Bilateral Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) – Discharge Instructions

Tony L. Weaver, DO, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Office Phone: 256-817-6153
Text Line (Non-Urgent Questions): 256-434-7520
“I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord.
— Jeremiah 30:17


GENERAL EXPECTATIONS
It is normal to experience:

• Swelling, bruising, and tightness of the upper arms
• Mild to moderate discomfort
• Temporary numbness or altered sensation along the incision lines
• Drainage from incision sites in the first 24–48 hours

Swelling may persist for several weeks and can fluctuate throughout the day. Final contour results evolve over 3–6 months.

ACTIVITY

• First 48 hours: Rest with arms elevated above heart level when possible on at least 2 -3 pillows
• Weeks 0–2:
  • No lifting greater than 5–10 pounds
  • Avoid reaching overhead or stretching the arms
  • Gentle hand, wrist, and elbow motion encouraged
• Weeks 2–6:
  • Gradual return to light daily activities
  • No strenuous exercise, weightlifting, or upper-body workouts
• After 6 weeks:
  • Resume unrestricted activity only after clearance

🚫 Do NOT perform push-ups, pull-ups, rowing, or resistance training until cleared.


COMPRESSION GARMENTS

• Wear your arm compression garment continuously (24/7) for the first 2–3 weeks, except for showering
• Afterward, wear during the day for an additional 2–3 weeks as directed
• Compression helps control swelling, supports healing, and improves contour

INCISION & WOUND CARE

• Keep incisions clean and dry
• Showering is typically permitted 48 hours after surgery unless otherwise instructed
• Allow soap and water to gently run over incisions--do not scrub
• Pat dry and reapply dressings as instructed
• No soaking (baths, pools, hot tubs) for 4 weeks

DRAINS (IF APPLICABLE)

• Empty drains 2–3 times daily and record output
• Secure drains to clothing to prevent tension
• Drains are usually removed when output is minimal, typically within 5–10 days

MEDICATIONS
PAIN CONTROL – MULTIMODAL APPROACH 
Pain following surgery is expected and is best managed using a multimodal regimen to minimize opioid use while maintaining comfort.

1. Ibuprofen (Motrin) 800 mg
   • Take every 8 hours with food, scheduled for the first 5–7 days, then as needed.
   • Avoid taking other NSAIDs concurrently.
2. Methocarbamol (Robaxin) 750–1500 mg
   • Take every 8 hours as needed for muscle tightness, chest wall discomfort, or spasms.
   • May cause drowsiness—use caution when standing or walking.
3. Percocet 5/325 mg
   • Take only for breakthrough pain not controlled with ibuprofen and Robaxin.
   • Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible.
   • Do not drive, operate machinery, or consume alcohol while taking this medication.
4. Gabapentin 100 mg
   • May take three times daily for nerve-related pain (burning, tingling, hypersensitivity).
   • Most beneficial in the first 48–72 hours after surgery.
   • Discontinue if excessive sedation or dizziness occurs.
5. Phenergan
   • Take as needed for nausea or vomiting, particularly if using opioid medication.
   • May cause drowsiness.

🚫 Avoid aspirin, NSAIDs, or supplements unless approved.


SWELLING & BRUISING

• Swelling is normal and may be asymmetric
• Elevation and compression are key
• Bruising typically resolves over 2–3 weeks

SLEEPING

• Sleep on your back
• Keep arms elevated on pillows
• Avoid pressure on incisions

DIET & HYDRATION

• Maintain a high-protein diet
• Stay well hydrated
• Avoid alcohol for at least 2 weeks
• No smoking or nicotine products—this significantly increases wound complications

WARNING SIGNS – CALL IMMEDIATELY IF YOU EXPERIENCE:

• Fever > 101°F
• Increasing redness, warmth, or pus at incision sites
• Sudden swelling or severe pain in one arm
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Excessive bleeding soaking through dressings
• Separation of the incision

FOLLOW-UP

• First post-operative visit: as instructed 
• Additional visits will be scheduled to monitor healing and scar progression

SCAR MANAGEMENT

• Scars will appear red and firm initially—this is normal
• Once incisions are fully healed:
  • Begin silicone gel or silicone sheets
  • Gentle scar massage may be recommended
• Scar maturation occurs over 6–12 months

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Results improve over time—patience is essential
• Minor asymmetries and residual swelling are common early
• Strict adherence to instructions directly affects outcomes

If you have questions or concerns, contact our office immediately.Weaver Plastic Surgery
📞 256-817-6153