How long before I can golf after an arm lift?

Dear Lise,

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a procedure that involves removal of excess skin and tissue from the upper arms. Given the nature of the surgery, post-operative care and precautions are vital for ensuring optimal results and preventing complications.

Specifically addressing your question about golf:

Initial Recovery: In the first couple of weeks post-surgery, it's crucial to minimize any strain or movement that can affect the surgical site. This helps in wound healing, reduces the risk of complications, and ensures the best aesthetic outcome.

Light Activities: Typically, light activities can be resumed within a week or so after surgery, depending on your individual recovery.

Returning to Golf: Golf involves significant motion of the arms, especially during swings. Generally, patients are advised to wait at least 4-6 weeks before resuming golfing activities. This timeline allows for incisions to heal adequately and ensures that any vigorous arm movement won't compromise the surgical results or cause discomfort.

Professional Guidance: Before returning to golf or any other sports activities, it's essential to consult with your plastic surgeon. They can provide guidance based on your specific recovery progress and any other individual factors.

Remember, while the urge to return to regular activities can be strong, patience during the recovery process is key. Taking the appropriate amount of time to heal and following your surgeon's recommendations can ensure that you achieve the best results from your arm lift and can enjoy your golf game without any setbacks.

Best wishes for a swift recovery and many great rounds ahead.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thank you for your question.  I recommend that my patients wait six weeks before doing any rigorous exercise.  That being said, you should see your surgeon to get his or her opinion on the matter, as each surgeon will offer his or her own advice.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Thank you for your question. Golfing involves vigorous swinging of the arms, so it is possible to cause an injury if done too soon postoperatively. I typically advise my patients to avoid this type of activity for about 6 weeks postop. Since everyone heals at a different rate it is safest to check with your surgeon before engaging in vigorous exercise.

If your healing is uneventful and you are having no wound healing problems you should be able to return to full activity at 6 weeks. This includes playing golf. You could carefully practice putting however in 4 weeks.

Thank you for your question. Each PS will have a slightly different protocol and each protocol changes depending upon the progress as assessed by a physical exam. In my practice I used 6 weeks as a general guideline because after that time I usually remove the compression sleeve.  Hope this helps.

I would tell my patients that 6 weeks is the minimum amount of time to wait before attempting to golf after an arm lift. That being said, it also depends on the patient's healing process and that time might be extended in some circumstances.

Your plastic surgeon will guide you to their best recommendations for all activities.  In my practice I ask people to not exert themselves or play golf for at least a month after surgery.  The incisions are not strong enough to tolerate a lot of activity and friction.  You may also cause arm swelling with too much arm use. Brachioplasty scars can tend towards being thick, especially towards the elbow joint - the more you jump the gun the more apt you will be to contribute to poor scar formation.  Remember, its your surgeons job to safely and effectively tighten your arms on the day of surgery - it is your job to protect the work that has been done during that first month.  You've spent money, undertaken surgical risks, sustained economic downtime from your work..there's a lot invested in you getting your best result.  Wait at least a month -then start back slowly.