It is crucial that you adhere to all instructions provided by the surgical team when you come back home from the hospital after undergoing Plastic Surgery in Arlington TX. For a few weeks following the surgery, it is advised not to lift your arms beyond 90 degrees from your body or above your head. Additionally, it is important to avoid pushing, pulling, or lifting objects weighing more than five pounds during this four-week period. This is to ensure proper healing of your scars without any stretching or enlargement.
We often receive inquiries regarding arm movement restrictions and upper body discomfort during the recovery process. Generally speaking, we recommend that patients avoid raising their arms above shoulder level for the first three weeks after surgery. Doing so can create unwanted tension in the incisions that could affect healing and the appearance of scars. Keep doing light activities, but in general, you should limit the reach, lifting and raising of your arms above the head. Midwest Breast & Aesthetic Surgery is home to trusted Ohio plastic surgeons who have specific training and experience in gender-affirming surgery.
However, if your job involves physical activity, heavy lifting, or strenuous movements, you may have to wait up to 6 weeks or longer. Later complications can affect the contour of the chest (such as dog ears) or the appearance of scars or nipples and are usually treated with revision surgery. If you have had surgery on your upper neck using FTN or FTM, you can switch from wearing a compression band to a softer and more comfortable garment, as directed by the surgeon plastic. During this time, activities such as strenuous exertion, heavy lifting, or exercise should be firmly avoided.
Surgeons often use bandages or compression garments to facilitate the healing process and protect the nipples. However, patients whose work involves heavy lifting may have to wait at least 3 to 6 weeks after surgery before they can perform their work duties. One way to evaluate shoulder mobility is to lift your elbows above your shoulder and point them upwards, as seen in image 2.Practice basic personal care tasks, such as brushing your teeth, showering once the bandages and drains have been removed, and eating alone, but minimize overall arm movement.
