An arm lift, medically known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the underside of the upper arm by removing excess skin and fat. Clothing choices temporarily change during recovery to support healing and optimize the surgical outcome. Post-operative care, particularly concerning what you wear, is paramount for a smooth recovery. Following your surgeon’s specific instructions on garments and dressing is a necessary part of the healing process.
The Necessity of Post-Surgical Compression Garments
The primary clothing item immediately following brachioplasty is a specialized compression garment, generally provided or prescribed by your surgeon. This medical-grade garment applies consistent, gentle pressure to the arms, which is integral to post-operative recovery. The pressure helps manage and reduce post-surgical swelling (edema) by encouraging the lymphatic system to drain excess fluid away from the surgical site.
This mechanical support plays a significant role in improving the final contour of the arms. The garment helps the remaining skin and underlying tissues conform smoothly to the new, defined shape. By stabilizing the tissue, the compression garment minimizes movement at the incision sites, which reduces pain and supports wound integrity. The pressure also helps flatten and soften scars, potentially reducing the risk of developing raised scars like keloids.
Compression garments often extend from the wrist or forearm up to the shoulder and across the back like a jacket. They are constructed from durable, elastic materials like nylon and spandex, engineered to provide a specific level of pressure (often 20 to 30 mmHg). The fit must be snug enough to apply uniform pressure but never so tight that it restricts circulation or causes skin irritation. Adjustable closures, such as hooks, zippers, or Velcro, allow for customized fit as initial swelling subsides. The fabric should be breathable and moisture-wicking to keep the skin dry and prevent irritation near the incision lines.
Choosing Comfortable Attire for Daily Wear
While the compression garment is worn underneath, the clothing worn over it must prioritize ease of dressing and comfort. The initial post-operative period involves limited mobility and arm elevation restrictions, making tops that pull over the head difficult and painful. Therefore, the most practical daily wear consists of loose-fitting tops that open completely in the front.
Shirts and blouses with button-down fronts, zippers, or snap closures are highly recommended during the first few weeks of recovery. This design allows dressing and undressing with minimal arm movement, protecting the incision sites from unnecessary strain and friction. Tops should be generously sized and loose-fitting to accommodate the compression garment and typical post-operative swelling.
The best material choices are soft, non-irritating, and breathable fabrics, such as cotton, bamboo, or moisture-wicking synthetics. These materials help maintain a comfortable temperature and reduce the risk of rubbing or irritation over healing incisions and potential drain sites. Avoid stiff, rough, or heavy materials that could press uncomfortably against the arms.
Sleeves on outer clothing should be wide and non-restrictive to prevent pressure on the arms or impeded circulation. While long sleeves protect healing scars from sun exposure, they must be very loose. The goal for all general clothing is to provide a protective, gentle layer that does not interfere with the compression garment or the healing process.
Timeline for Garment Use and Transition
The duration for wearing the compression garment is determined by your surgeon and is typically structured in phases, depending on the individual’s healing rate. In the initial phase, usually lasting one to three weeks, patients are advised to wear the garment continuously, twenty-four hours a day. It should only be removed briefly for showering and washing the garment.
Following the continuous wear period, the timeline transitions to a second phase where the hours of wear are gradually reduced. This might involve wearing the garment for part of the day or only at night for an additional two to four weeks. Many surgeons recommend a total compression therapy period ranging from four to six weeks.
Maintaining the garment’s cleanliness is important to prevent skin irritation and infection; therefore, having at least two garments is practical for washing and drying rotation. As swelling resolves and healing progresses, your surgeon will advise when it is safe to transition back to your pre-surgery wardrobe. This transition to regular, fitted clothing usually occurs between four and six weeks post-surgery, but tight or heavy items should be avoided until full clearance is given.