Brachioplasty and Exercise: How to Maintain Your Results

Brachioplasty is an excellent way to achieve more definedand toned arms by removing excess skin and fat. However, maintaining thoseresults after recovery requires commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including atailored exercise routine. At iQonic, we want to help you preserve yourbrachioplasty results for years to come. In this blog, we’ll provide advice onhow to incorporate exercise into your routine after recovery to keep your armslooking sculpted and toned.

1. Start Slowly: Give Your Arms Time to Heal

Before diving into any exercise routine, it’s important toremember that your body needs time to heal properly after brachioplasty. Duringthe first 4 to 6 weeks following surgery, your focus should be on recoveryrather than exercise. You’ll be advised to avoid any upper body exercises orstrenuous activities that could strain your arms during the healing process.Always follow your surgeon’s specific guidelines for when it’s safe to begin exercising again.

Light Activity After 4 Weeks

  • Walking:     Gentle walking is encouraged as soon as you feel comfortable, as it     promotes circulation and aids in recovery without putting strain on your     arms.
  • Lower     Body Exercises: While you should avoid upper body movements, you can     start incorporating lower body exercises such as leg lifts or light squats     to stay active.

2. Gradually Reintroduce Upper Body Exercises

Once you receive clearance from your surgeon, around the 6-weekmark, you can begin reintroducing light upper body exercises. Start slowly andavoid high-intensity workouts at first to prevent overexertion. Focus onregaining mobility and strength in your arms by incorporating gentle movementsthat gradually build muscle tone.

Suggested Exercises:

  • Arm     Circles: A simple but effective exercise to get your arms moving     without too much strain. Start with small circles and gradually increase     the size as your arms get stronger.
  • Light     Resistance Band Exercises: Resistance bands are a great way to ease     back into arm exercises without overloading your muscles. Start with     minimal resistance and slowly increase the intensity as your arms gain     strength.
  • Wall     Push-ups: Wall push-ups are a low-impact way to start building     strength in your arms and shoulders without putting too much pressure on     the incisions.

3. Build a Strength Training Routine for Long-TermResults

After about 8 to 12 weeks, your arms should be sufficientlyhealed to incorporate more challenging exercises into your routine. Strengthtraining is particularly beneficial for maintaining the toned appearance ofyour arms, as it helps to build lean muscle mass and prevent future sagging. Byfocusing on the muscles in your upper arms, shoulders, and back, you can createa balanced, sculpted look.

Effective Strength Training Exercises for Arm Toning:

  • Bicep     Curls: Using light dumbbells, perform controlled bicep curls to tone     the front of your upper arms. Start with lower weights and gradually     increase as your strength improves.
  • Tricep     Dips: Tricep dips are excellent for targeting the back of the arms.     You can start by using a sturdy chair or bench, making sure to keep the     movements controlled and smooth.
  • Lateral     Raises: This exercise targets the shoulders and helps sculpt the arms.     Use light dumbbells or resistance bands to perform lateral raises, lifting     your arms to the sides at shoulder height.

4. Include Cardiovascular Exercises for Overall Fitness

While strength training is key for toning your arms,combining it with cardiovascular exercise will help maintain overall fitnessand prevent weight gain, which can impact your arm contour. Cardio exercisesburn calories, boost metabolism, and improve circulation, contributing to thelong-term success of your brachioplasty results.

Recommended Cardio Activities:

  • Swimming:     Swimming is a great full-body workout that’s gentle on the joints while     providing excellent toning for the arms and upper body.
  • Running     or Jogging: Incorporating regular cardio sessions, such as running,     jogging, or brisk walking, can help keep your body in shape while     supporting your arm-toning efforts.
  • Cycling:     If you’re looking for a low-impact cardio option, cycling is a fantastic     way to stay active without putting too much pressure on your upper body.

5. Maintain a Healthy Diet to Support Your Fitness Goals

In addition to regular exercise, maintaining a healthy dietplays a key role in preserving your brachioplasty results. A balanced diet richin lean protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense vegetables will help supportmuscle repair and growth while preventing weight fluctuations that could affectyour results.

Diet Tips to Support Your Exercise Routine:

  • Prioritise     Protein: Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth. Include     lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant-based protein sources in your diet to     support your workouts.
  • Stay     Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for overall health,     especially when engaging in regular physical activity.
  • Monitor     Your Calorie Intake: While exercise is important, managing your     calorie intake ensures that you maintain a stable weight, which is key to     preserving your toned arms.

6. Be Consistent for Long-Lasting Results

Consistency is the key to maintaining your brachioplastyresults. Aim for a balanced exercise routine that includes both strengthtraining and cardio workouts, ensuring you stay active and healthy in the longterm. Incorporate exercises that you enjoy and can commit to regularly, as thiswill increase the likelihood of sticking with your fitness routine.

Brachioplasty offers a fantastic solution for achieving moretoned, contoured arms, but maintaining those results requires dedication to ahealthy lifestyle and consistent exercise. By gradually reintroducing upperbody workouts, focusing on strength training, and combining it withcardiovascular activities, you can preserve the toned appearance of your armsfor years to come.

At iQonic, we are dedicated to supporting you throughoutyour brachioplasty journey, from surgery to recovery and beyond. If you’reconsidering brachioplasty or want further advice on maintaining your results,contact us today to schedule a consultation.