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January 3, 2026
You can expect the early stage of your arm lift in Dubai recovery to last about two weeks. However, it may take additional time for all swelling to fully subside and for you to resume your regular activities, including exercise. Most patients are able to gradually reintroduce physical activity after approximately one month or longer.
During the initial recovery period after a Brachioplasty in Dubai, it’s crucial to keep your arms and upper body largely immobile. Your range of motion will be significantly limited, and strict lifting restrictions will be in place to prevent stress on your incisions. Following these guidelines not only helps protect your surgical results but also supports proper healing and reduces the risk of complications. By adhering to these precautions, you give your body the best chance to recover smoothly and achieve optimal outcomes from your arm lift procedure.
Top Tips for a Smooth Arm Lift Recovery Time
Your arm lift in Dubai surgery recovery will be significantly smoother and more manageable if you prepare in advance by following these tips:
1. Arrange Help for Daily Tasks
Before your surgery, enlist the help of friends or family for everyday tasks such as dressing, cooking, and cleaning. Keep in mind that your arm movement will be severely restricted, and you will be wearing a compression garment on both arms during recovery. After arm skin removal surgery Dubai, your arm mobility will be significantly limited. As a result, routine tasks that you usually manage on your own—such as tidying the house, preparing meals, and doing laundry—will need to be delegated to friends, family, or caregivers to ensure your safety and protect your surgical results during recovery.
2. Set Up a Comfortable Recovery Area
Set up a dedicated recovery area in your home where you have easy access to essentials such as water, healthy snacks, medications, and entertainment. The goal is to minimize the need for reaching or stretching during your healing process.
3. Purchase Front-Closure Clothing
After an arm lift procedure Dubai, it’s wise to keep loose-fitting, button-up, or zip-up shirts on hand. Lifting your arms to put on regular tops can be uncomfortable and difficult, and doing so may place unnecessary strain on your incisions, potentially affecting the healing process.
4. Prepare Meals in Advance
Prepare and freeze meals in advance to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. This will prevent the need for cooking when your arms are sore and recovering.
For patients undergoing arm tightening surgery Dubai, many often overlook meal preparation before their procedure. When they realize they are unable to cook during recovery, they may rely on takeout or quick, high-calorie, and less nutritious foods. While occasional indulgences are fine, focusing on a healthy and balanced diet will provide essential nutrients that support healing, reduce inflammation, and help you recover more comfortably and effectively.
5. Stock Up on Supplies
Prior to your surgery, ensure you have all necessary post-operative supplies—like bandages, ice packs, and any prescribed medications—on hand to prevent unnecessary trips to the store during recovery.
6. Plan for Childcare and Pet Care if Needed
If you have young children or pets, make arrangements for childcare and pet care in advance. During recovery, lifting or carrying them will not be possible.
7. Arrange Transportation
Because you won’t be able to drive for some time, make sure to arrange transportation for follow-up appointments and any essential errands.
8. Adjust Your Sleep Setup
Plan to sleep with your arms elevated to help reduce swelling, using extra pillows or a recliner for added support. After arm contouring surgery Dubai, maintaining proper arm elevation while sleeping is important to reduce swelling. Some patients use wedge pillows on either side of their body to keep the arms elevated and prevent rolling during the night, helping support a smoother and more comfortable recovery.
9. Avoid Heavy Lifting
Plan to avoid lifting anything heavy for several weeks after surgery, including grocery bags, laundry, and children or pets. After an upper arm lift Dubai, avoiding lifting heavy objects can be challenging, especially during the first few weeks of recovery. To help you remember these restrictions, placing reminder Post-it notes around your home can be a simple yet effective tip to protect your incisions and ensure a smoother healing process.
FAQs
Sadly, after an arm lift, scars are usually pretty visible for a while. The only way to get rid of the extra skin on the whole upper arm is to cut from the elbow to the armpit on each arm.
This cut will always be a little bit noticeable, even though it will be closed carefully and heal well. The good thing is that it's made on the inner arm, so you can only see it when the arms are up. Also, staying out of the sun (especially right after your upper arm lift surgery), using silicone scar sheets, and following your other plastic surgery healing tips will make your scars less noticeable. Over time, scars from arm lifts will fade and straighten out.
Yes, you will have sore upper arms after the surgery. This is normal, and your plastic surgeon will give you a prescription for pain medicine to help you feel better. Follow the instructions for taking all of your pain medicine after surgery.
After flabby arm surgery Dubai, surgeons typically prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections and pain medication to manage post-operative discomfort. Taking these medications exactly as directed is crucial not only for your overall health but also to ensure the best possible results from your surgery.
The initial recovery period after an arm lift typically lasts around two weeks. During this time, swelling and soreness are common, and your range of motion will be limited. Full recovery, including the ability to return to all normal activities and exercise, usually takes one month or more. Each patient heals differently, so your surgeon will provide personalized guidance.
Some degree of pain and discomfort is normal following arm lift surgery in Dubai. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage this effectively. It’s important to take the medication as directed and avoid activities that may strain your arms, as this can increase discomfort and slow the healing process.
Swelling is a natural part of recovery, but there are ways to manage it. Wearing compression garments on your arms, keeping your arms elevated while resting or sleeping, and applying ice packs as recommended can help reduce swelling. Following your surgeon’s instructions carefully will support a faster and smoother healing process.
Yes, arm lift surgery involves incisions that typically extend from the elbow to the armpit, so some scarring is unavoidable. These scars are usually placed on the inner arm, making them less visible in most positions. Proper post-operative care—including avoiding sun exposure, using silicone scar sheets, and following all recovery instructions—can help scars fade and flatten over time.
Patients are usually advised to avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous exercise for at least a month after surgery. Light activities, like short walks, can often be resumed sooner, depending on your comfort level. Always follow your surgeon’s guidance, as resuming exercise too early can strain incisions and affect results.
Call to Request a Consultation Appointment
Getting rid of extra skin and fat from your upper arms can make you feel a lot better about yourself and your body. Even though it can be hard to heal from arm surgery, most people say it is worth it. Cosmetic surgery can make big changes and help people live a new life.
To learn more about how to recover from arm lift surgery and if you are eligible for this treatment, please get in touch with our office today and ask for a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Matteo Vigo.