After a stand alone neck lift, how long will it be before I can work out intensively?

We ask our patients to hold off with such high intensity exercise for 3 weeks after facelift and/or neck lift surgery. 

Though recovery from a surgical #neck lift varies from person to person, patients are generally presentable within three weeks from surgery. Generally, it will take approximately 7-10 days for the early healing in which many patients feel comfortable being in public at this stage. Most #bruising is low on the neck and may easily be covered by clothing. Also, wearing a #compression garment may be suggested the first week and then nightly for up to six weeks.If you wish to do light office work, you may. Do not, however, do any heavy activities or aerobic #exercise for at least 3 weeks after surgery! Strenuous #activities can cause bleeding and swelling for a longer period than is necessary. If during your healing, you have any concerns, it is suggested to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

I suggest you consult a board certified facial plastic surgeon
to receive the highest quality knowledge, treatment, care and skill available. A consultation provides you the opportunity to relay your
concerns and desired outcome to the surgeon while the surgeon can assess your
health profile and discuss his/her pertinent advice. Your question as to your workout schedule is best suited for the particular surgeon who performs your operation. I am accustomed to performing the Laser-Assisted Weekend Necklift where our patients here at the Clevens Center in Melbourne, FL resume normal activity after a short recovery of several days.

Thank you for your question.  The fact that you are fit and healthy, will aid good healing.  The usual recommendation is, to avoid vigorous exercise for the first 6 weeks, following surgery, but do check with your surgeon at that stage of your recovery, to ensure that you are ready.  

I ask my patients to wait at least 3 weeks to exercise after neck and face lift. Be sure to discuss with your own surgeon about how this applies to you, and whether they have any special concerns in your case.

That is a very good question. I always tell my patients to use the rule of 3's. At the 3 week mark after surgery you start with 1/3 of the intensity and time of exercise that you use to do. 3 weeks later (6 weeks after surgery) you add 1/3 more. 3 weeks later (9 weeks after surgery) you can add the final 1/3. Now those are my restrictions, be sure to ask your physician for their restictions and follow them.Hope this helps.

This is a great question. By the way, what's your Fran PR?  Seriously though, a necklift should not be taken lightly.  Your final result can have as much to do with what you do after surgery as it does with what your surgeon does in the OR.  Especially during the first few days, and really the whole first week, I wouldn't want you doing ANYTHING that raises your blood pressure at all.  Spikes in the blood pressure can lead to bleeding and hematomas.  Additionally, you don't want to put a lot of strain on the midline platysma plication sutures that are holding the sides of the muscle together as they heal.  Straining and tearing these would be very detrimental to your result.  So, my answer is that you can return to light exercise at 3-4 weeks and then slowly build yourself up to your preoperative intensity around 6 weeks after surgery.  These are just the aftercare instructions that I give to my patients.  For your case, the only instructions that matter are those given by your operating surgeon, so please follow whatever he or she prescribes.  I hope this helps give you some information and perspective.  I know it's hard to stay out of the gym for that long, but I promise 6 weeks of taking it easy will pay dividends in the long run when you are out showing off your perfectly sculpted neck.  Best wishes on your upcoming surgery.

In most cases, after a neck lift, I would suggest waiting 4 weeks before preforming light work outs and 6 weeks for intensive workouts.  However, you should first check with your surgeon for their recommendations in your specific case.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

The general rule is to avoid vigorous exercise for the first 6 weeks following surgery. Check in with the operating surgeon for verification.