Push ups and pull ups after arm lift?

Question

How long after an arm lift surgery can you start doing pushups and pull ups? Also how long do you have to wear the compression 24/7?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding exercise and compression garments after your arm lift. Typically, I recommend avoiding strenuous upper-body exercises, including push-ups and pull-ups, for at least 8–12 weeks after surgery. These exercises place significant strain on the arms and may disrupt healing or worsen scarring if done too early. Your specific timeline may vary, so it's essential to consult your surgeon about your readiness for these activities.

Regarding the compression garment, most patients wear it 24/7 for the first 4–6 weeks post-op, only removing it for showers. After that, your surgeon may allow you to transition to wearing it for part of the day or at night, depending on your healing progress. Compression helps reduce swelling, support the tissues, and improve the final contour of your arms.

When you’re cleared to resume push-ups, pull-ups, or similar exercises, ease back into them gradually. Start with modified versions and lower resistance to avoid overloading your arms and potentially affecting your results. Proper guidance from your surgeon or a physical therapist is invaluable for safely returning to these activities.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! For my patients, I recommend they take 3 weeks off of cardio at the gym, and 6 weeks off of weight training and yoga exercises. For push ups and sit ups, it is best to wait the full 6 weeks. In regards to the garment, I recommend they wear it for the first 3 weeks, 24/7, then an additional 3 weeks at night only. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Roberto Gonzalez, MD · Answer

How long to wear the compression and when to start exercising may vary from surgeon to surgeon. For most,  the compression should be worn for about 4 to 6 weeks. To start exercising about the same. But first you should ask your doctor if it is ok.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Give yourself a full six weeks to heal before performing pull ups and push ups so that separation does not occur. Ace bandages can be worn 24/7 for three to six weeks.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello gg911.Great question.Most likely, for pull ups and and push up, you're looking at about 6 to 8 weeks. I do recommend the ace wraps for 2 to 3 weeks around the clock - so 24/7. Your surgeon might have a different protocol and you should ask him/her about it.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO :)

Jennifer Lauren Crawford, MD · Answer

Great question!  It is so important to understand limitations after surgery especially when there is so much skin that needs to heal.  For the majority of my patients with an arm lift, I will restrict strenuous weight lifting (which would include pushups and pull ups) for 6 weeks.  If someone has had a small wound healing problem, that time can become longer until we are sure the skin has healed strongly and there is no excessive swelling.  If patients have healed right on schedule, I will also lighter cardio exercise, walking, and small arm weights at 4 weeks.  For the compression garment, I want patients to wear it as often as continuously as possible for at least 2 weeks with a preference for them to wear compression as much as possible for 4-6 weeks depending on the degree of swelling seen on postoperative checks.  If more liposuction was done, I tend to see a longer swelling period.  But, my activity and garment protocol may not mirror other surgeons.  So, be sure to check with your surgeon for their preferred recommendations.

Jonathan Hall, MD · Answer

The answer is 6 weeks.  After any surgery, the incisions get progressively weaker for the first 3 weeks and then from week 3 until week 6 will slowly regain strength.  At 6 weeks, most wounds are back to 70% of final wound strength and are finally strong enough to withstand exercise- stress your incisions before that and the scars will spread, thicken more and may even open up.  Compression is optional-I usually have my patients wear a light compression sleeve for 6 weeks as well.  This supports the incision at the same time.

Push ups and pull ups after arm lift?

Answers (7)

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