Though cosmetic surgery is an option some choose to help reach their weight goals, an unhealthy lifestyle can lead to undoing the good that it has done. That means you’ll want to restart your workout regimen as soon as you possibly can! But when is a good time to jump back on the workout train? And how can you make sure you don’t hurt yourself by doing too much, too soon? Here are just a few tips to make sure your recovery transition is as smooth as possible so you can start exercising after cosmetic surgery.

Tip 1: Don’t Start Too Soon

One major mistake that many make is starting their workout regimen too soon after the procedure. Though you can start normal everyday activities as soon as just a few days post-surgery, it is crucial to give your body time to heal. You may need to give yourself at least two days before resuming any physical activity whatsoever, and as long as six weeks before you commence a real workout regimen. This will allow all sutures to heal and any bruising to subside.

Tip 2: Start Light Aerobic Exercises Early On In Recovery

Though your first few days after surgery should be spent in full Rest, Relaxation, and Recovery mode, by day 3, you should be ready to begin some light aerobic exercises. At this point, you may start walking short distances and even using the treadmill to start priming your body and stretching out. In fact, it’s crucial that you start this process early so you do not develop blood clots as a result of inactivity.

With that said, make sure you listen to your doctor and follow the directions they set before you. Not all body types are the same, and not all procedures will have the same recovery timeline. Don’t start this step until you feel ready and your doctor deems it safe to proceed!

Tip 3: Wait Longer for High Intensity Workouts

If you are looking forward to lifting weights or high stress aerobic workouts, – like running or biking – don’t get too excited. These types of workouts are strictly prohibited until late in the recovery process (for some, this can mean 6 weeks or longer). Workouts such as these can cause major complications, opening wounds and endangering your health in the process. As a placeholder, continue working on light aerobic exercises, slowly incrementing speed and level of stress as you go along. Let this process play out and make sure you don’t push yourself too hard. It may be frustrating, but taking it slow is the best thing for your body when it comes to exercising after liposuction.

Tip 4: Don’t Neglect Your Diet While In Recovery

After liposuction, many believe that dieting is no longer needed; this, of course, is a myth. Though liposuction can permanently destroy fat cells in affected areas, this does nothing for other parts of your body – meaning it’s more important than ever to maintain a healthy diet. Don’t let the success of your surgery lure you away from healthy habits that you’ve built up in the past! Continue exercising – as your body allows – and make sure that you keep a healthy diet, so you can avoid turning that procedure into an expensive mistake.

Tip 5: Listen to your Body (and your Doctor)

Perhaps the most crucial tip of all is this: listen to your body when in recovery. Everyone heals at different speeds and in different ways, and the timeline laid out here may not necessarily be the one you need to follow. If you notice pains when you make certain movements, or realize that a certain activity causes undue stress on the affected area than others, then it might be time to ease up for a while. The worst thing that you can do when recovering from a traumatic event such as surgery – even a minimally invasive one like liposuction – is push yourself too hard. This is how injuries happen, and is a great way to send you right back to the doctor’s office.

When resuming exercise after cosmetic surgery, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, allow for proper healing, and follow your surgeon’s guidelines. Always consult with your surgeon before starting any exercise routine. Here are some gentle exercises that you may consider as you gradually ease back into physical activity after cosmetic surgery:

  1. Walking: Walking is a low-impact exercise that promotes blood circulation and aids in healing. Start with short, leisurely walks and gradually increase the duration as your body allows.
  2. Deep Breathing Exercises: Controlled deep breathing can help maintain lung function and promote healing. Focus on slow, deep breaths to help prevent complications like pneumonia.
  3. Gentle Stretching: Incorporate light stretching to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness. Focus on gentle stretches that target various muscle groups, but avoid overstretching.
  4. Seated Leg Lifts: While seated, lift one leg at a time, extending it in front of you. This helps improve circulation and maintain some muscle engagement.
  5. Arm Circles: While standing or sitting, perform slow and controlled arm circles to maintain shoulder flexibility and circulation.
  6. Pelvic Tilts: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Gently tilt your pelvis up and down to engage your core and lower back muscles.
  7. Isometric Exercises: These involve contracting muscles without joint movement. For example, you can gently squeeze your glutes, engage your core, or contract your leg muscles while lying down.
  8. Modified Yoga or Pilates: Consult your surgeon and a qualified instructor before attempting any yoga or Pilates exercises. Gentle and modified poses may be suitable as you regain strength and flexibility.
  9. Stationary Cycling: If approved by your surgeon, stationary cycling can be a low-impact way to engage your leg muscles and improve cardiovascular health.
  10. Swimming: Once you’ve healed sufficiently and received clearance from your surgeon, swimming can provide a full-body, low-impact workout.
  11. Resistance Band Exercises: With your surgeon’s approval, you can use resistance bands for gentle strength training. Perform exercises like bicep curls, seated leg extensions, or shoulder presses.
  12. Wall Push-Ups: Stand facing a wall and perform gentle push-ups to engage your chest and arm muscles without straining the surgical area.

Though these are good guidelines to follow, if you have any further questions about your cosmetic surgery recovery, call your doctor today. They will guide you down the road to recovery and make sure your exercise habits are healthy for your body.

About the Author

Tyler Fleck is a health blogger who has written for a variety of doctors, physical therapy clinics, and more. Currently, he writes for Dr. Seiger of the Skin and Vein clinic. For all questions about cosmetic surgery, click here!