Your comfort and safety during recovery are our highest priority. This guide has been prepared to help you navigate each stage of your healing journey with clarity and confidence. Please read it carefully and keep it close throughout your recovery — our team is always available should any questions arise.
Preparing for Your Procedure
One Week Before
- Refrain from alcohol for at least 3 days before and after surgery.
- Confirm all required laboratory work and blood tests have been completed and sent to our office. Fax: 855-506-2309.
- Fill any prescribed medications so they are ready at home before your procedure date.
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Vitamin E, and any blood-thinning supplements unless otherwise directed. Tylenol is acceptable.
The Evening Before
- Our team will contact you to confirm your arrival time.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight — this includes water, breath mints, and gum. Failure to fast may result in cancellation of your procedure, as a fasting state is required for safe sedation.
- The only exception is prescribed medication; take it with the smallest sip of water the morning of surgery as instructed.
Morning of Surgery
- Shower and shampoo thoroughly before arriving.
- Do not apply makeup, hair products, gels, or nail polish. Acrylic nails may remain.
- Dress in loose, comfortable clothing and flat, easy-to-slip-on footwear.
- Leave all jewelry, body piercings, and valuables at home.
- If you are currently menstruating, please wear a pad rather than a tampon.
- Please make sure you have a responsible adult picking you up when surgery if completed.
Your Recovery at Home
What to Expect
- It is normal to experience bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, tightness, burning, difficulty lifting your arms, and drainage from your incisions.
- Swelling may occur for approximately 1–6 months, and numbness will continue to improve as healing progresses.
- You may help lessen bruising, swelling, and discomfort with the use of cold compresses.
- For the first 72 hours, sleep with pillows under your arms to keep them in an elevated position.
Activity & Arm Use
- Full arm extension may be impossible for the first week. You can help this by standing 2 feet from the wall and “walking” your fingers up the wall. Do not overdo it — gradually increase using your discomfort as a guide.
- Avoid strenuous exercises until cleared at your post-operative visit.
- Please ask your physician before taking aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications, as these can create a greater risk for bleeding.
Compression & Incision Care
Compression Garment
- Wear your compression garment on the arms at all times except during showering. Compression reduces swelling and supports the contour of your result. Wear as directed.
- Machine wash on gentle — do not place in the dryer.
Drain Care
- If surgical drains were placed, follow the instructions given by our post-operative staff for emptying and logging output. Bring your drain log to every post-operative visit.
- Drains are typically removed within 7–10 days based on fluid output.
Incision & Wound Care
- Paper tapes will be placed over your incisions. Leave them in place as directed.
- Apply gauze to the incision site to absorb any drainage. Change as needed.
- Avoid direct sunlight to your incisions through your post-operative visits.
Supporting Your Results
Swelling & Healing Timeline
- Swelling and bruising along the arms are completely normal. Bruising tends to follow gravity and may travel downward toward the elbows and forearms in the early days.
- Final results typically emerge between 3 and 6 months post-surgery as swelling fully resolves.
Scar Care & Sun Protection
- Avoid direct sun exposure to your arm incisions for at least 1 year following surgery.
- Once incisions are fully healed, apply unscented zinc oxide SPF 30+ consistently to help minimize scar visibility.
- Arm lift scars are long by nature — consistent scar care over the first year makes a significant difference in their final appearance.
Hydration & Nutrition
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day to support healing and reduce swelling.
- Prioritize protein-rich, anti-inflammatory foods and limit sodium intake.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 2 weeks and do not smoke or use nicotine products during recovery.
Contact Our Office Immediately If You Experience Any of the Following:
- Fever above 101°F
- Pain that is not adequately relieved by prescribed medication
- Increased redness, warmth, or swelling around the incision site
- Bleeding that saturates your dressings
- Foul-smelling or unusual discharge
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, or any other symptom that concerns you
When in doubt, please call. We would always rather hear from you.
