For most people, undergoing a plastic surgery procedure is all about striving to become their best self, and a big part of becoming one’s best self is tied up in diet and exercise. So, naturally, a person will be interested to know how soon after a procedure he or she can get back to doing their normal exercise routine. Remember, this post is speaking in general terms, and you should definitely check with your surgeon before resuming any portion of your exercise regimen.
When Can I Go Back to Working Out?
Depending on the type of procedure, your surgeon will most likely recommend that you refrain from physical exertion (bending, lifting, or straining) for at least 48 hours post-surgery and sometimes up to several weeks post-surgery. If your procedure was minor, your surgeon might only require limited activity for twenty-four hours, and if your procedure was very localized, the doctor might suggest only exercising unrelated body parts for a few days to a few weeks. For example, after a breast augmentation, you may be able to resume leg exercises before you are allowed to resume upper body exercises.
How Much Should I Work Out?
A person recovering from a plastic surgery procedure should resume physical activity at a slow and gradual pace. Surgeries that are more invasive will likely take longer to heal, and it can take 1-2 weeks for the normal energy levels to resume. Start your exercise routine with some very easy cardio, like taking a short walk at a more leisurely pace. Try not to elevate the heart rate too quickly post-surgery. As you start to feel more and more recovered, add to your work out routine.
For instance, if you underwent liposuction, for the first two weeks, your activities should be very limited, but by the third week, you can begin the easy cardio regimen. After easy cardio for two weeks, you can add in a little weight lifting to your routine and increase the walking pace to an easy run. By week four, you should be able to resume your normal routine. Doing too much too soon can prolong the amount of time the surgical area stays swollen.
Any Other Limitations?
You may be thinking that if you only had a facial procedure performed, you should be good to go for exercise. Wrong. Increasing your blood pressure and elevating your heart rate (which happens during exercise) also affects the blood vessels in your face. Serious complications can arise if you start moving too soon after your surgery. Keep it slow and easy awhile, possibly up to three weeks. Then just like with the other procedures, begin exercising again with some easy cardio, but you definitely want to avoid things that will have the blood rushing to your face, like a downward dog!
Speaking of Yoga…
Yoga is known for increasing flexibility and making your body more limber, but it is also a great way to improve your circulation which is a pretty beneficial thing when you are trying to recover from surgery. Make sure you check with your surgeon before resuming (or starting) your yoga practice, but it could make a marked difference in your healing process.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
If you are considering a cosmetic surgery procedure and want more information on the recovery process and how it will affect your daily life, please contact one of our patient representatives at Personique. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have or discuss any concerns. Schedule a consultation with Personique today!