Photo by: Andrea Piacquadio
If you are an active person that enjoys exercise, you probably have questions about the cosmetic surgery recovery period and when, exactly, you can resume your workout routine. Since Dr. Mark X. Lowney fields this question from his patients often, he thought it would be wise to devote an entire blog post to the topic.
SURGICAL VS. NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Non-surgical cosmetic treatments like Botox or dermal filler injections typically do not require any downtime. Most of the time, you can resume your normal routine, including exercise, within approximately 24 hours.
On the other hand, surgical procedures like tummy tuck and breast augmentation take a toll on your body and require a longer healing process. During your one-on-one consultation, Dr. Lowney will give you detailed recovery instructions based on your specific procedure, health, lifestyle, and other factors. In general, expect to take it easy for at least a few weeks, slowly incorporating more movement and physical exertion into your routine.
EXERCISE SHOULD HELP, NOT HURT
Don’t expect to stay in bed or on the couch for three straight weeks. Short, slow walks are advised as soon as you feel ready, as they can help the healing process and prevent complications like clot formation or venous emboli. Don’t rush — you might be surprised to find that your body fatigues faster than it did before your operation. A slow and steady pace gradually builds up your endurance without causing complications.
Anything more strenuous than short walks must be avoided until Dr. Lowney clears you. This includes heavy lifting and stretching — depending on your procedure, you might need to avoid bending over or raising your arms above your shoulders during your recovery.
FOLLOW YOUR DOCTOR’S INSTRUCTIONS
The most important thing is to follow Dr. Lowney’s instructions. Ignoring him and pushing your body prematurely could actually add time to your recovery and cause serious complications, such as bleeding, bruising, fluid collection leading to infection, wound separation, and even the need for revision surgery.
CONTACT OUR COSMETIC SURGEON
For more information about recovering from cosmetic surgery, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Lowney today. To make your appointment, call our office at (877) 577-5476.
