Arm Lift Recovery

Achieve Optimal Results with a Smooth Arm Lift Recovery

Common after significant weight loss or skin laxity caused by age, an arm lift removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms for a sleeker, more contoured appearance. Although they know they’ll be comfortably asleep during the procedure, many patients wonder what to expect when they wake up and begin the recovery process. We’re happy to fill you in so there is no need to be anxious about what comes next.

Why Arm Lift Recovery Is Unique

Arm lipo is a fairly common procedure and a surgery many people compare arm lifts to. But it’s important to understand that an arm lift is a more extensive procedure. Only fat is removed during lipo, but a lift involves the removal of skin as well as tightening of tissues in the arm. As a result, arm lifts require you to pay more attention to incision care during your recovery. Lifts also necessitate an incision along the inner arm from underarm to elbow, resulting in restricted movement as you heal.

Week-by-Week Arm Lift Recovery Timeline

Recovering from an arm lift takes some time, but most patients are able to get back into a somewhat normal routine about two weeks after the procedure. There will still be some restrictions to follow, but you will be able to drive and likely return to work at this point.

First Week Post-Surgery: Rest and Initial Healing

• What to Expect
  • Swelling, bruising, and tightness in the upper arms
  • Mild discomfort, managed with prescribed medications
  • Compression garments are worn to support healing and reduce swelling
• Restrictions
  • Avoid lifting arms above shoulder level, strenuous activities, and heavy lifting
• Aftercare Instructions
  • Keep incisions clean and dry
  • Follow your surgeon’s instructions for dressing changes or drain care, if applicable

Weeks 2–3: Gradual Improvement

• What to Expect
  • Swelling and bruising begin to fade
  • Increased mobility, but arms may still feel tight or sore during certain movements
• Activities and Restrictions
  • Light activities like short walks are encouraged to promote circulation
  • Continue to avoid heavy lifting or any movement that tugs on your incisions
• Incision Care
  • Begin using scar creams or ointments on fully healed incisions as directed by your surgeon

Weeks 4–6: Returning to Normal Routines

• What to Expect
  • Most swelling resolves
  • Incision sites begin to soften
  • Daily activities and light exercise feel comfortable
• Activities
  • Resume light arm exercises if cleared by your surgeon
  • Avoid high-impact activities that strain the arms or upper body

Months 2–3: Final Recovery Phase

• What to Expect
  • Residual swelling subsides
  • Scars continue to mature and fade
  • Full range of motion returns
  • You can resume all activities, including weightlifting, with your surgeon’s clearance

Tips for a Smooth Arm Lift Recovery

After an arm lift, both you and your plastic surgeon want you to have the easiest recovery possible. While it may not be possible to avoid every inconvenience that crops up along the way, such as a toddler who cries because you can’t pick them up after surgery, there are things you can do to speed your recovery along and ensure that it goes smoothly.

Compression Garments

Compression garments are more than just a horrific fashion choice. By holding your arms tightly, they reduce swelling after surgery. They also support your newly contoured arms as they settle into their refined shape and help your skin smoothly adhere to the underlying tissue.

Elevate Your Arms

You can’t lift your arms above your head after an arm lift, but you do want to elevate them to reduce swelling. The best way to achieve this is to sleep and rest in a slightly reclined position with your arms propped up on a few pillows beside you. This lets you get your arms above your heart without lifting them.

Avoid Stretching or Overexertion

Stretching, straining, and overexertion can all pull on your stitches, potentially causing your incisions to reopen. You’ll want to keep avoiding these movements for a time even after your incisions heal so as not to put tension on your scars. The kinder you are to young scars, the more likely they are to fade well.

Scar Management

Being kind to your arm lift scars also means applying scar treatments. Silicone gels, creams, and sheets keep scars soft and supple while they mature, helping them to flatten and fade over time. You must wait until your incisions are completely healed to use them, however.

Hydrate and Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet

Your body needs adequate nutrition when healing from arm lift surgery, so make sure you stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet. Foods high in protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc are particularly helpful for promoting tissue repair.

Factors That Can Affect Arm Lift Recovery

Healing from an arm lift should occur in a straight line where you get a bit better every day. You will walk that line at your own pace, however. While your recovery timeline should come close to the one laid out above, you may hit certain recovery milestones at slightly different times. This is expected since different people heal at different rates. Factors that affect arm lift recovery include:

• The extent of your surgery, with recovery potentially taking longer if your surgeon removed a large amount of tissue
• Your genetics, age, and overall health
• How closely you follow your post-op care instructions
• Whether you had an arm lift alone or combined the surgery with other procedures

Recap & Next Steps

Patience and proper aftercare are the keys to a successful arm lift surgery recovery. If you still have questions about the recovery process or would like more personalized arm lift advice, we invite you to schedule a free virtual consultation with us. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you schedule your surgery if you’re ready.