At Dr. Jack Peterson’s plastic surgery practice located in Topeka, Kansas, we understand the importance of post-operative care following an arm lift surgery or Brachioplasty. It’s not just about the surgery itself, but also the care that follows which ensures a successful recovery.
Post-operative care for arm lift surgery is a crucial aspect of the healing process. It involves a series of steps and precautions to help achieve the best possible results and minimize the risk of any complications. In this blog post, we’ll tackle each aspect of the post-operative care phase to help you on your path to recovery.
The First 24 Hours after Arm Lift Surgery
The first 24 hours after the operation are usually the most crucial. Here are some pointers for those initial hours after your arm lift surgery:
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery. The anesthesia and sedative effects will take several hours to dissipate.
- Rest with your arms elevated on pillows to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Ensure you’re wearing your compression garment as advised by Dr. Jack Peterson. This supports the healing process and aids in skin retraction.
- Drink plenty of water and eat a light meal when you feel ready, generally after the anesthesia’s effects have worn off.
- Take the prescribed pain medication at the recommended intervals to manage discomfort.
First Week of Recovery
During the first week of recovery, it’s vital to:
- Continue wearing your compression garment day and night, removing it only for showering once permitted by Dr. Peterson.
- Limit your physical activity. Light walks can help promote blood circulation, but avoid lifting anything heavy or doing any strenuous activities.
- Follow a healthy diet. Eating proteins and foods rich in vitamins A and C can help in wound healing and tissue repair.
- Continue taking your medication as prescribed.
Second Week of Recovery and Beyond
After the first week, you may gradually resume your daily activities, but bear in mind:
- Heavy exercises, high impact activities, and lifting heavy objects should still be avoided for three to four weeks.
- Gentle massages can help alleviate swelling. However, you should consult Dr. Peterson before attempting this as every patient’s healing timeline is different.
- Continue to protect the incisions from sun exposure using a broad-spectrum sunscreen if you plan to wear any clothing that reveals the surgical area.
Caring for Your Incisions
Taking care of your incisions is a critical part of the healing process after arm lift surgery. Here are some guidelines:
- Keep the incisions clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Apply prescribed topical medication as directed by Dr. Peterson.
- Avoid scratching or irritating the surgical site.
Understanding the Potential Complications
Although arm lift surgery is generally safe, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks. Incision infection, seroma or hematoma formation, delayed wound healing, and altered sensation in the surgical area are a few potential complications. If you notice any signs of these complications, you should contact Dr. Peterson’s plastic surgery practice in Topeka immediately.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Successful recovery from an arm lift surgery involves not just the immediate post-operative period but also long-term care:
- Maintain a stable weight. Significant weight fluctuations can alter the results of your arm lift surgery.
- Keep your skin hydrated and maintain a healthy skincare routine. Using quality skincare products like SkinMedica® Skin Care can help.
- Keep up with your follow-up appointments at Dr. Jack Peterson’s office so that he can assess your progress and address any potential concerns.
Post-operative care following arm lift surgery doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these insights from our team in Topeka, Kansas, you can expect to have a smoother, safer, and more successful recovery journey.
