You can rely on us to give you up-to-date information about all things plastic surgery! Today: Exercising during recovery.
Plastic surgery really is no joke. There is so much preparation that goes into the decision to even get it done in the first place. Then you have the surgery done and there are strict recovery instructions to ensure everything heals properly.
There are even certain foods that you’re supposed to eat while in recovery, mainly foods that are easy on digestion and packed full of clean and lean proteins. But one thing that doesn’t get talked about enough is trying to work out again after surgery.
There are strict instructions for people in the first three months of their recovery. It is important to take it easy and to always listen to your body first and foremost, but there are some exercises that professionals recommend for the first month, the second month, and the third month of recovery.
Let’s take a closer look at what these exercises are.
Working Out Post-Op
Remember, everybody is different and everybody is different. We all have different genes that affect how we respond to surgery as well as exercising, so it is important to always listen to your body. If you need to continue the 1-month post-op exercises well into the third month, then do that! Do what is best for you.
That said, here are some exercises to keep in mind.
One Month Post-Surgery Exercises
The first and second weeks are all about getting those energy levels back. Taking walks around your house is the biggest recommendation during this time because it’ll help you get that energy back and keep your blood flowing to reduce the risk of clotting.
After two weeks you can gradually take longer walks outside or find another means of light cardio exercising as well like getting on a treadmill or stationary bike. The goal is to not get the heart rate too high but to still get the mental benefits of working out as well as the circulatory benefits.
Two Month Post-Surgery Exercises
It really depends on what surgery you had done and how fast you tend to heal, but generally by the second month, most people can begin to target muscle exercises again. Light leg workouts, arm workouts, and even stomach workouts are okay to do as long as you don’t feel extra strain doing them.
Three Month Post-Surgery Exercises
Once you hit the three-month marker, you are pretty much free to try all the old exercises you used to do. Granted, you’ll still want to pay close attention to how your body responds to this activity, but as long as your body is ready to increase the exercise, you should be good to go!
As always, you’ll want to consult with your doctor to confirm this information. As a general guideline, though, most people see a dramatic improvement in what they can do (strength-wise) by the time they are three months into recovery.
If you ever feel incredibly sore after a workout, it is a good sign that you should probably take it easy for a day or two. These days are when stretching really comes in handy. Continue to follow along on our website for more tips and tricks on all things fitness and recovery!
