Is hiking a mountain too strenuous for 15 days post blepharoplasty?

Question

I am planning on going on vacation soon after blepharoplasty and would like to know if hiking the mountain is considered too strenuous

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

We typically wait at least 3 weeks before releasing ordinary individuals to their normal work out.  However, I have some elite athletes in the practice and we advise them to return to a half strength workout at 3 weeks and then taper into their full work out over the next 2 week.I strongly recommend that you consult your surgeon and learn what their recommendations are and follow that advise.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would recommend that you ask your particular surgeon about when you could resume activities, such as hiking, after blepharoplasty.  Your surgeon has the most information about you and your procedure and may have particular rules in regards to activity after your surgery.  In general, with a routine type of blepharoplasty and no other medical conditions, I would say that most people could return to strenuous activity 2 weeks after surgery without a problem.

Angela Sturm, MD · Answer

I would ask your surgeon for their advice and follow their post-op instructions.  Generally, it depends on how strenuous the hike will be.  A relaxing walk or hike would be ok, but I have my patients avoid vigorous activity for 3-4 weeks.

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

Your surgeon will have the best advice for your particular situation.  However, 2 weeks is pretty early after surgery to be hiking a mountain!  After a blepharoplasty, patients typically experience swelling and bruising that starts to resolve within 2 weeks.  When you stress your body and elevate your blood pressure within the first 6 weeks after surgery, you are likely to experience more swelling, and possibly more bruising.  If this is okay with you and your surgeon, and you have been advised how to handle this on vacation, then you should be fine.  Also keep in mind that mountain = altitude.  Make sure your surgeon knows your complete medical history so that he/she can advise you appropriately and determine if your type of anesthesia will influence the decision to hike a mountain.  Good luck!

Marc Cohen, MD (retired) · Answer

Generally regular exercise is ok about 2 weeks after eyelid surgery.  It depends on how strenuous the hike is going to be compared to your normal activity.  If the hike is "no big deal" compared to your usual activity you will probably be fine.It is important to remember to avoid sun if you are still bruised or swollen after surgery.  Sun on a bruise can cause dark circles under your eyes.My advise is that you discuss this with your surgeon and take his/her advice.

Mark Edinburg, MBBCH, FRACS (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your email.As a general rule we discourage patients from doing strenuous exercise for a period of about 3-4 weeks. This is because this is the approximate time for bleeding, swelling, bruising, and general soft tissue repair to occur. Just like any new wound that is healing. So I would assume it is a bit early for a strenuous hike.You trusted your Plastic Surgeon to do your surgery. So, discuss this with him too. In my practice, I develop a relationship with all my patients. This way they feel comfortable to discuss concerns with us, and generally they will obtain advice about things like planned holidays before they choose the date of their surgery.Enjoy your holiday.

Is hiking a mountain too strenuous for 15 days post blepharoplasty?

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