Arm Lift Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week Healing Process

Woman smiling holding up her nicely toned arms from arm lift surgery in Calgary, AB Not loving the look of your arms and desire less excess skin and fat? An arm lift (brachioplasty) is ideal for achieving beautifully toned and contoured arms. While the results can be transformative, the right aftercare ensures the best outcome. Here’s a week-by-week recovery timeline so you know what to expect after your arm lift surgery.

With a commitment to quality, individualization, and patient well-being, Dr. Jeffrey C. Dawes, MD, FRCSC, provides personalized arm lift procedures designed to achieve natural-looking, refined results. Backed by rigorous surgical training and extensive expertise in aesthetic surgery, Dr. Dawes ensures a smooth recovery process and excellent outcomes for patients seeking arm contouring in Calgary, Alberta.

Week 1: Rest and Initial Healing

  • The first week is all about rest and allowing your body to heal.
  • You will experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which you can manage with the pain medication your doctor prescribes.
  • You should wear compression garments to reduce swelling and support the healing process.
  • Avoid lifting your arms above shoulder height, and follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions carefully.

Week 2: Gradual Improvement

  • Swelling and bruising should start to subside.
  • Many patients feel well enough to return to light daily activities but should still avoid strenuous movements.
  • If stitches aren’t dissolvable, your doctor will remove them.
  • Continue wearing compression garments as your surgeon recommends.

Weeks 3-4: Increased Mobility and Healing

  • Pain and swelling continue to improve.
  • You can begin light exercise, like walking, but you must still avoid heavy lifting and upper-body workouts.
  • Most patients can return to desk jobs at this point, but physical jobs may require more recovery time.
  • Scar healing begins, but redness and firmness are still present.

Weeks 5-6: Near Full Recovery

  • You may gradually resume more intense workouts with your surgeon’s approval.
  • Swelling goes down significantly, and your new arm contour becomes more visible.
  • Scars begin to fade but will continue improving over time.

Beyond 6 Weeks: Long-Term Results

  • Your final results become more apparent as residual swelling disappears.
  • Scar treatments, such as silicone gels or laser therapy, can help reduce scarring.
  • Continue maintaining a healthy lifestyle to preserve your results.

Reveal Sleeker, More Sculpted Arms with an Arm Lift in Calgary, AB

Following this week-by-week recovery timeline will make your healing process smooth and you can fully appreciate your new, improved arms. If you’re considering an arm lift, call us at 403-571-3141 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dawes to discuss your options.

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“My role, in part, is to assist patients through the process of determining which surgical or non-surgical options would help them meet their aesthetic goals and realistic expectations” - Jeffrey C. Dawes MD, FRCSC

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What Happens in a Consultation?

  1. You will meet Dr. Dawes for an individualized, comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Dawes will offer individualized recommendations regarding the best treatment options available to you in a way that will allow you to make a confident, well-informed decision.

  2. You will then meet with a staff member to review your customized quote, discuss financial options and ask questions.

  3. Discuss potential treatment or procedure dates.

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