For active individuals, the desire to return to exercise after surgery can be overwhelming. While it’s important to regain your fitness and strength, your body needs time to heal before you can return to full activity. Post-surgery exercise is essential, but following the right guidelines is crucial to ensure proper recovery and avoid complications.
Here, we’ll walk you through when you can safely resume exercising after various types of surgery, with expert advice and tips for a smooth recovery.
Understanding the Importance of Recovery Before Exercise
After any surgery, whether it’s cosmetic or medically necessary, your body requires adequate time to heal. Rushing back into intense physical activity can jeopardize your recovery and lead to complications like increased swelling, scarring, or even the reopening of incisions. While the healing process varies depending on the surgery, gradual and moderate physical activity can actually help speed up recovery, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of blood clots.
General Guidelines for Exercising After Surgery
- Immediate Rest: For the first 48 hours after surgery, avoid any physical exertion. Rest is essential to prevent strain on your body and to help manage the initial post-operative swelling and discomfort.
- Light Activity: After the initial recovery period, and with your doctor’s approval, you can start light exercises. Activities such as walking, gentle stretching, and light yoga can help improve circulation and promote healing.
- Gradual Progression: As your body heals, you can gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. Always consult with your doctor before engaging in any new exercises to ensure you’re ready.
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When Can You Start Exercising After Specific Surgeries?
1. Liposuction Recovery and Exercise Timeline
After liposuction, you can begin light physical activity around the third week post-surgery. However, you should avoid activities that stress the treated areas. For instance, avoid exercises that target the areas with swelling, especially if your knees or elbows are affected. Moderate exercises, including light walking or stationary biking, can be added after week 7, once the swelling has reduced.
Important Note: Strenuous activities like jogging and intense core exercises should be avoided until your body has sufficiently healed by week 7 or beyond.
2. Breast Reduction Surgery and Exercise Restrictions
After breast reduction surgery, you should avoid stressing the torso for at least four weeks. This includes exercises that put pressure on your chest or back, such as weightlifting or push-ups. Your doctor may recommend light lower body exercises (e.g., walking or leg lifts) after the first month. After week 4, if your recovery progresses well, you can gradually incorporate upper body exercises, but always under your doctor’s guidance.
3. Butt Lift and Exercise Post-Surgery
For a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), waiting at least four to six weeks is essential before returning to any form of exercise. During this time, the transplanted fat cells in the buttocks need to “settle in” and stabilize. Premature exercise can disrupt the fat grafting process and negatively affect the outcome. Strength training and intense lower body exercises should be avoided until your plastic surgeon has cleared you.
4. Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Exercise Guidelines
After rhinoplasty (nose job), refrain from intense physical activity for the first 4 to 5 weeks. Exercise that increases blood flow can lead to swelling, which can delay the healing process. Light to moderate exercise, such as walking or gentle stretching, is typically safe after the first month, but high-impact activities or contact sports should be avoided for at least 6 weeks to protect the nose from injury.
Note: Sports like boxing or activities that involve sudden facial impact should be avoided for 6 months to ensure full recovery and avoid complications.
5. Mommy Makeover and Post-Surgery Exercise Timing
A Mommy Makeover combines various cosmetic surgeries, including breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and liposuction. Initially, mild walking is encouraged during the first two weeks post-surgery to improve circulation and promote healing. After 3 to 4 weeks, low-impact activities like yoga or brisk walking may be tolerated. Full recovery and the return to normal exercise (including abdominal workouts) typically takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Important Tip: Always follow your surgeon’s advice and avoid activities that strain the abdominal or chest muscles during the first 6 to 8 weeks after a Mommy Makeover.
6. Ankle Replacement Surgery and Post-Op Exercise
After ankle replacement surgery, you can start physical therapy as soon as your incisions have healed, usually around 6 to 8 weeks. Physical therapy is essential for regaining strength and mobility in your new joint. Some individuals may return to normal activities within 6 months, while others may require additional therapy. Intense exercise should be avoided until full recovery is achieved, which can take up to a year.
7. Calf Reduction Surgery and Exercise Resumption
Recovery from calf reduction surgery depends on the type of procedure. For Botox-assisted calf reduction, recovery is quicker, with most patients returning to regular activities after 2 weeks. However, for more invasive procedures, the healing time is longer, and patients should wait 3 to 6 months before resuming high-intensity leg exercises. Wearing compression garments for at least three months is recommended to aid the healing process.
A Week-by-Week Timeline of Post-Surgery Exercise
Here’s a basic outline of what to expect in terms of exercise after surgery:
- Week 1: Take three 5-minute walks per day to begin improving circulation.
- Week 2: Gradually increase to three 10-minute walks each day.
- Week 3: Start walking for 15 minutes, three times a day.
- Week 4: Walk four 15-minute sessions per day.
- Weeks 5 and Beyond: Begin incorporating light yoga, cycling, or swimming, but always with your surgeon’s approval.
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Risks of Early Exercise After Surgery
While light physical activity can aid in recovery, overexertion too soon can have serious consequences. Risks include:
- Delayed Healing: Premature physical exertion can cause delayed healing, prolonged swelling, and possible reopening of incisions.
- Infection Risk: Pushing your body too soon after surgery can increase the risk of infection, especially around surgical sites.
- Increased Scarring: Intense exercise before fully healed can worsen scarring.
- Breast Implant Displacement: After breast augmentation, dislodging implants through intense exercise may require revision surgery.
Always prioritize your health by following post-surgery exercise recommendations provided by your healthcare team.
Final Words
Returning to exercise after surgery is crucial for a complete recovery, but it must be done gradually and with careful consideration. Adhering to your surgeon’s guidelines and listening to your body are key to ensuring that your recovery process is smooth and efficient. Whether you’ve had liposuction, rhinoplasty, or a more intensive procedure, follow these recommendations for the best outcomes and long-term health benefits.
Sources
- American College of Surgeons – Post-Surgery Exercise Guidelines
- Mayo Clinic – Recovery After Surgery: Key Considerations
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Exercise After Cosmetic Surgery