To ensure a patient's full recovery, it is critical that they are able to safely resume their exercise routines. Exercising shouldn't affect surgical outcomes, either. A personalized exercise program can have a significant impact on recovery from certain types of body contouring procedures.
Despite the fact that each patient's recovery is unique, there are some general guidelines that may apply to an average patient's recovery.
The days after surgery are the most critical. For the first 48 hours after surgery, patients should avoid strenuous activity.
General Recommendations After a Surgical Procedure
As patients' energy levels return, they can gradually raise their activity level. In some cases, it may take up to two weeks for the body to return to its original energy levels. Light cardio exercises are suitable for those who are eager to get back into the swing of things. After two weeks, you can begin these activities. These activities include going for a walk, cycling on a stationary bike at a low speed, or using a treadmill at a low speed. The aim is to keep your heart rate as low as possible while still getting the positive effects of exercise on your mind.
Doing Exercise After a Breast Augmentation
Capsules line the pockets of every woman who gets breast implants. In order to keep us safe from an object that it doesn't recognize (the implant), our bodies have a natural defense mechanism in place. Capsules should be formed so that they are undetectable. Because of this, breast augmentation patients should avoid excessively expending their pectoral muscles for the first four weeks following surgery.
Lifting no more than 10 pounds is generally the norm here. As a rule, no heavy lifting or pushing of anything, including car doors or even heavy purses. Any weightlifting workouts that target the chest and back are included in this category (and to some degree, the arms). Specific yoga poses and ballet routines that focus on balancing body mass with the arms, swinging a tennis racket or a golf club as well as using some exercise equipment such as an elliptical trainer having arm attachments should be avoided by patients with lower back pain.
Our doctors at Diamond Post Care recommend lower body exercise for the first four weeks following surgery. Lunges, squats (without weights), and leg presses are all acceptable leg exercises. Exercises such as walking or stationary cycling can also be used to get in some light to moderate cardio (without the arms). Aim to avoid any bouncing motions, such as those associated with running or jumping. In addition, patients can perform specific exercises to help strengthen their core. At two weeks post-op, most patients are ready to begin these types of exercises.
Exercising After a Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction requires the same restrictions and restraints after the first two weeks as any other surgical procedure.
Patients who have undergone liposuction will begin light cardio exercises, such as walking or stationary cycling, by the third week. All liposuction patients are expected to wear a compression garment for the first four weeks following the procedure in order to reduce swelling and assist the retraction of the skin. During physical activity, you should wear this garment (you can also use a sport-specific garment). Two weeks of light cardio can be followed by more rigorous workouts such as weight lifting and running.
The total amount of liposuction conducted and the number of areas of the body treated will determine the amount of exercise that can be done after four weeks.
Exercising After an Abdominoplasty (Abdominoplasty)
When the patient is fit to perform gentle cardio and light resistance exercises, they will be released to begin core exercises. After 8 to 10 weeks, a patient may be able to sit up, twist, or crunch. During the first six to eight weeks following liposuction, a compression garment is recommended to reduce swelling and assist skin retraction. In addition, patients who exercise vigorously in the first few days after surgery will experience increased swelling around the abdomen and above the scar. No harm is done here, but the end result is delayed.
Exercising After a Facial Rejuvenation Procedure (Facelift, Eyelid Lift, Brow Lift)
At least four weeks after a facial rejuvenation operation, patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise and strenuous physical activity. Most patients can begin light cardio (walking or slow stationary cycling) after the first four weeks and gradually increase their intensity over the following two weeks. It's common for patients to be back to their normal activities within six weeks of surgery.
Post-Breast Lift Exercises
Patients who have undergone breast lift surgery may want to return to an active lifestyle as soon as possible, but the body must also be given time to heal properly. Following a breast lift, there are a few general rules to follow:
After a breast lift, you should do some lower-body exercise to help your recovery. Leg presses, squats and lunges, and light cardio on a stationary bike or elliptical without arm attachments are permitted in the first few weeks following surgery. After the four-week post-op visit, our doctors will assess the patient and ascertain what kind of exercise program is best for them.
Exercising After a Breast Reduction
In the first few weeks following a breast reduction procedure, lower-body exercise is strongly
recommended. Lunges and squats using only one's own body weight are acceptable. Walking, stationary bicycling, and using an elliptical machine without the arm attachments are all acceptable forms of low-impact cardio. Upper-body exercises should be stopped until the surgeon gives the all-clear. Our doctors will assess the patient's progress at the four-week post-op appointment to see if they are ready to begin upper-body exercises.
Conclusion
Many patients who have had their plastic surgery are often eager to get back into shape because of the physical restrictions that may come with the procedures. Even though most doctors recommend regular exercise, it's critical to give the body time to fully recover after surgery. The recommendations above are some general guidelines that our experienced and highly qualified doctors at Diamond Post Care will use with each patient to determine their post-surgery exercise capacity.