Exercise After Plastic Surgery: A Timeline and Guide for Patients
Our Gatineau cosmetic surgery centre has a strong reputation for patient-centered results. We always work closely with our patients as a way to ensure proper recovery that is fast, free from complications, and safe.
Rest and relaxation are keys to recovery early on. Yet some patients are eager to get back to the gym, put on their running shoes, or unroll their yoga mat. Let's consider the issue of exercise after plastic surgery and why it's a good idea to take things slow.
Why Exercise Is a Bad Idea Right After Plastic Surgery
While you recover, avoid heavy lifting, cardio, and other kinds of major physical exertions. Heavy and even moderate workouts during this time can potentially re-open incisions, lead to excessive and additional scarring, and lead to a host of other problems that will require invasive revision surgery. Follow the advice of your plastic surgeon following any procedure you undergo.
Avoid Strenuous Physical Activity in First Weeks
When it comes to proper recovery after undergoing plastic surgery, your primary concern should be getting rest and avoiding strenuous physical activity. Ample rest will help prevent complications and reduce the severity of side effects. Make that your primary focus.
Walk to Avoid Blot Clots in the Legs
Even though workouts and heavy lifting are not a good idea, patients are encouraged to walk around a bit after their plastic surgery. Walking helps promote circulation in the legs, while will help prevent blood clots from forming and serious complications from occurring. A little bit of walking every day can keep you healthy and be a way to gradually work your way back into a normal exercise routine.
A Timeline for Walking After Surgery
Here's a general timeline to consider for walking after plastic surgery:
- First Week After Plastic Surgery – Three 5-minute walks a day
- Second Week After Plastic Surgery – Three 10-minute walks a day
- Third Week After Plastic Surgery – Three 15-minute walks a day
- Fourth Week After Plastic Surgery – Four 15-minutes walks a day
Week Five: Return to Light Exercise
Five weeks after surgery, patients will be able to return to some of their regular exercise activities. Light jogging, very light weights, and light stretching are allowed. Patients should take it easy as they return to exercise, and should not push themselves if they start feeling uncomfortable. Remember, you are still recovering at this point, so don't put your health or the surgical results in jeopardy.
Week Six: Increasing Some Level of Activity
With the sixth week, you can begin to add intensity to your workouts. Again, you'll want to go slow, but as you've recovered more and continue to feel better, you can increase the duration and intensity of your workouts.
Take Things Slow and Use Common Sense
Your surgeon will provide you with detailed information about exercise and activity level during the initial consultation and follow-up visits. Be sure to take things slow and use your common sense. If you have any questions about what exercises are permitted, do not hesitate to ask.
Learn More About Plastic Surgery Recovery
If you would like more information about recovering from surgical procedures and what to expect in the healing process, contact our cosmetic and plastic surgery center today. We'll go over pre-op and post-op instructions in great detail.
