Wing It Right: Navigating Brachioplasty Like a Pro

During the summer, when warm temperatures and beach outings are common, many people want to wear swimsuits, sleeveless dresses, and tank tops. However, if you’ve experienced significant weight loss or are simply getting older, sagging skin on the upper arms can be a concern. 

Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure that addresses this issue. It tightens and contours the upper arms, allowing you to feel more confident in sleeveless clothing. If you’re considering brachioplasty, it’s essential to understand the procedure and how to prepare for both the surgery and recovery.

Preparing for Your Procedure 

Once you have found your surgeon and set a date for your brachioplasty procedure, it is time to prepare for your procedure as well as your recovery. Here we offer a list of things to do before your big day. 

• Fill Prescriptions – Talk with your surgeon to see if you can have post-procedure medications called in before your procedure so you can have them ready, eliminating the need to fill them after your procedure when all you want to do is get home!
• Create a Recovery Spot – Allowing your body to recover is an essential part of the brachioplasty process. Creating an area for you to recover in, such as your bedroom or your favorite recliner, will allow you to prepare for what you need. Make sure medications, snacks, the television remote, and crossword puzzle books are easily accessible to you during the recovery period. 
• Schedule Help – The first 7-10 days of your recovery can be difficult and having someone around the house to assist you will be a lifesaver, especially if you have children or pets. Ask friends or family members if they can assist in your recovery.
• Meal Prep – Eating healthy foods is essential to your recovery, but chances are you will not want to cook during recovery. Making meals ahead of time and freezing can ensure you will have a healthy meal that you can reheat and enjoy with minimal effort. 

What to Expect with Brachioplasty 

On the day of your brachioplasty, you will want to wear comfortable clothes, which should include a shirt with buttons on the front and easy slip-on shoes so you don’t have to worry about raising your arms or bending over when you get dressed after your procedure. When it is time for your procedure, you will receive general anesthesia before the surgeon begins. Brachioplasty typically takes 1 to 3 hours. Once complete, you will move to recovery. You may have a compression garment in place, as well as surgical drains. After a short observation period or overnight stay, you will be released to a friend or family member to drive you home and begin recovery.

Brachioplasty Recovery and Results

When it comes to arm lift recovery, most patients can return to work within a week, though it will take longer to completely heal. Your surgeon will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and you must follow these. If you have drainage tubes, you will be instructed on how to care for these, as well as your incision. Tubes are generally removed around day 10 post-op. You may be instructed to wear compression garments on your arms to aid in the healing process. You will need to avoid heavy lifting and intense activity for at least 4 to 6 months after your procedure. 

Each brachioplasty procedure Dr. Kramer performs is unique, and how your recovery goes is often dependent on brachioplasty techniques used and additional treatments performed at the same time. At Kramer Plastic Surgery, we work to help you achieve your body contouring goals. To learn more about brachioplasty and how it may benefit you, call 208-344-4900 to schedule a consultation today and be ready to show off your beautiful arms.

Author: Dr. Jonathan Kramer

A board-certified plastic surgeon in Boise, Dr. Jonathan Kramer believes that plastic surgery goes well beyond what we see physically, and that it can bring profound life-changes. He earned his MD at Emory University and completed a two-year plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver.