When Can You Go Back to Work After a Full Arm Lift? I Am a Dental Assistant. Thank You.

I tell people it will take 3-6 weeks to feel normal. So plan on 3 weeks to get back to work but you will probably still need to wear a garment at the office

-Usually, patients that use their arms a lot like you do at work will take at least two weeks off of work postoperatively.  Some patients will take three weeks off.

-It takes weeks for the swelling to go down completely.  Also, if you go back to work too early, you may notice that at the end of the day your arms will hurt and be more swollen.  The results of the operation won't be impacted, but you'll just be sore.

-Definitely meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to find our more!

Your plastic surgeon will be your best guide when it comes to returning to work. He/she knows how your progressing,  exactly what your work duties involve, and is ultimately responsible for your care.

 Having said that, most of my patients are able to return to a desk job 7 to 10 days after arm lifting surgery.  More strenuous/active occupations (such as yours) may benefit from 3 to 4 weeks of time off. Sometimes patients are able to arrange modified duties and return to work earlier.

 Best wishes.

A brachioplasty is essentially an upper arm lift. In this procedure, the excess hanging skin and fat in the upper arm is removed. Its the procedure used to correct the common "bat wing" of skin that manifests in patients who have lost a significant amount of weight.   Most of my patients are able to get back to a desk job 5-7 days after surgery.  However, I recommend no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 3-4 weeks.   If an upper trunk lift is involved, I may recommend holding off working out (heavy lifting/strenuous activity) for 5-6 weeks.  

 

Best wishes,

Dr. Basu

Houston, TX

The main problem with healing following brachioplasty is usually in the armpit due to the skin being frequently moist. The positions you would be in could but undue strain on this area and result in wound separation if you return too soon. Three weeks is usually adequate time to take off if healing is proceeding normally. If you can arrange a lighter shedule the first couple of days you are back, that will help.