Bikram yoga and deep stretching after laser liposuction? (photos)

Question

I had laser lipo on my upper and lower abdomen, flanks and inner and outer thighs 16 days ago. I tried to return GENTLY to Bikram beginning four days ago I felt great in class but an hour later I was very swollen and sore. The swelling lasted 24 hours. I noticed in class I had a pins and needles sensation in my abdomen. Is that feeling ok? I am EXTREMELY flexible but I don't want to cause more damage. Is it safe? When will I be able to leg behind my head, splits, twisting, handstands?

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Swelling after liposuction varies greatly from patient to patient depending on the amount of fat removed, the agressiveness of surgery and patient characteristics.  Generally, patients who exercise will find swelling decreases more quickly.  However, in the first month or so, swelling can exacerbate due to strenuous exercise, salt intake, hormones or other causes that normally lead to water retention.  This should improve over time, continue to wear garments as instructed and follow post-operative instructions.  Stretching will not hurt your results and may improve swelling over time.

Mitchell Chasin, MD · Answer

Your body is still healing and exercise can aggravate it. 16 days would be a long time for my patients to still need to be resting from surgery, but it’s not unheard of. Some patients just heal slower. The pins and needles feeling is normal, but it’s also an indication your nerve endings need more time to heal, though moving should not damage things. Go slowly and gently. See your doctor for a follow-up.

Robert Goldman, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Intermittent swelling after any form of liposuction is normal. I normally tell my clients/patients that this is likely to last up to 6 weeks, so your situation seems normal. I do not think you will do any damage by continuing with your yoga. I also advise my lipo patients to undergo remedial (deep tissue) massage every week for 8 weeks after any lipo procedure. Massage and exercise to commence 2 weeks after the surgery.

Bikram yoga and deep stretching after laser liposuction? (photos)

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Bikram yoga and deep stretching after laser liposuction? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.