Having an arm lift can be intimidating. We use our arms in nearly every activity we do on a daily basis. That said, we ensure that our arm lift patients stay as comfortable as possible during recovery. During the initial week of recovery, the arms are heavily bandaged so may feel bulky or awkward. The bandages provide gentle compression that can help somewhat with soreness and tenderness. For the first several days, you will also manage comfort with prescription pain medication. This should be taken as directed. Do not wait until you feel pain to take your medication. Additionally, rest as much as possible. Aside from taking short walks a few times a day, it is best to avoid moving the arms unnecessarily until the soreness and swelling subside. These side effects improve significantly during the first week of recovery. After that point, pain can be managed using over-the-counter medication.