Exercise after brachioplasty? (Photo)

Dear ranamoharam,

Firstly, congratulations on your significant weight loss and your journey towards improved health and body contour. When it comes to resuming exercise after a brachioplasty, it's crucial to proceed with caution to ensure optimal healing and prevent any complications.

Given that you're four weeks post-op and your surgeon has given the go-ahead to resume exercise with caution, here are some general guidelines:

Begin with Gentle Stretches:

Start with gentle arm and shoulder stretches to regain flexibility.
Perform basic wrist rotations, elbow flexion-extension, and gentle shoulder rolls.
Isometric Exercises:

Before moving to dynamic exercises, consider isometric exercises where you contract the muscle without moving the joint. For example, press your palms together in front of your chest and hold.
Progress to Resistance:

After you're comfortable with stretching and isometric exercises, consider using light resistance bands or weights.
Begin with low weights and higher repetitions to build endurance.
Aerobic Exercise:

Activities like walking or cycling can be resumed early on as they don't directly stress the surgical site.
Avoid Overhead Activities:

Initially, avoid exercises that require lifting your arms overhead or placing undue strain on the incisions, such as pull-ups or overhead presses.
Monitor Your Axilla Wound:

Given that you mentioned a small opening in your right axilla (armpit area), be especially cautious with exercises that stretch or stress that area. It's essential to ensure that the wound heals completely.
Listen to Your Body:

It's crucial to pay close attention to how your arms feel during and after exercise. Any pain, increased swelling, or unusual sensations should be taken as a sign to rest and possibly consult with your surgeon.
Regular Check-ins with Your Surgeon:

Schedule regular follow-ups with your surgeon. They can monitor your progress, ensure you're healing well, and provide more personalized exercise recommendations.
Remember, the goal post-surgery is not only to achieve the desired aesthetic result but also to maintain and improve overall arm strength and function. Taking a gradual approach and prioritizing safety over speed will yield the best long-term outcomes.

Best wishes on your continued recovery and fitness journey.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thank you for your question and photographs, and congratulations on your arm-lift.  If cleared by your surgeon, simple range of motion exercises bending and extending your arms will provide appropriate exercise for now.  I tell patients to wait at least 6 weeks before pursuing weight training exercises to improve your surgical appearance and arm tone, targeting shoulders (deltoids), biceps, and triceps.  Many gyms also provide trainers that may be of some assistance in helping gain strength.  

Each surgeon has his or her own protocol for postoperative recovery and return to activity. It is very important to follow your surgeon's advice. He or she knows you and your tissues better than an online consultant. With that said however most patients are able to gradually return to their postoperative activities within 2-4 weeks. This will be dependent the healing in each particular situation. If the wound is completely healed and there are no concerns about wound separation it is reasonable to plan on returning to upper body exercises 4-6 weeks after surgery. Good luck