Facelift and Exercise: How to Resume Your Fitness Routine After Surgery

As you consider resuming your fitness routine after a cosmetic procedure like a facelift, it’s essential to understand the importance of allowing sufficient time for healing and recovery. While regular exercise contributes to a healthy lifestyle, returning to physical activity too soon may impact your recovery.  

In this blog, Artiste Plastic Surgery shares general guidance on when to consider resuming exercise after a facelift, along with tips that may support recovery. Always consult your surgeon for personalised advice on when and how to safely resume exercise.

Understanding the Recovery Process

Your surgeon will provide specific instructions based on your unique situation, but generally, it takes several weeks for the initial swelling and bruising to subside. It’s important to have patience during the recovery period and listen to your body. Attempting strenuous activities too early can impact the healing process and may increase the risk of complications. Following your surgeon’s guidance closely can help support a safe recovery.

General Advice on Resuming Physical Activity Post-Facelift

Before resuming any exercise regimen, consult your surgeon to ensure you’re ready and receive personalised advice.

Days 1 to 3 Post-Facelift:

During the initial days following your facelift surgery, it’s crucial to prioritise rest and allow your body to heal. Light activities promoting blood circulation can be beneficial, such as short walks around your home. However, avoid any strenuous exercises or activities that could strain your facial muscles.

Weeks 1 to 3 Post-Facelift:

At this stage, strenuous activities, bouncing, or jarring movements should still be avoided to support the healing process. Light activities, such as short, gentle walks around the house, may be suitable for promoting circulation. With your surgeon’s advice, you may gradually increase the duration, starting with around 15 minutes and slowly working up to 30 minutes as comfort allows. Always consult your surgeon for personalised advice on activity levels during this phase of recovery.

Around 4 Weeks After the Facelift:

Recovery varies for each individual, but many people notice that most bruising and swelling has reduced by around one month post-surgery. With your surgeon’s approval, moderate cardio exercises such as walking, light jogging, or gentle cycling on a stationary bike may be suitable. It’s important to remain mindful of facial muscle strain and to avoid high-impact activities during this stage.

Around 6 Weeks Post-Facelift:

By six weeks post-surgery, many individuals experience noticeable progress in their recovery. Recovery varies from person to person, so while some may feel ready to increase the intensity and duration of their workouts, others may require more time. You may be able to work gradually towards your pre-surgery activity level, but it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s guidance, especially if they advise more rest. Some people may need to wait an additional two weeks before resuming strenuous activities, as each recovery journey is unique.

Facelift Surgery by Dr Jack Zoumaras

If you’re considering facelift surgery in Sydney, contact Artiste Plastic Surgery. Our Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Jack Zoumaras, will discuss with you thoroughly the pre-and post-operative care procedures to help support your recovery process. Book your consultation with us today.

You can also read his new book, The Art of a Facelift, to know more about the procedure. The book is not a substitute for a medical consult and does not form part of the doctor to patient relationship. 

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.