggest you talk to your surgeon about the  specific duties and level of physical activity you will need to carry out your job. Generally speaking, healthcare workers need a bit more time and I often recommend 4 weeks for my patients.
Good luck. Dr. ALDO

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Time off, really depends on the extent of surgery you are having. If you are having liposuction and removal of excess skin, I would recommend a minimum of 3 weeks off. Liposuction alone on the arms, you could return to work at about 2 weeks.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, I tell my patients to wait at least 6 weeks before returning to regular activities no heavy lifting or pulling. Consult with your PS.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

It will depend on how extensive your surgery needs to be.If it will be all the way long to the elbow, significant amount of skin, some liposuction I would recommend at least 2-3 weeks.If it is lighter that which I described, 2 weeks.I your are not tolerant to pain and discomfort, take 3-4 weeks.Dr. Cardenas

Mark Soldin, MBChB · Answer

Many thanks for your query.It is going to take the bruising about 3 weeks to settle down. I usually advise 4weeks off work after an arm lift - you really don’t want to risk wounds opening up because of excessive activity after surgery.Hope this is helpfulBestMark

David A. Lickstein, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. For most patients, two to three weeks of recovery time is necessary before returning to work. However, if your job requires a lot of arm activity or lifting anything over five pounds, you will need up to six weeks before you can safely return to work. My advice would be to talk to your board certified plastic surgeon and follow their post-operative recovery instructions to the letter in order to achieve the best possible results in the safest way.

How soon can I go back to work after an arm lift I work as a healthcare assistant?

Answers (15)

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