Post Brachioplasty Question

Today is post op day # 18 - and my arms have healed completely. They are still numb & I know that will last for an extended period of time.

They feel tight - and I want to stretch them out to my sides - NOT over my head - my PS said to wait 4-6 weeks post op before I try yoga - but I hold them bent at the elbows most of the day & I just want to stretch them out.

Is that O.K.?

Many thanks!!

Of course you will want to follow  your surgeons instructions but I seem to recall my surgeon encouraging me to extend my arms outward. 

As long as they don't hurt I don't see why not. You shouldn't over extend them of course but moving them out slightly to the sides shouldnt be a problem. Once I had more mobility in my arms I would lay in my recliner with my arms bent over my head slightly usually one at a time. I remember waking up one day and they were both over my head! I guess I just slept better that way. I think I was only like 2-3 weeks out too. As long as it doesn't pull or hurt, you should be okay.

Thanks!! It doesn't hurt - the inciscions are totally healed - it just feels stiff - like I "want" to stetch them. I sent my PS an e-mail - he said to go slow & heal - I just don't want to be contracted.

Just be careful.  You really aren't totally healed.  There is still a lot of healing going on and it is not unheard of to have incisions open up this far out either.  I'm not trying to scare you but I don't want you to assume that just because everything looks healed, that you are.  I've seen it here on the boards through the years.  Just don't overextend or reach too far.   It does sound like you are making good progress though!

Thanks!! I think just some gentle extensions of the arms - out to my sides - they raise them slightly, maybe shoulder height - but no further.