Can exercise or sexual intercourse after a facelift cause a bad result?

Question

Can exercise or sex too soon after a facelift cause a bad result? How soon is too soon, and what would the consequences be?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Yes, strenuous exercise or sexual activity too soon after a facelift can create problems because both can raise blood pressure and heart rate. In the early healing period this may increase swelling, bruising, bleeding, or hematoma risk, and it can also put unnecessary tension on fresh incisions and deeper sutures.

A common approach is light walking right away, but avoiding sex, heavy lifting, bending, and workouts that raise your pulse for about 2 to 3 weeks; more vigorous exercise is often delayed 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the surgeon and the extent of the facelift. If activity causes sudden swelling, increasing pain, bleeding, tightness, or new asymmetry, contact your surgeon promptly.

Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD · Answer

Yes, too much activity too soon after a facelift can cause problems. Exercise and sexual activity both raise your blood pressure and heart rate, which increases the risk of bleeding under the skin (hematoma) and can exacerbate swelling. While these may not cause a "bad" result, they can delay your healing and, in the case of severe hematomas, can compromise skin healing and scar maturation.

I typically encourage light walking right away to support circulation after surgery. However, you should avoid anything more strenuous for at least 3 to 4 weeks (sometimes longer, depending on how you're healing). Your facial plastic surgeon can advise you on when it is safe to resume your usual activities without restrictions.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

The biggest risk from exercise and sex after a facelift is formation of a hematoma (collection of blood under the skin from leaking blood vessels) because of increase in heart rate and blood pressure. The risk is highest in the first 48hours. However, it is best to wait for 2 weeks before resuming exercise and sex.
Regards
Dr. J

Jill Hessler, MD · Answer

I would recommend you follow your surgeon's post-operative recommendations. For my patients, they are able to do light activity like walking the day of surgery but I recommend they wait until 2 weeks to do any very strenuous activities that get the heart rate up. Elevating you heart rate and blood pressure can increase your chance of bruising and hematoma.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. Yes, exercise/sex/physical activity too soon after a facelift can provoke complications and/or a worsened outcome. The most imminent risk in the immediate postop period is having bleeding under the skin and a suffering a hematoma. Activities that raise your heart rate and blood pressure (sex, exercise, etc) increase this risk. Even if a hematoma does not occur, swelling and bruising can be worsened by activity, prolonging your recovery. I ask my patients to refrain from such activities for at least 2 weeks after surgery.

Cheers,
Dr. Tower

Cheers,
Dr. Tower

Safa Manav, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Yes, resuming exercise or sexual intercourse too soon after a facelift can potentially cause complications, such as increased swelling, bleeding, or poor healing, which may negatively impact the results. Generally, it's advised to avoid strenuous activities for at least 3 to 4 weeks post-surgery, but your surgeon will provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation. Following their guidelines is crucial for optimal healing and achieving the best possible outcome.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

What I tell my patients is:  If it seems like a bad idea......It is.  So, specifically, sexual intercourse within the first 14 days is too soon and then with caution.  In my practice, we ask patients to avoid heavy lifting, bending over, or lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 2 weeks.  Patients can generally resume light cardio at 2 weeks and weight lifting/golf/tennis/pilates at 4 weeks.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Your body needs time to heal after your facelift.  The main concern is the potential for bleeding so any activity which causes an elevation of your heart rate or blood pressure and/or any activity which makes your face turn red from exertion, should be avoided.  While the greatest concern for bleeding is in the first 24 hours, I request my patients not return to full activity for 4 weeks.  Most hematomas are easily cared for, however, a complication free recovery is always best.  Best wishes.

Daniel A. Barker, MD · Answer

I'd suggest following your surgeons guidelines. I normally let my patients exercise after a week. The biggest risk is getting your blood pressure up and having a hematoma. That risk is pretty low but depends on what type of facelift and any risk factors for bleeding.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I think the issue most plastic surgeons would be concerned over immediately after a facelift is bleeding and development of a hematoma.
This happens in about 2% of facelift surgery and can be a serious issue requiring emergency surgery.Each provider will have their own protocol in regards to how long to wait before having rigorous activity.
My best guess is typical postoperative instructions would be to avoid vigorous activity for three weeks to three months.Some providers have much more stringent recommendations than others.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Can exercise or sexual intercourse after a facelift cause a bad result?

Answers (11)

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