Working out too soon after a facelift could result in some serious setbacks or complications.
If you are considering a facelift in Beverly Hills and have a regular exercise routine, it’s important to know the timeline for recovery and when it is safe to start working out again.
By following the guidelines below, you can reduce the risk of bleeding, infection, and swelling and promote healthy healing from your procedure.
Your Timeline for Safe Exercising Following Facelift Surgery
After undergoing any surgical procedure, the first priority should be ensuring you get proper rest. Avoiding strenuous activity is essential. The timeline below varies from patient to patient but should be used as a general guide for your first month of recovery following a facelift.
Three to Five Days Following Facelift Surgery
The first three to five days following your facelift are generally the most challenging. This is when you are most likely to experience swelling, discomfort, and bruising.
During this period, you must avoid any strenuous exercise, such as cardio or weight training. Patients who have undergone facial surgery are typically advised to avoid bending down or taking part in any activities that require bending.
Light walking is recommended to encourage good circulation and faster healing.
Two Weeks Following Facelift Surgery
During the next week to two weeks, you should start to notice less bruising and swelling and reduced discomfort. You might even feel well enough to get back to your normal routine. However, you should always seek advice and approval from your physician or cosmetic surgeon before resuming any strenuous exercise.
In most cases, walking is the only exercise recommended during this period; however, the length of your walks may be increased.
Three to Four Weeks Following Facelift Surgery
During the three to four weeks following a facelift, many patients feel back to their normal selves. Even so, highly strenuous activities should continue to be avoided. Activities that include heavy lifting or bending could place too much pressure on the face, increasing the risk of complications.
Again, walking is recommended.
Five to Six Weeks Following Facelift Surgery
Good news! By the fifth week following a facelift, most patients are approved to return to some of their normal exercise routines. However, heavy lifting should be avoided as the strain of lifting can put pressure on the face.
By week six, it is usually okay to return to weight lifting and other strength training exercises. Just remember to listen to your body and take it easy when reintroducing exercise back into your routine.
Slow and Steady for the Best Results
It may be a little frustrating to forego your favorite exercise for over a month, but the results will be worth it. Working out too soon could increase the risk of complications and could have a serious impact on your health and the outcome of your facelift.
Slow, steady, and sensible always win the race when it comes to facelift surgery. Click here for more info about the procedure.