How Long Does Swelling Last After Brachioplasty?
For many people, brachioplasty is the body sculpting answer for a firmer, smoother upper arm area. An upper arm lift can help correct loose or sagging skin due to aging or significant weight loss. It can also incorporate liposuction to remove excess adipose fatty tissue, which often creates the dreaded "bat wing" appearance. Brachioplasty can help bring back a firmer, more contoured shape to your upper arms so you can feel confident again when wearing a bathing suit or sleeveless shirt.
At Jeffrey LaGrasso M.D. in Miami, FL, renowned board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso and his experienced team offer women and men this body contouring procedure to achieve their aesthetic goals. If you are considering brachioplasty, read on to learn about arm lift recovery tips and what you can expect with post-operative swelling, or feel free to contact our office to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. LaGrasso today.
Arm lift recovery tips
Whether you are dealing with drooping skin due to aging or excessive weight loss, brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, can be the body sculpting solution you need. An upper arm lift is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess, loose skin in the upper arm area. Liposuction can also be added to remove excess adipose fatty deposits for optimal arm sculpting results. Along with post-surgical bandages, you may need to wear a compression garment to keep swelling down. It is important to have someone drive you home and stay with you for the first few days to help during recovery. Patients should also:
- Follow post-operative instructions
- Use plenty of pillows to maintain proper arm positions day and night
- Drink an abundance of fluids after surgery to help speed up the recovery process
- Wear comfortable loose clothing that preferably buttons or zip up
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
What to expect after arm lift surgery
Since everyone heals at their own pace, there is no universal timeline for arm lift recovery. However, patients should plan to take about 1 – 2 weeks off from work or normal activities. It is normal to experience post-surgical bruising, soreness, tightness, and swelling. Swelling can be present in the target area for up to six months but will continue to subside as healing progresses. The exact amount of time for how long to wear a compression garment after arm lift surgery can vary. Patients may be asked to wear compression garments for about 3 – 6 weeks to help control side effects, such as bruising or swelling, and allow the arms to heal properly. Patients will want to use pillows to keep the arms elevated, increase circulation, and reduce swelling during the day and at night.
Does arm lift surgery leave scars?
Surgical procedures, like an arm lift, will require incisions to remove excess skin and fat from the target area. The incisions will continue to heal and fade to a normal skin color during the first 12 months after surgery. It is important for Miami, FL men and women to avoid direct sun exposure and apply sunscreen to protect incision sites. This helps to avoid scar tissue becoming discolored. Patients must be aware that brachioplasty scarring may be lengthy in size and slow to heal. It can take from a few months or up to a year before the scar is less noticeable and more skin tone in color.
While most patients will see some initial results shortly after arm lift surgery, post-operative swelling will obstruct the full outcome for about six weeks. However, once most of the major swelling subsides, patients can begin to enjoy their fantastic results. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jefferey LaGrasso will ensure every patient leaves his office loving how they look. For more information on arm lift surgery, call our Miami, FL office today and let our experienced team help you.