An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that people undergo in order to take care of sagging skin and excess fat in their upper-arm area. This plastic-surgery option can give patients toned and contoured upper arms.

If you’re interested in undergoing this procedure, you most likely have several questions about the recovery process. Will you be able to lift heavy objects, participate in sports, or engage in strenuous exercise routines? Will you need to take time off from work? In this blog, we will answer these questions and more.

What Is the Healing Process Like After a Brachioplasty?

There are several things to keep in mind after getting an arm lift. All of the instructions that Dr. Park gives you must be followed closely in order to avoid post-surgical complications and enjoy quality results.

Heavy lifting is discouraged after the surgery because of the risks involved. Heavy lifting can result in tearing of the sutures used to close brachioplasty incisions; this will result in issues with the healing process and an increased risk of infection in the area.

Taking around one week off from work will be necessary after the procedure, especially if heavy lifting or other strenuous physical activity is involved. Driving is discouraged while you are recovering, so you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

A compressive dressing is mandatory after the procedure. This helps the skin better conform to the new contours of the upper arms, resulting in a tighter appearance. It also aids in controlling post-surgical swelling and bruising. You must use bandages and dressings until Dr. Park tells you it’s okay to stop wearing them.

Why Do People Undergo Brachioplasty?

A common cause of loose sagging skin is aging. Significant weight loss also causes excess skin to form in many areas, including the upper arms.

Exercise is a fantastic tool to get better muscle tone in the upper arms. However, exercise cannot help with loose skin. People with sagging skin and stubborn excess fat deposits get frustrated when a workout doesn’t produce the results they expect. This is a common reason as to why many people opt for brachioplasty.

Preparation for Brachioplasty

After you have spoken to Dr. Park about brachioplasty, he will do the following:
Take a look at your medical history – You will be asked many questions about any medical conditions you currently face or have experienced. You should talk about any medicines that you’re currently taking or have taken in the recent past.

Conduct a physical exam – Dr. Park will take pictures of your arms for their reference and will examine your upper arms.

Talk about what you expect from the procedure – You should talk to Dr. Park about what your goals are, as well as what you hope your arms will look like after the procedure. You should be very honest about your expectations.

Forget about smoking for a while – Smoking decreases blood flow in the skin and slows down the process of healing. Smoking also increases the risk of complications. You will need to avoid smoking in the weeks leading up to the procedure and during the healing process.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Brachioplasty offers many benefits, such as creating better contours in the upper-arm area and improving clothing fit. If you’d like to learn more about brachioplasty, schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Gregory Park, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon.