Recovering from Arm Lift Surgery in Las Vegas
Recovering from Surgery
Dr. Cambeiro is a board-certified plastic surgeon performing arm lift surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada. If you live outside of the Las Vegas area, please contact us to learn more about our fly-in program.
- Your arms will be swollen for several days following the arm lift procedure.
- We ask that you wear the compressive garment provided for at least two weeks to help minimize swelling.
- Dr. Cambeiro will see you at the office one to three days following arm lift surgery to remove dressings, assess your wounds and to reapply the compressive garment.
- We ask that you wear the garment at all time except when you are bathing and washing the garment.
- The scars of the brachioplasty surgery often become more red two weeks after surgery and then begin to fade two to three months later.
- The scars never completely disappear and take from twelve to eighteen months to reach their final appearance.
- It is imperative that you not allow sun exposure to these scars while they are still red.
- If sun exposure is to occur, however, a sun block with a rating of 15 or better should be applied.
- You should not drive until you have normal return of daily activity and are off all narcotic medications.
- You should avoid strenuous activities such as bending, lifting, and sports for about three weeks. Drinking alcohol can lead to fluid retention and delays recovery.
- During the first 24 hours your assigned caretaker will assist you in getting up to the bathroom, taking medications, and eating and drinking. During the first 12-24 hours you will stay on a liquid diet and advance yourself as tolerated.
- You will probably feel tired and sore for a few days following your arm lift surgery, but you will be up and about in 24-48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication.
- Antibiotics are continued for five days after the arm lift procedure to lower the risk of infection.
- You should be up and walking on the morning following your arm lift surgery, and a light solid diet begun to the point of tolerance.
- If you have a temperature over 99.5 degrees, chills or sweats, a markedly different degree of swelling between sides, and/or increasing rather than decreasing pain—call the office immediately!
- You should be able to return to work within a few days to week, depending on the level of activity required for your job.
- Dr. Cambeiro will let you know when a good time is to start up your exercises and normal activities.
- You are allowed to bathe 48 to 72 hours after the arm lift procedure. Showering is then permitted but the incisions should not be submerged, as in a tub or pool.
Final Result
- The scars of the brachioplasty surgery often become more red two weeks after surgery and then begin to fade two to three months later.
- The scars never completely disappear and take from twelve to eighteen months to reach their final appearance.
- It is imperative that you not allow sun exposure to these scars while they are still red.
- If sun exposure is to occur sun block should be used.
If you are considering arm lift, Las Vegas plastic surgeon Dr. Cambeiro invites you to request a complimentary consultation or give our office a call at (702) 566-8300 for confidential and informative answers to all your questions. If you prefer, you can send us an email using our discreet online form.
