Within the world of cosmetic surgery, there are many procedures aimed at turning and modeling the different parts of the body. One little known but very interesting is brachioplasty. It is the technique that seeks to improve the appearance of the arms, by eliminating excess fat and skin that can be annoying, especially when weight has been lost. However, as in any other procedure, after this surgery it is necessary to take some precautions in the recovery. One of the most important issues is how to sleep after arm lift surgery, since involuntary movements can occur during the night that hinder regeneration. In this post, you will find all the information you need about this procedure.

The arm lift procedure

Brachioplasty or arm lift is a surgery that aims to remove excess fat and skin in the lower arms. It is very common for this excess to form in the face of pronounced changes in weight, especially when it has been lost quickly. The complexity is that it is very difficult to get rid of this excess fat through diet or exercise, unlike other parts of the body. Extra fat and skin, also called flaps, can be extremely bothersome and difficult to remove. Therefore, this procedure is a very effective solution and used for cases of this type.

There are many benefits of this surgery, in addition to considerably improving the appearance of the arms in cases where it is not very easy to do so. Also the torso will be more aesthetically contoured, since the arms form a fundamental part of the general appearance. In addition, excess moisture or bad odor that may occur due to the accumulation of fat and skin in the armpit area will be eliminated. And not a minor issue, is that it will allow you to use some garments that you did not dare before, either out of modesty or because it was not easy to put them on.

Before we get to how to sleep after arm lift surgery, it’s important to know a little more about this procedure. In general, there are four types of arm surgeries:

• Upper brachioplasty: It is also called standard, since it is the most common type of these surgeries. This procedure removes excess skin and fat that goes from the armpit to the elbow. It is very normal that it is practiced before a significant weight loss or before the signs of aging.
• Mini Brachioplasty: This procedure is similar to the previous one, but of a reduced magnitude. It is ideal for those people who only require a retouch of their image, and the skin and fat that they want to eliminate is not very abundant.
• Extended brachioplasty: In this procedure, the entire circumference of the arm is modified, since it is affected more deeply. It is the recommended procedure in cases where the skin has become very lax and there is a significant excess of fat and skin in the lower part of the arms.
• L-brachioplasty: This is the newest technique within the possibilities offered. Not only is the skin and fat removed from the lower arm, but the lateral part of the thorax is removed as well. It is performed in cases where weight loss has been important.

There are several ways to perform arm lift surgery, but generally these include certain incisions on the inside or back of the arms. They can also extend to the armpit or elbow, as the surgeon sees fit. At Dr. Carlos Spera’s clinic you will receive all the necessary information and a specific diagnosis of your case, to make the best decision about the procedure you want to perform. In general, an Arm Lift in Miami can last about 3 hours and is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the case and the patient.

Tips on sleeping after arm lift surgery

Once the surgery is done, it is very common for doubts to arise during the recovery stage. Among the most frequent is how to sleep after an arm lift surgery. In general, the position recommended for rest after this operation, face up, with your arms raised, resting your hands on your heart. This posture promotes circulation and recovery. It is important not to sleep on your side to avoid putting pressure on the affected area.

In addition, there are other recommendations at this stage. One of them is not to use bracelets or rings that can hinder the circulation of the extremities. You may be advised to wear a compression garment to improve recovery. Within the stages, we can find the following.

How to sleep after arm lift surgery: recovery

For the first few days, you may experience pain that can be effectively controlled with medication. You will also have less mobility as a result of the bandages you will be wearing on your arms. Loose clothing and as little effort as possible at this time is recommended.

In the first week, the pain will subside until pain medication is no longer needed. Bruising and swelling will also improve,  although it is likely that you will continue to notice them for two or three weeks. After ten days, the stitches and bandages will be removed. Mobility will increase, but you are still unable to perform efforts such as lifting or pushing things. At this time you can return to normal activities such as work or showering.

After about five weeks, the swelling and bruising should be completely gone and the final results of the surgery can be seen. You can begin sports and physical activity gradually, and in most cases you will no longer need compression. Scar control can last up to six months, to ensure an inconspicuous result that heals properly. As for how to sleep after arm lift surgery, the precaution only includes the first few days, so you don’t have to worry about it anymore.