BEFORE: For Arm Lifts, plan a calm first week with meals prepped, chores covered, and a ride home arranged. Tell your surgeon about all medicines, vitamins, and herbs, since some can raise bleeding and bruising. Only stop anything if you are told to. You may be asked to pause nicotine and avoid alcohol for a short window because both can slow healing. Have button-up shirts, pillows to keep your arms supported, and ice packs ready. If you live in Grand Rapids, MI, choose loose, breathable clothes, since heat and sweat can irritate fresh incisions. Set phone reminders for meds.

DURING: On surgery day, your team reviews the plan, confirms markings, and keeps you comfortable with the chosen anesthesia. The surgeon removes extra skin and may use liposuction to smooth fullness, then shapes the arm so the contour looks even from front and side views. Incisions are placed where they can hide along the inner arm, and the tissue is closed in layers to reduce tension on the scar. A dressing and compression sleeves are applied to limit swelling. Some patients go home with small drains to prevent fluid build-up. Before you leave, you get clear instructions for bathing, arm movement, and when to call for help.

AFTER: Expect swelling, bruising, and tightness at first, with steady improvement week by week. Most people can do light daily tasks in a few days, but lifting, pushing, and workouts must wait until your surgeon clears you. Keep compression on as directed and protect the incision from rubbing. Walking helps circulation, while sleeping with your arms supported can reduce pulling. Scars look pink early and fade slowly; sunscreen and shade help a lot. Call right away for fever, one-sided swelling, worsening redness, or drainage. Final arm shape often shows best after several weeks. Stay close to follow-up visits.