Exercise after brachioplasty? (Photo)

Question

Hello. I lost 135 pounds about 6 years ago and had a brachioplasty 4 weeks ago. I wanted to know recommended arm exercises/stretches to ensure best appearance and toning. My surgeon said I could start exercising again but to take it slow. My wounds have healed except for a small opening in my right Axilla. Thank you

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

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.

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

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

Terry E. Restivo, DO · Answer

and make sure your skin incisions are healed before your start a workout/toning program. This is imperative as you do not want you words to open, as that would further delay your ability to workout.Longterm, the exercises that you are going to want to focus on are those for the triceps muscles. Exercises for the biceps are important too but the triceps are the muscles that prevent the sagging in the back of the arms. It is also critical to keep your weight stable as fluctuations in weight can also cause the skin to sag.Good luck!

Patricia Yugueros, MD · Answer

Exercising for toning will require weight lifting, my recommendation is to wait 6 weeks for more than 15-20 lbs. Ask your doctor to see what routine they will recommend.

Jason M. Petrungaro, MD, FACS · Answer

You ask an excellent question.  The most important person to listen to in this situation is your surgeon.  He or she knows their routine and what gives them the best results.For my arm lift patients, I will make them wait at least 6 weeks before they do any arm exercises.  In order to tone your upper arms, you will want to focus on your biceps and triceps muscles.  You can target these in many ways, including some free weights (such as dumbbells) or on weight machines.You will be able to find great exercises on the Internet, and if you are uncomfortable, I would recommend a few sessions with a personal trainer or someone very familiar with lifting weights.  Congratulations on your weight loss and on your successful arm lift!  Best regards!

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD (retired) · Answer

Toning the arm muscles can be well accomplished with resistance training using weights, bands or machines. You will primarily work the biceps (front of the arm) and triceps (back of the arm). While you can see videos of these exercises on the internet, you'd do well to have a session or two with a trainer to be sure your form is proper.Do communicate with your surgeon about the selection of exercises and when to start, since you have an open area.

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