FREE INFORMATION CONSULTATION
Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our surgical advisory team members.
They will provide you with information and resources prior to booking your first surgical
consultation with Dr Dona
Fri 4th Oct 2024
The journey to reshaped arms doesn’t end in the operating room. After the surgical scar seals and the hospital stay concludes, patients embark on a pivotal phase: recovery. Healing from an arm lift surgery is a structured process, with critical steps to optimise outcomes and minimise the risk of complications. It involves adhering to post-operative care instructions, managing bruising and swelling, wearing compression garments, and allowing time for the body to restore strength and regain functionality. Each stage in the recovery timeline is an investment in the overall success of the procedure, ensuring the supportive tissue and reshaped contours settle into their new form.
Dr Dona’s clinic provides all patients with detailed written pre- and post-operative instructions. Furthermore, all your post-operative appointments are booked prior to your day of surgery.
We offer an intensive post-operative treatment plan which involves 2-3 appointments per week for the first three weeks, and then regular appointments thereafter. It is during these first few weeks where we will carefully monitor your progress and wound healing and commence various treatments to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
The incorporation of post-operative LED therapy and skin needling has also been shown to encourage healing and scar quality. At Dr Dona’s clinic, LED therapy is an integral and compulsory part of all our post-operative care and typically you will receive 2-3 sessions per week for the first few weeks as a minimum.
Wearing Compression Garments – When you wake up from your surgery you will have a compression garment on your arms. These are basically tight “sleeves” that control the swelling and help reduce tension on the wounds. Compression garments play a vital role in the recovery from an arm lift. Typically, these garments should be worn for four to six weeks post-surgery. The consistent pressure provided by these garments ensures that the arms heal to the optimal shape and can also assist in minimising the appearance of surgical scars.
Walking after a Brachioplasty – You can mobilise gently from day 1 after surgery – be guided by your body and keep it short. At 2 weeks post-op you can do basic cardio training including walking on a treadmill and stationary bike work but avoid any weighted workouts (including lower body workouts).
Driving after a Brachioplasty – You should not consider driving for the first 2 weeks after surgery. After this time, you should only drive if you feel safe doing so.
Returning to work after a Brachioplasty – You will be able to return to a light office or desk work environment at 2 weeks post-op. Light hospitality work may be possible at 4 weeks. Any employment that involves heavy lifting or straining must be avoided for 6 weeks.
Returning to normal after a Brachioplasty – At 6 weeks post-surgery you can gradually return to normal training and physical activities.
Consider the first 6 weeks after surgery as RECOVERY, and after 6 weeks consider all activities as REHABILITATION. Undertake any physical activities that you wish to do and be guided by your comfort and strength which will slowly improve.
Back to Normal after a Brachioplasty – It will take at least 6 months before you are feeling “normal” and able to do all the things you could before surgery.
Sexual Activity after a Brachioplasty – You can return to sexual activity at any stage with the following understanding:
Clinic Appointments – You will be required to be seen for regular post op checks for at least the first 6 months after surgery. Follow-up appointments will be shared between the practice nurses and Dr Eddy Dona.
Undergoing an arm lift, like any surgical procedure, carries its share of potential risks and complications.
A detailed list of these potential complications can be found here:
www.drdonaplasticsurgery.com.au/body/arm-lift-brachioplasty/#complications
During the initial consultation, Dr Dona will evaluate your medical history to tailor the safest approach for your unique needs. Common risks associated with arm lift surgery include:
During the recovery time, it is vital to follow Post-Operative Care instructions closely to minimise these risks. Abstaining from strenuous activities and heavy lifting is crucial for a smooth healing process.
Embarking on the journey of an arm lift surgery is a decision that demands careful consideration and comprehensive understanding.
It is imperative to engage in an initial consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who possesses the acumen to assess your medical history and delineate a tailored treatment plan. This will not only acquaint you with the resultant surgical scar and the requisite recovery time but also equip you with the measures necessary for optimal Post-Operative Care.
Commonly, the average cost of an arm lift fluctuates based on surgeon fees, hospital fees, and the complexity of the procedure. Whilst private health insurance may offset certain expenses, if you are seeking a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon then you will still have out-of-pocket expenses.
In summary, when considering the substantial investment and the expected temporary refrains from normal activities and strenuous activities including heavy lifting, informed decision-making is crucial.
Dr Eddy Dona has been a specialist plastic surgeon since 2007, and is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. From your first clinic visit, and throughout your surgical journey, Dr Dona and his team will be there to make it as smooth as possible.
Get in touch with our clinic to request a consultation with Dr Eddy Dona
Dr Eddy Dona (FRACS) is a Specialist Plastic Surgeons in Sydney, and a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Following his medical degree at the University of Sydney in 1996, Dr Dona then began a further 11 years of intensive training to become a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon.
Since starting private practice in 2007, Dr Dona has had patients from all over Australia seeking his expertise and specialist management. Dr Dona’s practice has grown and become heavily focused on breast and body reconstructive procedures, especially after massive weight loss including post-pregnancy.
Despite running a busy private practice, Dr Dona spent the first 15 years of his specialist practice dedicating part of his time to one of Sydney’s largest teaching public hospitals, including training future plastic surgeons. This was where Dr Dona was often required to reconstruct the bodies of those affected by trauma and cancer.