Are you considering a brachioplasty? Here's everything you need to know about the recovery period to ensure the safest, most satisfactory results.
Arm lifts (brachioplasty) are becoming more popular following significant weight loss. This cosmetic surgery is performed primarily to reduce the circumference of the upper arm and tighten the skin, dramatically improving the appearance and contour of your arms.
A brachioplasty can be used to:
- Eliminate excess and loose skin from the area between the underarm and elbow
- Reshape your arm for improved contours and smoother skin
- Create a more toned and proportioned appearance
- Reduce localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region
Customized Brachioplasty at our Edmonton Clinic
At our Edmonton clinic, we offer a wide range of cosmetic surgeries including liposuction, abdominoplasty and brachioplasty to meet all your unique body contouring needs. During an in-depth consultation, we can assess your aesthetic goals, cosmetic needs and medical history to determine whether or not a brachioplasty is right for you.
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Recovering From a Brachioplasty
Brachioplasties are usually associated with a rapid and relatively easy recovery, but as with all cosmetic surgeries, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-procedure care instructions to ensure you receive the safest and most satisfactory results.
Timeline: The recovery period for a brachioplasty can range from 1 week (mini-brachioplasty) to 3 weeks (full brachioplasty)
What to expect from your recovery period
- You should make arrangements for a responsible adult (family member or friend) to bring you to the surgery centre and take you home after the procedure.
- After you arrive home, you will be instructed to rest for the first couple of days following surgery. Walking around the house is encouraged to help with circulation
- Drinking fluids is encouraged to prevent you from becoming dehydrated and to promote the healing process.
- Your arms will be placed in compression garments. Typically, you shouldn’t remove these garments until the first post-operative visit.
- Drainage from the surgical site for the first 24 hours is to be expected. However, if you’re having excessive bleeding, you should contact your surgeon IMMEDIATELY.
- No extra activities or exercising for the first 3 weeks. Ask your surgeon when you can return to your normal exercise routine.
- It’s important to ensure that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion during the time of healing.
Medications
Patients will be instructed to avoid all aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for the first few days after the brachioplasty. It’s important to listen to what your surgeon has asked of you so that no unforeseen complications can arise during or after the surgery.
In addition to aspirin, the following should be stopped at least 1-2 weeks prior to and after your surgery:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Herbal supplements
- Vitamin E
- Sodium
For the full list of medications you should avoid during and after your brachioplasty, it’s best to consult your surgeon.
Post-Operative Pain
Pain will vary from patient to patient, however, most people will require a few days of pain medication to treat any discomfort they might have.
Call Today
To find out more about the costs, benefits and healing time of a brachioplasty, contact Dr. Ladak at 780-407-6691 or use our online contact form below.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Edmonton, Alberta and specializes in a variety of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures.
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