For individuals who’ve recently undergone arm lift surgery, the eagerness to return to their regular workout routines is understandable. However, like any other surgical procedure, arm lift surgery demands patience and understanding about when and how to safely resume physical exercises.
Dr Carmen Munteanu MD. FRACS (Plas) is a Melbourne specialist plastic surgeon performing arm lift surgery and other body procedures.
An arm lift, medically referred to as brachioplasty, stands as a surgical intervention meticulously crafted to eliminate the surplus skin and fat deposits on the upper arms. This procedure has gained popularity and is sought after by many for plenty of reasons. Some individuals are motivated to undergo the surgery due to noticeable alterations in the contour of their arms as they age. For others, it becomes an appealing option after they’ve undergone a significant weight reduction journey, which, although rewarding, can unfortunately leave them with sagging skin in the arm region. Additionally, there are those who inherently, perhaps due to their genetic makeup, experience an undesirable fullness in the underarm area, leading them to consider brachioplasty as a solution.
After undergoing an arm lift surgery, a patient enters a critical phase of healing, which is of paramount importance for realising the anticipated outcomes of the procedure. In the immediate days following the surgery, the body’s primary response revolves around mitigating the inflammation and effectively handling any associated discomfort or pain. This stage is foundational, setting the course for the subsequent recovery period. As the days progress, attention shifts to the more intricate aspects of healing, such as the mending of sutures and the recuperation of the internal tissues. These elements demand patience, ensuring they restore themselves optimally without any hitches. It’s worth noting that any haste in the recovery process, perhaps driven by eagerness or impatience, poses risks. Specifically, it can detrimentally affect the final visual appeal of the arm and, more importantly, its functionality, underscoring the necessity of adhering to recommended post-operative guidelines and timelines.
The initial week post-surgery is an important time. It’s when your body is in the early stages of healing, and proper care is of the essence to ensure you’re on the right track. Here are some guidelines to adhere to:
Limit Movement
Your first instinct might be to check out the results, move your arm, and perhaps even attempt some minor tasks. It’s essential to exercise restraint.
Engage in Light Walking
While it’s essential to restrict certain activities, it’s equally important not to become entirely sedentary.
Avoid Lifting Heavy Objects
Your arms might feel okay, and you may assume lifting something small won’t be an issue. However, it’s essential to stay cautious.
Your body, having laid the foundation in the initial week, is now ready for more activity, albeit with caution.
Gradually Increase Walking Distance
While the first week was about introducing light walking, now it’s time to build on that.
Introduce Light Stretching
Though you might be feeling better, remember the surgical site is still healing.
Steer Clear of Strenuous Activities
Even as you add more activities, there are still some things to avoid.
Moving into the medium-term recovery phase is a significant milestone. You’ve laid a strong foundation in the prior weeks, and now your body’s increased resilience permits a broader range of activities.
Kick-off Low-impact Cardio Exercises
After weeks of restricted movement, your body might be yearning for some cardiovascular action.
Integrate Light Resistance Training
Strength training can help in regaining muscle tone, but it’s essential to start small.
Amp up Your Stretching Regimen
Your body’s flexibility might be improving, and it’s a good time to up the ante.
Hitting the 6-week milestone in your recovery journey is indeed cause for a quiet celebration. You’ve navigated through the initial restrictive phases, and now the horizon looks a lot broader and full of possibilities.
Returning to Your Regular Exercise Routine
Having been restrained for a good few weeks, the allure of getting back to your favourite activities can be strong.
Approaching Heavy Weight Lifting with Care
Lifting weights is a great way to tone up and build strength, but post-surgery, it requires extra consideration.
Prioritise Comfort over Intensity
While pushing limits is often celebrated in the fitness world, your primary focus should be comfort and safety.
Each person’s recovery journey after an arm lift surgery is unique. While the procedure itself plays a role, several personal factors come into play in determining how quickly one can get back to their routine.
Age and Overall Health
Age and general health play pivotal roles in how swiftly you might recover post-surgery. Younger individuals generally have the upper hand due to their naturally enhanced regenerative abilities. Additionally, if you’re someone who maintains good health, enjoys a balanced diet and stays active, you may find yourself on the faster track to healing. On the flip side, for those managing chronic conditions or with compromised immune systems, the path to recovery might be longer.
Type of Surgery
The specific type of arm lift surgery you undergo can influence your recovery duration. For instance, traditional brachioplasty, which entails larger incisions, usually has a more extended recovery phase compared to a limited incision arm lift. It stands to reason: the more extensive the surgery, the longer it often takes to bounce back.
Post-operative Care Adherence
Your commitment to following post-operative guidelines can make a world of difference. Adhering to your plastic surgeon’s advice and recommendations can expedite the healing process. Conversely, if you stray from the suggested care path, be it skipping exercises or dabbling in activities best avoided, you could be looking at extended healing durations.
Individual Healing Abilities
Lastly, every person is wired differently. While some have the advantage of rapid healing due to their genetic makeup or other inherent factors, others might take a bit more time. Regardless of your natural pace, creating an ideal environment for recovery – think plenty of rest, nutritious meals, and steering clear of harmful habits like smoking – can positively tilt the scales in your favour.
The journey post arm lift surgery is as much about mental resilience as it is about physical recovery. By ensuring a balanced diet, maintaining an optimistic mindset, and adhering to professional guidelines, you set the stage for a successful and sustainable outcome. Prioritise your well-being, stay patient, and soon enough, you’ll be back to your regular routine, enjoying the benefits of your procedure.