When can go back to the gym? And when I can start sunbathing?

Question

I had my upper eyelid surgery 5 days ago. I was wondering when I can start to do intense work outs. Also, when it is safe to sun tan ? Or spray sun tan ?

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

After an upper blepharoplasty, I tell my patients to take it easy the first week. No heavy lifting or head dependent activities. After a week, they can start to perform light exercise ramping up to full exercise at two weeks. Sun "tanning" is always frowned upon due to skin damage, but a spray tan could be done at any time after the sutures are removed. I would personally wait until all bruising and swelling resolves. Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa Aesthetic Centers

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The first week you will be very limited. I recommend waiting anywhere from 2-4 weeks for exercise. I would avoid sunbathing to avoid any complications. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago

Joel M. Stewart, Jr., MD · Answer

Most likely you need between 2 weeks to a month before the incisions are healed and probably another month for the swelling to fully resolve. Sometimes longer.
I would tell you back to the gym at 1 month and strenuous exercise at 6 weeks.
It will never be a good idea to expose your incisions (or any other area) to the damaging effects of sunlight.

Dan Landmann, MD · Answer

Usually after two weeks, the incision is well healed and the sutures are no longer necessary. This is why exercise/ getting sun is okay after two weeks. 
Generally, it is suggest to not use anything pigmented on the skin in the area for AT LEAST two weeks as it can get underneath the skin and form a tattoo.

Leon Goldstein, MD · Answer

Light exercise such as walking is ok after the first week. Heavy lifting or intense exercise should be avoided for at least 4 weeks. Tanning is ok as long as you protect the eyelids with sunscreen or sunglasses.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You should review the care with your surgeon.  I usually allow patients to go back to the gym within about 3-4 weeks after having their eyes done and tell them to put sunblock on their incisions to prevent hyperpigmentation.

J. Timothy Heffernan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I tell my blepharoplasty patients to lay low that first week, and can resume light activity that second week. Hold off on intense work outs until after your sutures are removed, which is typically 10-14 days after surgery. As for sun tanning, please only do spray tan as this will not harm your skins layers. Best of luck with recovery, Dr. Heffernan

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