Your post-op instructions will have detailed guidelines about all activity restrictions and their timelines. For example, you cannot drive until you're no longer taking prescription pain medication. You'll also want to resume driving slowly and gradually so you don't overstretch the arms and potentially disrupt the healing process.
In general, after your arm lift procedure, you can benefit from the following strategies:
Rest as much as your body requests. You can move around and can benefit from walking for two to five minutes several times a day. However, during your first week of recovery, your energy may be significantly less than your norm. Take your time. Doing too much too soon could prolong your overall healing process.
Avoid lifting your arms overhead. You may raise your arms up to about shoulder level but should wait at least two weeks before lifting any higher than that. You may need someone to help you brush or wash your hair during that time.
Do not lift objects that weigh more than 10 pounds. Also, refrain from pulling or pushing objects over that weight as well.
Keep your activity level to the bare minimum. You may be given clearance to resume all of your normal activities, including exercise, four to six weeks after your arm lift.