Safe Exercising After Surgery
Abdominoplasty (tummy-Tuck)
Most doctors advise their patients to get up and start carefully walking around their home the day after the surgery. A light activity such as this is very important after the surgery because promotes circulation and prevents blood clots. Patients can start doing light exercises around week four, but for a shorter time and with fewer reps than they’re used to. They can do everything from running or elliptical to speed walking, but because weight lifting can put a significant strain on the sutures, better start very slowly with resistance exercises. Use less weight, do fewer repetitions at the beginning and listen to your body. Most people can start exercising normally after six weeks from their surgery.
Facial Rejuvenation (facelift, Eyelid Lift, Brow Lift)
Facial rejuvenation procedures involve operating just beneath the skin of the face that contains hundreds of small and sensitive blood vessels that can easily burst when the blood pressure changes. If blood vessels do burst, many complications can occur, and this might mean going back to the operating room. Because of that, patients who had a facial rejuvenation surgery should refrain from all activities that can increase their blood pressure and heart rate, at least during the first four weeks. After the first four weeks, patients can start doing light cardio such as walking or slow spinning and gradually continue increasing the intensity. After week six, most of the patients can return to their regular activities and workout routines.
Breast Plastic Surgery
The main concern when it comes to working out after a breast plastic surgery (augmentation, reduction or breast lift) is the use of pectoral muscles. During breast augmentation, breast implants are placed just underneath the pectoralis major, so the muscles will need to heal completely before performing any exercises involving those muscles. The reason why you should avoid any strain to the muscle is the pockets that hold the implant. They start healing right after the surgery and scar tissue starts to form. This is our body’s natural way of protecting us from a foreign object. You want the scar tissue to form naturally so it’s undetectable. This healing process usually happens after the first four weeks, so all patients should refrain from using their pectoral muscles during that period. This means no heavy pulling or pushing, no lifting anything heavier than 4 kg, no heavy purses and absolutely no weight training that targets pectorals. You can do all leg exercises (it is highly encouraged) such as lunges, squats and leg presses. Light cardio is also allowed. You can do exercises like walking, spinning and elliptical (no arms), but avoid those that involve any type of bouncing motions such as running or jumping. Also, you can do some core exercises, but be very careful. If everything goes as planned and the permission by the surgeon is given, you can slowly start arm workouts and finally chest exercises. In time, all patients regain total strength in their pecs and can perform any action or exercise they want.
Liposuction
Even though liposuction is a simple procedure that has a short recovery period of about two to three weeks, there are some exercises you need to avoid for the first few weeks. Usually, liposuction patients can start doing some light physical activities two or three days after the procedure. They can start doing easy household chores and well as some easy cardio exercises such as easy walking or spinning. None the less, you should wait at least three weeks post-op to do some higher impact cardio activities like running or aerobics. Some exercises that target the area on the body where the procedure was performed should be avoided during the first few weeks. If you’ve had your liposuction in Perth, you can consult with their experts, but usually you can go back to your normal physical activities after six weeks after the procedure. It is important to listen to your own body and seek medical attention if any pain, discomfort or drainage occurs after the resistance exercises.
Even though most patients can’t wait to go back to their regular physical activities, it’s very important to take it easy and be careful after the surgery. Probably the best and most important tip is to listen to your surgeon and your own body, and you will have the best results after you recover.