I'm getting a lower face/neck lift. How long before I can resume exercising like upper body lifting, Pilates and hiking?

Good question!Firstly, I would recommend consulting with your specific surgeon on what they have for their post-operative protocol. Before returning to light activity such as prolonged walking or using light weight, I would recommend waiting at least 2 wks. Hiking, pilates, and heavy lifting will likely require longer. Possibly up to 6 weeks.In the immediate post-operative phase your body will be recovering and it will be important to limit your risk of infection. After the risk of infection has been minimalized, you will still likely be swollen and high level activities can increase the swelling. As stated, it is best to consult your surgeon to see what is best for you specifically. Best of luck!

I suggest my patients wait 2 weeks before resuming exercising. This recommendation will vary depending on your surgeons preferences, so definitely make sure you follow their recommendation. You have to wait till you are partially healed and that most of the bruising and swelling has subsided. 

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan. It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

I would defer to your surgeon's post-op instructions, however, in my practice, I require my mini facelift patients to be fairly inactive for the first two weeks after surgery. We do not want any spikes in heart rate or blood pressure that could cause a hematoma and a return to the OR. At 2 weeks post op, I allow my patients to begin light cardio (just walking at first) and increase intensity and duration as tolerated. I would avoid any extremely strenuous hikes and weight lifting until 4-6 weeks post op (as tolerated).
Best of luck with your procedure.

You will be quite sore and swollen after your Mini Lift. I recommend that patients refrain from exercise and vigorous activity for at least two weeks after a lower facelift. Introduce your activities back into your routine gradually. Hiking, for instance, would be a better first step than Pilates, which might require some inversions that could be uncomfortable while your face is still swollen. Listen to your body, take it as slowly as you need to; you'll be back to your normal routine soon enough. I hope this helps.

This is something you should discuss with your surgeon. For my patients, I want them to wait 6 weeks before resuming any type of formal exercise. Good luck.

No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise at all for the first two weeks. You can start working out after this, but starting slowly and working up to full strength aerobics by the third week. You should not do anything requiring rapid or extreme turning of the neck, but you will likely be so tight that this kind of takes care of itself. This is all dependent on how extensive the surgery is and how much swelling and bruising you have. Bleeding complications are very unusual after two weeks, but you can get some unexpected swelling until you have completely healed (six weeks or so)

In our practice, we ask patients to not exercise for two weeks after the procedure.  After two weeks, patients have no restrictions.

After Lower face/neck lift, walk around the house after 24 hours, extended walks after 2 wks, wait 4-6 wks for gym routines, classes and weights.  Specifically, limit any head and neck turning or being upside down on your head... nothing good can come of this after a lower face/neck lift.  All of this is recommended for your safety. Please do not think you can " get away with it" and do more.  Heart rate and blood pressure affect the healing process so protect your investment and follow your doctors recommendations.

I would suggest you wait 4 to 6 weeks before resuming that level of activity.  Lighter activity can be resumed at 3 weeks.  Of course, this will depend on how you are healing and your surgeon's recommendations.