How long after a lower body lift can I start running again?

If certain exercises such as running are causing you pain, I advise you to substitute lower impact exercises for another two months.  The elliptical is a good choice for cardiovascular exercise during your recovery.  At six months you should be fully recovered.

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding returning to running after your lower body lift, small thigh lift, and breast lift/augmentation. Congratulations on your smooth recovery so far! At two months post-op, it’s great to hear that you have resumed low-impact activities like the elliptical, kickboxing, and yoga.

The bouncing sensation and discomfort in your buttocks when running is common after a lower body lift. This is likely due to residual swelling, healing scar tissue, and the tightness of the newly repositioned skin and muscle layers. Your tissues are still in the process of settling, and running creates significant impact forces on the surgical area.

Most board-certified plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least three to four months before resuming high-impact activities like running, jumping, or plyometric exercises. If you are experiencing discomfort, listen to your body—forcing yourself through pain may lead to complications like prolonged swelling, irritation, or even suture breakdown in areas where the incision is still maturing.

To transition back to running safely:

Continue with low-impact cardio, such as incline walking, cycling, or elliptical work.
Support your surgical area by wearing a high-compression garment or even applying light manual pressure as you have been doing.
Gradually increase intensity by incorporating short jogging intervals into your walks, slowly increasing duration over time.
Avoid running on hard surfaces like concrete, as this increases the shock on healing tissues.
If the pain persists beyond the three- to four-month mark, consult your plastic surgeon to ensure proper healing and no underlying issues.
Your patience now will ensure the best long-term results. Give your body the time it needs to fully adjust, and soon you’ll be back to running without discomfort. Good luck with your continued recovery!

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS

In general it is always wise to follow the guidance of your surgeon regarding activity after a surgical procedure as he/she is the only person who actually knows what was done at surgery. In general six weeks is required for wounds to heal and for patients to resume normal activities, however, each patient is a little different and it may take a bit longer or a bit shorter depending on the individual.