Brachioplasty can deliver stunning results by removing excess skin and fat to create a more toned and defined upper arm. However, like any surgical procedure, the recovery process is an important part of achieving optimal results. At iQonic, we aim to guide you through each stage of your recovery, ensuring a smooth healing process and helping you understand when it’s safe to resume your daily activities. In this blog, we’ll explore the brachioplasty recovery timeline and when you can expect to return to work, exercise, and other normal activities.
The First Week After Surgery
The first week following brachioplasty is focused on healing and rest. Immediately after surgery, you’ll be monitored at the clinic before being discharged with detailed aftercare instructions. Most patients experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising during this time, which is normal as the body begins the healing process.
- Compression Garments: You will be advised to wear compression garments around the upper arms to help minimise swelling and support your arms during recovery.
- Pain Management: Any discomfort can typically be managed with prescribed pain medications, and you should take it easy, avoiding any strain on your arms.
- Avoid Using Arms: For the first few days, it’s essential to avoid heavy lifting or any vigorous movement of the arms. Keeping your arms elevated while resting can also help reduce swelling.
Returning to Normal Activities:
- Work: If you have a desk job or light duties, you may be able to return to work after 7 to 10 days, depending on how you feel. However, jobs that involve physical labour or heavy lifting will require a longer recovery period.
Weeks 2 to 3 After Surgery
By the second week, you’ll start to notice an improvement in swelling and discomfort, although some swelling and tightness around the incisions may still be present. During this period, you’ll continue wearing compression garments and focusing on gentle movements.
- Follow-Up Appointments: During this time, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon at iQonic to assess your healing progress. Stitches may be removed if non-dissolvable ones were used.
- Mobility: You can begin light activities, such as gentle walking, but it’s important to avoid any strenuous activities or exercises that involve your arms.
Returning to Normal Activities:
- Daily Activities: By the end of the second week, most patients feel comfortable enough to resume light daily activities like cooking or light housework, but be sure to avoid any activities that put strain on your arms.
- Driving: You can resume driving once you feel comfortable and have regained enough mobility in your arms, usually around the two-week mark, but only if you are no longer taking pain medications.
Weeks 4 to 6 After Surgery
Between 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery, you’ll experience further healing, and your arms will start to settle into their new shape. Most swelling should have subsided by this time, and your incisions will continue to heal and fade.
- Arm Movements: You can begin incorporating more arm movements into your daily routine, but it’s still important to avoid heavy lifting or vigorous activities that could impact the healing process.
- Exercise: Around the 4-week mark, you can usually start introducing light exercise, such as walking or stationary biking, but you should avoid upper body exercises or lifting weights until you get the go-ahead from your surgeon.
Returning to Normal Activities:
- Exercise: Light exercise can be resumed, but upper body workouts should still be avoided. Full exercise routines, including arm workouts, are safe to resume around the 6-week mark, depending on your surgeon’s advice.
- Work: By week 4, most patients are comfortable returning to work full-time, even for jobs that involve more physical activity, but it’s essential to follow your body’s cues and avoid overexertion.
2 to 3 Months After Surgery
By 2 to 3 months post-surgery, the majority of the healing process will be complete. Your incisions should be well on their way to fading, and the final results of your brachioplasty will become more apparent as your arms settle into their new contour.
- Scar Care: Continue using scar treatments like silicone sheets or gels to help minimise the appearance of scars.
- Full Activity: Most patients can return to all normal activities, including full exercise routines and heavy lifting, by 2 to 3 months post-surgery.
Returning to Normal Activities:
- Exercise: You should now be able to fully resume all types of physical activity, including strength training, weightlifting, and upper body workouts, without restrictions. However, always check with your surgeon before restarting intense activities.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
After the initial recovery period, it’s important to continue taking care of your body to maintain your brachioplasty results. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to preserve the toned appearance of your arms. While scars may take up to a year to fully fade, following your surgeon’s scar care advice will help reduce their visibility over time.
Recovering from brachioplasty is a gradual process that requires patience, but the results—a more defined, toned appearance—are well worth the effort. By following this timeline and adhering to your surgeon’s aftercare instructions, you can ensure a smooth recovery and enjoy long-lasting results.
At iQonic, we’re dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, from consultation to recovery. If you’re considering brachioplasty or have questions about the recovery process, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our expert team.
