Consult With Dr. Faulkner

• Discuss your medical history, including any existing conditions, allergies, or medications you currently take.

Pre-Operative Check-Up

• Dr. Faulkner may order tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests to assess your overall health.

Medication Review

• Discuss all medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, with Dr. Faulkner and his team to determine which ones should be stopped before surgery.
• Avoid blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as some herbal supplements, that can increase bleeding risk, at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Smoking Cessation

• Stop smoking at least 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after surgery to promote better healing.

Weight Management

• Dr. Faulkner may recommend weight loss or lifestyle changes to ensure the best results and minimize complications.

Prepare Your Home for Recovery

• Ensure easy access to supplies, and arrange for someone to help you with daily tasks during your recovery.
• Stock up on essential items and prepare meals that are easy to reheat, including high-protein, low-sodium foods, as well as plenty of fluids.

Arrange for Transportation

• Make sure you have someone to drive you to and from the surgical facility and that you have someone to stay with you for at least the first night after surgery.

Choose Comfortable Clothing

• Wear or bring clothing that will be comfortable during the recovery period to your arm lift in Rockville.

Rest and Hydrate

• Drink plenty of fluids, follow a balanced diet with adequate protein, and allow yourself plenty of rest to aid healing.

Pain Management

• Take prescribed pain medication as directed. You may not drive or drink alcohol if taking narcotic or opioid pain medication. Check with Dr. Faulkner if you may take Ibuprofen, Advil, or Motrin after your surgery. You may take Tylenol. Begin over-the-counter measures for constipation if taking narcotic pain medication.

Avoid Strenuous Activity

• Refrain from vigorous exercise, weight lifting, and contact sports for 6 weeks.
• Avoid raising your arms above shoulder level or lifting heavy objects for the first few weeks.
• Start taking short, gentle walks to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.

Alcohol & Smoking

• Refrain from smoking for at least 6 weeks, as it can impair wound healing.
• Avoid alcohol consumption until advised by Dr. Faulkner.

Wound Care

• Keep dressings in place as directed by Dr. Faulkner.
• Generally, you may shower after your first post-procedure visit. Avoid soaking in a tub until all areas have healed, which typically takes about 2 weeks.
• Reinforce dressings as needed. Continue to wear compression sleeves or ACE wraps as instructed by Dr. Faulkner. If the incision is exposed, it may be gently cleaned with soap and water as instructed.
• Do not apply hydrogen peroxide or other harsh substances to the incision sites.

Scar Care

• Use silicone products or sheets—available in our office—on the scar area to help flatten and soften scars. Begin gently massaging the area as directed, typically 2 weeks after an arm lift in Rockville.
• Protect scars from direct sunlight for at least 6 months or until your scar is no longer pink to prevent discoloration.

Other Considerations for an Arm Lift

After an arm lift, it’s important to be prepared for some side effects, including:

• Swelling and Bruising: Expect some swelling and bruising, which will gradually subside over time.
• Numbness: Some numbness in the surgical area is common and will improve as nerves regenerate.
• Itching: Itching may occur as nerves regenerate; Benadryl can help relieve itching.
• Pain: Moderate discomfort is expected and should be relieved by pain medication.
• Drainage: Some bloody drainage on the dressings is normal.
• Infection: Contact Dr. Faulkner immediately if you notice signs of infection, such as redness, heat, pus, or openings.

Dr. Faulkner and his team will closely monitor your progress to ensure a smooth recovery. As your scars fade and your skin continues to tighten over the months after your surgery, results will continue to improve. Maintaining a stable weight through a healthy lifestyle helps preserve results, while sun protection can minimize scar visibility.

Follow-up appointments allow for ongoing guidance and adjustments as needed after your arm lift in Rockville. If you have any concerns during the healing process, our team is available to provide support and reassurance.