Recovery After Arm Lift and Full Tummy Tuck

Brachioplasty removes excess upper arm tissue while abdominoplasty removes excess abdominal skin while simultaneously tightening the abdominal muscles. Patients can anticipate limited physical activity for ten to fourteen days following surgery. I typically tell my patients bathroom and kitchen privileges initially with slow resumption of normal activity over the next two weeks. Patients can usually return to work in two weeks if no strenuous activity or heavy lifting is involved. After six weeks, they can resume all their normal activities including heavy lifting.Patients typically wear an abdominal binder for three weeks following surgery. This minimizes swelling and increases comfort. Drains are placed at the time of surgery and are usually removed within two weeks of surgery. Pain management is extremely important, especially when the abdominal muscles are tightened. Most patients are initially given narcotic pain relievers and switched to Tylenol five to seven days following surgery.Patients with small children should have assistance with childcare for at least one week and patients should not drive while taking narcotics.For many patients, abdominoplasty and brachioplasty are life-changing experiences. After unsuccessful dieting and exercise programs, this procedure results in dramatic changes in self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image.

Thank you for your question regarding your recovery after your arm lifts and full tummy tuck. In your tummy tuck, you are describing a horizontal and vertical scar. This is called fleur de lis abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. Also, you mentioned you are undergoing an arm lift. These procedures can be and are often combined. It would be best if you planned to give yourself at least two weeks to recover during your recovery. During this recovery, you must be bent at the waist approximately 70-90 degrees of flection. This can be achieved by recovering in a recliner. When you walk, you should be bent at the waist to minimize any tension on the incision. If you have drained from the tummy tuck, this will need to be drained twice a day. Typically the dressing will need to be changed daily. A compression garment on the abdomen is usually applied for six to eight weeks, depending on the swelling.
Regarding the combined arms, your arms will have to be elevated above your heart. That means your hand needs to be extended above your head with your elbows; again, this can be combined with the tummy tuck. Since you are recovering in the recliner, I suggest one or two pillows by your side to keep your arms extended and elevated. You will be in this position for at least 7-10 days. This helps to minimize swelling and minimize excess scarring. After approximately seven to ten days, you can flex at the elbow and feed yourself. After approximately two weeks, you will be changed into an arm garment. Arm garments are usually worn for approximately 4-6 weeks to minimize swelling and help to flatten the scar. I hope this helps to describe the recovery after an arm lift and a full tummy tuck or fleur de lis.
I specialize in arm lifts. I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction. If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, please contact my office. Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research. Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts. Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.  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, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Hi there-

There are a great many factors which will affect the recovery you experience, including your individual pain tolerance, the specific activities you would like to engage in, you work responsibilities, and the details of the planned surgery (which only your surgeon can help you understand)...

Your best bet is to ask the surgeon you have chosen this question.

Hello - Recovery from these procedures takes about 2 weeks from work and 6 weeks from working out.  I typically remove the dressings at 1 week, and you may have drains that will be in for about 1-2 weeks.  Driving can usually be resumed at 1-2 weeks depending on how you do.  Also, pain is well controlled with oral pain medicine.  Good luck!

Every patient is different, so it is hard to give you an exact timeframe for your recovery.  However, based on your description of the procedures, you should plan on 10 days to 2 weeks of recovery.  During that time, you will slowly improved.  After 10 days to 2 weeks, you will likely be able to return to full activity, but you may not feel completely back to yourself for several weeks.  Good luck.