Exercise Timeline after Facial Plastic Surgery

Patients that are interested in reducing the appearance of deep creases and wrinkles, or those that wish to refine their features may be considering plastic surgery. Facial cosmetic surgery procedures can help rejuvenate the appearance or create more proportionate features for an overall enhanced appearance. After undergoing facial plastic surgery, some time will be needed to recover. During recovery, exercise must be limited to avoid complications. During consultations, Dr. Christopher R. Hove explains the exercise timeline after facial plastic surgery. Contact our Philadelphia, PA office to receive your personalized timeline. In the meantime, learn more about exercising after facial plastic surgery with this general timeline.

The Importance of Limiting Exercise after Surgery

Exercising too soon after facial plastic surgery can result in serious complications. Strenuous exercise, including heavy lifting or running, can strain incision sites, causing them to reopen. Exercising after facial plastic surgery can also increase the risk of infection, bleeding, and swelling. Following a physician's exercise timeline after surgery is key to reducing risks and promoting proper healing. 

Three to Five Days after Surgery

The first three to five days after surgery are typically the most difficult for patients because they may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising. During this time, it is important to avoid strenuous exercise, such as weight lifting. Patients who have had facial plastic surgery are generally advised not to bend down and should avoid any activities that require bending. Although strenuous exercise must be avoided, light walking is typically recommended to encourage blood circulation and healing.

Two Weeks after Surgery

During the next seven to 14 days of recovery, patients should begin to feel less discomfort and notice reduced swelling and bruising. Depending on the procedure, some may feel recovered enough to return to their normal routine. With that said, it's important to get physician approval before resuming strenuous activities. In most cases, patients will still be required to avoid heavy exercise, but should continue walking. Lengthening walks is often encouraged at this time.

Three to Four Weeks after Surgery

By three to four weeks after facial plastic surgery, many patients feel pretty well recovered. Strenuous exercise should continue to be avoided, but light activity may be approved. Heavy lifting, exercises requiring bending, and strenuous running should still be avoided as these can place too much pressure on the face and increase the risk of complications. Walking should continue at longer intervals during the third and fourth weeks of recovery.

Five to Six Weeks after Surgery 

By the fifth week, many patients are approved for exercise and can return to some of their normal exercise routine. However, strenuous activity should still be avoided. By the sixth week, some strenuous activities, like weight training, may be approved. Patients should take care when reintroducing exercise and listen to their bodies to avoid overdoing it.

Schedule a Consultation

For answers to your questions about exercise after plastic surgery, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hove.