Choosing to have plastic surgery is a major decision. You are about to allow a surgeon to alter your body in a way that could be permanent. It’s a decision that should never be made on an impulse. You should take your time as you consider the reasons why you want to enhance your figure or your face in some way. In the end, you should feel like you are about to have a personal transformation that will help you to be the person you truly want to be. Plastic surgery offers you a way to feel good about your appearance. It can give you a lift in spirits and improve your self-esteem. Once you have done some soul searching and some research, you can move forward with confidence. Even though you may feel like you are prepared, you are sure to have questions. One pressing matter for many clients is figuring out when they will be able to get back into a physical fitness regimen.
When Will You be Able to Exercise Again?
When you opt to have plastic surgery, you have goals for yourself. You are aiming to improve your appearance in some way. The last thing you want to do is sacrifice your exercise routine. You don’t want weight gain to creep up on you. That being said, you need to be patient with your body. When you have surgery, you need to give your body an opportunity to heal. Your type of surgery will determine your recovery plan. If you have had a more involved or extreme procedure, expect to wait longer to jump back into your normal routine. If you have had something as minor as the addition of facial fillers, you may be able to resume physical activity sooner. As a general rule of thumb, plan on resting for the first forty-eight hours after your procedure. Your body needs a break. After that point, you should gradually become more active. You need to pay attention to what your body is telling you as well. If you experience severe discomfort, you need to stop what you are doing and talk to your doctor. Your plastic surgeon will give you recommendations as well. Each situation is unique.
Guidelines for Exercise After Liposuction
When you have liposuction, you have a small incision site where fat is removed. You may think that this is no big deal and it shouldn’t slow you down. For the first couple of days, take it easy. Plan on doing something light, like walking, for three to four weeks. You can gradually add in cardio exercises. By six weeks or so, you can pick up the intensity.
What to Do after a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is much more involved than liposuction. You will have an incision that stretches across your body in addition to liposuction and the use of sutures to tighten your abdominal muscles. You are going to give your body time to adjust. At first, it will be a challenge to sit up, stand, and shuffle your way to the bathroom. You won’t be able to rely on your core. You’ll need to use your arms and legs as you get moving. Plan on light walking for the first month or so after your surgery. You can pick up your intensity after the first month, adding more cardio exercises. Six weeks into your recovery is a good point to add more variety to your routine. It’s recommended to wait at least ten weeks before you do any type of exercise that is going to put a strain on your abdomen or target your abdomen.
Exercise After Breast Augmentation
When it comes to surgery involving your breasts, whether it is breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction, you are going to need to avoid any heavy lifting. Ten pounds is the maximum amount you are allowed in the weeks following your procedure and that doesn’t mean grab your weights to work out. Be careful when you are pushing or pulling on anything. You could strain your chest muscles. You can walk and do cardio exercises, but avoid anything that is going to have you bouncing up and down for that first month. You’ll be able to do more once you have made it through the first month. However, anything that targets your chest or involves heavy lifting may need to wait up to twelve weeks. You don’t want to risk making your implants move or injuring yourself. An injury can slow down the recovery process.
What Can You Do After Surgery that Targets the Face?
For up to a month after a facial procedure, you are going to want to steer clear of anything that is going to get your blood pumping harder or faster. Otherwise, you could cause more bleeding and swelling in your face, as well as other complications. Walking at an average pace is an exercise that is acceptable during this recovery period. Once you have waited a month, you can start adding cardio exercises to your routine. At six weeks, you can get back to what you normally like to do. As a rule of thumb, you’ll find that most surgical procedures take at least six weeks of healing time before you can get back into a more rigorous exercise routine. However, you can still take good care of yourself. Daily walks and yoga may be helpful in making you feel fit during this crucial time in your recovery. Watch what you eat, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest. All of these steps will help you to feel your best as you embrace the changes that have been brought on by plastic surgery.
Talk to Dr. Steinbrech About Your Plastic Surgery and Exercise Plan Today
Call Dr. Douglas Steinbrech’s office today to answer any questions you may have about plastic surgery and exercise during your consultation. Dr. Steinbrech has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is considered one of the best in his field. He’ll be able to give you the guidance you need as you make this important decision about your body.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.
