Recovery After Arm Lift

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• Prepare your house for surgery: 1-2 weeks before surgery you should have your childcare, work arrangements, and caretaker lined up. Depending on the procedure you may have a few recovery items on hand. Start with an organized, clean house and full pantry. If you are making meals, simple prep. meals and disposable dinnerware.
• Prepare your body for surgery: The weeks before surgery are a good time to maximize a healthy diet and stay on top of exercise. Yoga and heart-healthy exercises are particularly valuable. For almost every procedure stopping smoking 6 weeks before surgery is valuable. For some it is critical. Avoid excessive alcohol and marijuana prior to surgery as well.
• Check your medications and supplements: Some medications such as aspirin, fish-oils and some supplements can contribute to bleeding and bruising after surgery. If you would like to take SinnEcch for bruising you would want to do so before surgery. The benefit is mild in Dr. Yates’s opinion but some patients swear by it.
• Stay away from illness: Avoid getting sick, wash your hands frequently and avoid contact will people who are ill.

Check the procedure list below for the time you should plan to take off of work or exercise. With most procedures, office work and light exercise are OK between one to three weeks. For most procedures, there are no restrictions after six weeks.

Dr Yates will give you most everything you need after surgery including garments, scar cream, and dressings as indicated. A few recommended additional supplies are

• Bed that reclines, recliner, or extra bed pillows
• Icy Hot back patch
• Loose baggy clothes
• Paper tape 1″
• Ice packs
• Stool Softener
• Ginger Ale
• Antacid such as Tums
• Melatonin (not to be used with pain medications)
• Benadryl
• Cortisone cream
• Neosporin
• Probiotics or yogurt
• Second stage Spanx or Flexees for appropriate procedures
• Flexible straws for drinking
• Water bottles/ Gatorade
• Entertainment such as DVD or Netflix
• Cell phone charger near bed and sofa