Most patients are able to return to office-based work within a week of surgery. If job responsibilities are more strenuous, a longer recovery period may be required. It is important to discuss your job requirements with Dr. Power pre-operatively, who will then be able to make specific recommendations. Exercise and strenuous lifting should be avoided for one month following arm lift surgery to lower risk of healing complications, particularly bleeding and increased swelling which would increase risk of wound healing complications.