How long will you have limited movement after an arm and thigh lift?

Question

I am considering having both arm and thigh lifts, but would like more insight into the post op experience. I ballroom dance which requires lifting my arms for turns, and obviously using my legs for movement. Approximately how long should I wait before getting back into dance ? I know that the precise amount of time will be up to my doctor and based on my healing progress, but I would like to get a general baseline.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding recovery time after arm and thigh lift surgeries. Based on the nature of these procedures, it’s generally recommended to avoid strenuous activities and movements that heavily involve your arms and legs, such as ballroom dancing, for at least 6 to 8 weeks post-operatively. This timeline ensures that your incisions have adequately healed and that you minimize the risk of complications such as wound separation, increased swelling, or strain on the sutures.

During the first few weeks, your movement will be quite limited, particularly for activities that require lifting your arms overhead or engaging your legs in repetitive motions. Gradually, as your surgeon clears you for more activity, you can ease into less intensive forms of movement. It's also important to wear your compression garments as instructed to manage swelling and support your healing tissues.

When it comes to resuming ballroom dancing or any vigorous activity, always discuss your progress with your surgeon during follow-up appointments. They can assess your specific healing and guide you on when it’s safe to return to your routine. For now, plan for a recovery period that prioritizes rest and light activity until you’re fully cleared to resume dancing.

I hope this provides a helpful baseline for your recovery expectations!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Eddy Dona, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

I typically advise my patients to avoid strenuous activity and vigorous exercise for at least 6 weeks post op.  After 6 weeks, you can slowly and gradually return to your normal activities being guided by your body.  Please follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon for their recommendation.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! For my patients, I recommend returning to work at 10 days post surgery, back to the gym for cardio at 3 weeks, and weights and yoga at 6 weeks post surgery. This applies to both procedures. I recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon and following the recommendations that your specific surgeon recommends for you. Best of luck!

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

For both an arm lift (hidden inner arm lift or an extended arm lift) and a thigh lift procedure, I will normally have my patients refrain from exercise for at least 4 weeks. I have my patients in a compression garment for two weeks day and night and two weeks at night. Depending on how well you are healing you may be able to resume ballroom dancing at 4 weeks at 50% and then ease your way back to 100% slowly. It is best to consult with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for post op care and instructions as you want to allow your body to heal properly to achieve your best results.

Bianca Knoll, MD · Answer

thank you for posting your question. Initially, you will be limited in your range of motion. Wound healing takes some time as does scar maturation. In order not to jeopardize your best possible outcome, you should discuss how your surgery and his postop protocol will restrict you.best of luckkind regards

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Most patients are able to return to work at a desk job in 10 days.  For ballroom dance, I would recommend 6 weeks.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

The recovery time after an arm thigh lift can vary, but generally, you can expect limited movement for a few days to a couple of weeks. However, the full recovery period may take several weeks to months, depending on individual healing and the extent of the procedure. It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions for a smooth recovery.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Typically patients in my practice need around two weeks off work. Vigorous activity needs to be avoided for around six weeks and then you can ease gently back into your regular routine. Your surgeon will be in the best position to advise you based on the extent of your surgery and your individual recovery.

Joshua A. Halpern, MD, PA · Answer

I tell my patients that they can go back to dancing or working out three weeks after surgery. I incorporate the FINNESSE technique which I invented. Bleeding, pain and recovery are minimal when compared to traditional techniques. I hope you find this information useful.

How long will you have limited movement after an arm and thigh lift?

Answers (9)

More Arm Lift Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (9)

More Arm Lift Questions

Can these arms be fixed after lipo 15 yrs ago. Weight has always been stable? (photos)

Follow up to my last question with more detail info

What can be done to remove lumps/creases in my arms make them the same size and address visible crooked puffy scaring? (photos)

Getting crepey loose skin upper inner arms, I’m 34 and very fit. What can be done? Open to all options (photo)

What can I do for painful brachioplasty scars 6 months post op?

Postop Arm Lift. What's the goal of a compression garment after Brachioplasty? To compress tightly or prevent skin from sagging?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS