What are you thoughts on skiing 1 month post-op?

Thank you for your question and congratulations!  I applaud you for wanting to get back to activity as soon as possible.  I definitely recommend that you listen to your surgeon regarding postop instructions.  Having said that, most patients who have an arm lift, have significant swelling,and some discomfort even at 4 weeks postop.  If you had any healing problems, this can also delay return to aggressive upper body activities such as skiing. Most surgeons recommend waiting 6 weeks before returning to full activities and sooner for lighter activities. I would not classify skiing as a light activity.  Further, I would advise erring on the cautious side as when you make costly plans for an event with friends and family, it is no fun if you cannot participate fully because you are in pain or uncomfortable.  I hope that helps!  All the best!

Thank you for your questions. You should follow your surgeon's post operative instructions carefully. Your surgeon knows best the extent of the procedure performed and the amount of healing needed. Good Luck. 

My recommendation would be to hold off on the strenuous activity for at least six weeks to heal before performing strenuous exercises so that separation does not occur.  Ace bandages can be worn 24/7 for three to six weeks.  You have consulted your surgeon who knows how well you have healed and approved your ski trip four weeks after surgery.  I advocate following your PS's post operative protocol.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Hello Gentle4844, thank you for your question regarding whether you be able to ski one month after an arm lift, arm reduction, or brachioplasty. If you have not had any complications (like wound breakdown), I see no reason why you cannot ski four to six weeks after an arm reduction. When you were skiing or when you are physically active, I would highly suggest you wear your arm compression garments. physical activity will cause swelling in areas which have undergone surgery.  The arm lift or brachioplasty is no exception.  I hope that I have answered your question regarding post-operative activity after an arm lift, arm reduction, or brachioplasty .Good luck and have fun skiing. I wonder where you'll go? Utah, Wyoming, Switzerland? If you have questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, or brachioplasty, please contact my office.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society Plastic Surgeons, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and Fellow of American College of Surgeons and American Board for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery)

Thanks for your question. If your healing is normal the your wounds should be about 80 percent as strong as they will become at three weeks. By six weeks they are close to 100 percent. I would suggest you get a check up with your PS before the trip to make sure your PS feels you are safe to proceed.Best wishes.

As long as your incisions are healing well and you take it easy, skiing might be fine for you. Every patient is different but in general, it takes about six weeks until surgical incisions begin to gain real strength. If you do decide to give it a try, make sure that your arms are wrapped with some sort of support such as an ace wrap to give you added protection if you fall. Good luck.

Your surgeon will be the best person to determine if you are cleared for skiing as she/he is most familiar with the details of your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery. I typically recommend patients refrain from strenuous activity for 6 weeks and then gradually ease back into them.

Hello! Thank you for your question. Every plastic surgeon has a unique post-surgical protocol. In my practice, patients wear compression garments and avoid vigorous exercise for at least 6 weeks. No postoperative protocol is right or wrong----since they are based on the experience of each plastic surgeon.

Thank you for your question.  In general, you want to give enough time to allows your incisions to heal before you put too much stress on them.  4-6 weeks is pretty reasonable, and that timing depends on patient to patient.  What can happen is that increased tension can cause those scars to widen, and in the worst case completely pull apart.  Your body will tell you when it's too much, so have fun on your trip and don't push yourself too hard!

Congratulations on your arm lift!  I know it sometimes can be a long journey on the road to recovery and it is good to be extra cautious.  I think that casual skiing would be fine. But be aware that big arm movements like moguls or jumps would be too much strain on the incision and it may widen your incision.  Just use caution and listen to your body and you should tolerate the activity without any problem!  Warmly, Linda Camp, M.D. of the Aestique Plastic Surgical Associates, Ltd.