The information on this page provides a condensed overview of preparation and recovery guidelines for brachioplasty surgery. For complete instructions—including detailed timelines, medication guidelines, and incision care—please download the full Pre-Operative and Post-Operative instruction documents below.
Fasting: No food or drink (including water, gum, or mints) for 8 hours before surgery.
Transportation: A responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours. Rideshare services are not permitted.
Medications: Stop aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood-thinning supplements as directed (usually 2–3 weeks before surgery).
Lifestyle Adjustments: Stop smoking and limit alcohol use at least 2–4 weeks before surgery to support healing.
Day of Surgery:
Sleeping Position: Rest with arms elevated on pillows and your upper body at a 30–45° angle to reduce swelling.
Mobility: Begin gentle walking as soon as possible to prevent blood clots. Avoid lifting, stretching, or strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks.
Garment Use: You will likely be placed in compression garments to support healing and reduce swelling. Wear them as directed.
Showering: Usually permitted the day after surgery; remove and replace garments afterward.
Incision Care: Keep dressings clean and dry. All stitches are dissolvable. Protect scars from sun exposure with SPF 30+ once healed.
Exercise: Light activity may resume at 3–4 weeks; avoid strenuous exercise until cleared by your surgeon.
Return to Work: Most patients return to non-physical work in 1–2 weeks.
For full details on medications, incision care, scar management, and recovery milestones, please download both documents below:
Download Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) Pre & Post-Operative Instructions (PDF)
Download Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions: Surgery with General Anesthesia (PDF)
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