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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

It is generally recommended to avoid strenuous activities for at least 2 to 3 weeks following the facelift surgery.
This includes sexual activities that significantly increase your heart rate or blood pressure, as these can lead to swelling, bruising, or even bleeding at the surgical sites.

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