Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) Post-Operative Instructions

Instructions

Have someone drive you home after surgery and help you at home for 1-2 days.
Get plenty of rest.
Follow balanced diet.
Decreased activity may promote constipation, so you may want to add more raw fruit to your diet, and be sure to increase fluid intake.
Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin unless approved by your physician.
Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medications.
Even when not taking pain medications, no alcohol for 3 weeks as it causes fluid retention.
If you are taking vitamins with iron, resume these as tolerated.
Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.

Start walking as soon as possible, as this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics).
Social activities can be resumed 10-14 days after surgery.
Avoid strenuous exercise and activities such as sports for 4 weeks.

If drainage tube(s) have been placed, you may shower 48 hours after removal.
Avoid exposing scars to sun for at least 12 months.
Always use a strong sunblock, if sun exposure is unavoidable (SPF 30 or greater).
Keep steri-strips on.
Keep incisions clean and inspect daily for signs of infection.

Postoperative pain is minimal.
Your arms will be wrapped with ace wraps for compression immediately after surgery.
You will be required to purchase a compression garment after surgery that is specific for your procedure.
You will need to wear this garment 4-6 weeks after surgery. This is determined by your physician.
There will be swelling and discoloration.
There may be numbness around the operative areas.

There will be a scar in the underarm area; this scar will be hidden when arm is against body.
If incision extends down to and around elbow, scar may be visible.

Some sutures will be absorbed; remaining sutures will generally be removed in 1-2 weeks.

If you have increased swelling or bruising.
If swelling and redness persist after a few days.
If you have increased redness along the incision.
If you have severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
If you have any side effects to medications; such as, rash, nausea, headache, vomiting.
If you have an oral temperature over 100.4 degrees.
If you have any yellowish or greenish drainage from the incisions or notice a foul odor.
If you have bleeding from the incisions that is difficult to control with light pressure.
If you have loss of feeling or motion.

(734) 998-6022, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
After hours and on weekends, call Hospital Paging at (734) 936-6267 and ask for the Plastic Surgeon on call.