After about 4 weeks, it is usually safe to resume most exercise. However, this varies from patient to patient. Your surgeon will be happy to advise you on when it is safe for you to return to various forms of exercise.

The arms are likely to feel swollen, tight and sore for the first few weeks after surgery. Mild bruising is also likely during this period. It will typically take another 2 to 4 weeks of recovery before exercises involving the arms can be done. Final results typically become apparent after 6-12 months.

A vast majority of patients are delighted with their arm lift results and think the procedure is worth it. In fact, on RealSelf, the arm lift procedure has a 94% “Worth It” rating at the time of writing this article.

You will be put to sleep with with general anesthetic for the brachioplasty procedure, and you should not feel anything for the duration of the surgery. After the surgery you will likely experience bruising, swelling and moderate discomfort for the first few weeks. Your doctor will prescribe medication to control the pain. A complimentary arm wrapping or compression garment will also be provided which needs to be worn for an extended period after surgery and can reduce swelling as well as discomfort.

An invisible arm lift gets its name from the incision used for the procedure. Arm liposuction is performed to remove fat, and arm skin removal is done using an “invisible” arm lift incision hidden in the arm pit, pulling the skin tight. This is also sometimes referred to as a mini arm lift. To see if you are a candidate, book a free consultation today.

An arm lift generally takes 2 to 4 hours, depending the technique and individual.

For the first few weeks, it is typically recommended for patients to sleep on their backs with their arms elevated, propped up by a few pillows. Sleeping in a recliner is preferred by some patients after arm lift surgery.

It depends on the technique. One technique can require an incision along the inner aspect or back of the upper arm, which is where the most excess loose skin is. Another technique involves a scar near the armpit which tends to be visible when your arm is up in the air, but hidden when at your side.

Most patients can resume driving 1 week after brachioplasty surgery, provided they are no longer requiring pain killers at that time. However, this time period varies from patient to patient and your plastic surgeon will advise you when you can begin driving after arm lift surgery.

Depending on the technique used, the scar may be noticeable from different angles. It may be hidden from the front, but not the back. Or it may be hidden when the arm is down, but not when the arm is up. Scars tend to fade over time, but not for all patients. Genetics, age and ethnicity all influence how your scars change appearance over time.