Body Contouring Recovery · NYC Specialists
Arm Lift & Brachioplasty Recovery
Rehabilitation in New York City
Certified post-brachioplasty rehabilitation — MLD for arm and hand swelling, inner arm scar management, and mobility restoration after arm lift surgery — at Thera PT & OT in Midtown Manhattan.
Book a Free Consultation Our ApproachWhy Brachioplasty Requires Dedicated Rehabilitation
Arm lift (brachioplasty) removes excess skin and fat from the inner arm, typically leaving a scar running from the axilla (underarm) to the elbow. The procedure disrupts lymphatic drainage in the upper arm and may also affect axillary lymphatic pathways — producing swelling that can extend into the forearm and hand, and scar tissue that, without management, can tighten, restrict shoulder movement, and limit arm function.
The inner arm scar from brachioplasty is particularly prone to widening, hypertrophy, and adhesion due to its location in a high-tension area that crosses a joint. Early scar management — combined with lymphatic drainage for the arm swelling — is essential for both the cosmetic appearance of the scar and the functional movement of the arm and shoulder.
Post-Brachioplasty Concerns We Treat
- Arm swelling — upper arm, forearm, and hand — from disrupted axillary and upper arm lymphatic drainage
- Inner arm scar management — preventing widening, hypertrophy, and adhesion to underlying tissue
- Shoulder and elbow stiffness from scar tension and protective guarding
- Numbness and hypersensitivity along the inner arm scar
- Compression sleeve guidance for arm swelling management
- Scar management at the axillary portion of the incision — highest tension area
Our Treatment Approach
Arm & Shoulder Assessment
We assess arm swelling distribution, current scar status, shoulder and elbow range of motion, and any functional limitations. Axillary lymph node involvement is assessed to determine appropriate drainage pathways.
Arm MLD
Gentle MLD along axillary and upper arm drainage pathways, reducing swelling from the hand upward to the axillary node basin. Adapted to incision healing status and your arm's tolerance at each healing stage.
Inner Arm Scar Management
Scar desensitization, silicone guidance, and gentle scar mobilization as healing allows — addressing the full length of the brachioplasty incision with particular attention to the axillary junction. See our scar management services.
Shoulder & Elbow Mobility
Gentle progressive range of motion for the shoulder and elbow to address movement restrictions from scar tension, guarding, and swelling. Activity modification and home exercise guidance are provided.
Arm lift recovery is both a lymphatic and a scar management challenge. Our certified team addresses both dimensions comprehensively.
Book a Free ConsultationAll Plastic Surgery RecoverySpecialist Care in Midtown Manhattan
Our certified cosmetic surgery rehabilitation therapists serve patients from plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout New York City and the Tri-State Area. We coordinate with your surgical team and welcome both self-referrals and surgeon-referred patients. No referral required in New York State. Get directions →
115 West 30th Street, Suite 502B
New York, NY 10001
Near Penn Station · 1/2/3 at 34th St–Penn
B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W at 34th St–Herald Square
(917) 319-4492
info@thera-rehab.com
Monday – Friday · 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
My arm is very swollen after my arm lift — is that normal?
Significant arm swelling after brachioplasty is common and expected. The procedure disrupts lymphatic vessels in the upper arm and may affect axillary drainage. MLD is one of the most effective tools for reducing this swelling. Most patients see meaningful improvement within 4–6 sessions.
Will there be noticeable scarring after my arm lift?
The inner arm scar is one of the most prominent scars in body contouring surgery. With dedicated scar management — beginning once the incision is healed — we can significantly improve its appearance and prevent the tightening that limits function. The sooner scar management begins, the better the long-term outcome.
Expert brachioplasty recovery rehabilitation in Midtown Manhattan. Our certified team is ready.
Contact Our TeamBook an Appointment