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Can I go on a long hike 6 months after my Facelift?

I'm getting a lower face and neck lift on February 25th. My husband and I are planning on hiking the Coast to Coast walk across England (190 miles) in August. Is this feasible or foolhardy? I'm 52 and in good shape. Thanks!

Doctor Answers 16

Six months is more than enough time to resume full athletic activity after a facelift.

February 14th, 2014
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In my practice you would be permitted to take a hike within a week or so the operation. Generally by 3 to 6 weeks full athletic activity is permitted.

Web reference: http://www.zubowicz.com/subpag,21-atlanta-abdominoplast.htm

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD


Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 31 reviews

Hiking after facelift

February 12th, 2014
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Thanks for your question!
you should definitely be ready for your trip in England by August if your surgery is in February.  Good luck to you!

Web reference: Http://www.drlacerna.com

Melinda Lirag Lacerna-Kimbrell, MD, FACS

Recovery after a facelift

February 9th, 2014
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The typical recovery for a facelift is 10-14 days. I usually allow my patients to return to work at about 2 weeks and exercise about 3 weeks postop. Six months is certainly enough time for you to have healed and allow you go on your trip without any limitations in your activity.

Web reference: http://facialplasticsurgerymd.com

Theda C. Kontis, MD

Theda C. Kontis, MD
Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 25 reviews

Lots of great answers

February 8th, 2014
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You are good to go with any of the answers! In my office nothing strenous for 2 weeks then slowly get to more and back to normal at 2 months! Have  a great trip!!!

Web reference: http://richmondsurgicalarts.com

Gregory T. Lynam, MD

Gregory T. Lynam, MD
Richmond Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 52 reviews

Exercise after a facelift

February 8th, 2014
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Hi. You should be able to resume everyday activities 7-10 days after a facelift, and exercise after 3 weeks  without problems. At 6 months there will be no problems at all. All the best for your surgery.

Web reference: http://drcharlescope.com.au/facial-surgery/face-lift/

Charles Cope, MD

Charles Cope, MD
Sydney Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 5 reviews

Exercising after a facelift?

February 8th, 2014
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Most patients are able to resume exercising 3 weeks after a facelift. Barring delayed healing which would be rare, there should be no reason that you could not go on an extensive hike 6 months after a facelift assuming you have no other underlying limiting medical conditions that would prevent it..

Robert Singer, MD  FACS

La Jolla, California
Robert Singer, MD

Robert Singer, MD
La Jolla Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 19 reviews

Exercise after Facelift

February 8th, 2014
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I allow my patients to return to most normal activities within 3-4 days after a facelift and strenuous exercise after several weeks. The only real risk of exercise is that the increases arterial and venous pressure can cause swelling or bleeding under the flap. The vessels are well sealed by 2 weeks. You will have regained all your preoperative energy by 2 months. Therefore, you should have no problem due to the facelift with your trip six months postoperatively.
Robert T. Buchanan, MD

Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Highlands Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 5 reviews

Activity after facelift

February 8th, 2014
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After a facelift, be sure to follow your physician's instructions.  These instructions usually involve limited activity for the first few days to weeks.  In most cases, you can resume normal activity after 4-6 weeks.    
P. Daniel Ward, MD

P. Daniel Ward, MD
Salt Lake City Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 29 reviews

Hiking after facelift

February 8th, 2014
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At 6 months post op even the Coast to Coast walk would not preclude you from having a face and neck lift. Wind and low temperatures may give you hypersensation around the scars but in August in the UK you should be fine.
Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS
Manchester Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 134 reviews

Can hiking be done 6 months after a facelift?

February 7th, 2014
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I do not see any reason why you could not go hiking 6 months after a facelift.  It is always best to check with your particular surgeon though, as he or she may have certain protocols for after surgery.  
Michael I. Echavez, MD

Michael I. Echavez, MD
San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 17 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.