Raising Your Arms After Top Surgery Medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Mosser on July 27, 2024 One of the most frequently asked questions we receive about top surgery is: what are my limitations to arm mobility during recovery? Since certain arm movements can pull on your incision, limiting mobility after top surgery can help minimize scarring. Specifically, we ask most patients to avoid lifting their arms above their shoulders for the first 6 weeks after surgery. That said, some patients may need to prioritize shoulder mobility exercises during recovery for medical reasons or because of their lifestyle. Here we provide recommendations to help you avoid shoulder injuries and/or reduce your …