How soon could I go back to spin classes and running after smartlipo?

Question

I do 2 SoulCycle classes + a kettlebells weight class a week. I also run about 5k once, maybe twice a week. I love my weekly classes and don't want to miss out for long. How long will I be off my exercise? (I'm 45, 5'5", 155lbs and 26BMI. I want to get smartlipo on inner thighs and saddlebags. They just won't budge!)

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

I generally ask my patients to wait 2 weeks prior to returning to exercise after SmartLipo.  While recovery is relatively fast for this procedure, a lot depends on the amount of fat removed and the area treated.  Returning to strenuous exercise early can increase swelling and slow your recovery.

Afshin Farzadmehr, MD · Answer

In the evidence based medicine article in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery it was noted that many studies showed that there is no benefit to Smart lipo and it is usually noted among plastic surgeons that it is mainly a marketing tool.  It would add to cost of procedure and more risks such as burns.  The laser lipo machines has evolved over the years to have more energy but frankly it wont make a difference in results compared to the Gold Standard tumescent liposuction.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question.
One of the benefits of smart lipo is a quick recovery. You should be able to resume normal activity within 2 to 3 weeks. Check with your surgeon for his or her guidelines. Best of luck!

Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD · Answer

For the most part, recovery
from liposuction is easily manageable. Since clothing can conceal areas that
have been sculpted, most patients are back at work after just a couple of days.
You will just need to wear a tight-fitting elastic compression garment during
your first week to help the skin adhere. At a week to 10 days, you can remove
the garment to shower, though you'll likely have to wear it for an additional
week.
Lipo is great for
instant-gratification seekers, but don't fret if you still see imperfections in
your shape several weeks later. It can take 4 months, even a year, to get an
accurate picture of how the body will look once the swelling subsides and
everything settles into place. Lipo patients who started out especially
overweight will have to bide their time before realizing their dream results,
because it takes several weeks for skin to redrape over the new area and for
tissue to heal completely.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. One of the greatest benefits of SmartLipo is its short recovery period versus traditional liposuction. SmartLipo helps shorten liposuction recovery times with most patients taking only a day off from work with minimal recovery time. I generally recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for at least 1 week. Each patient is different depending the area treated, the amount of fat removed, your genetic tendencies, skin type and natural healing abilities. For more information, I recommend getting a in person consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.

Robert W. Benson, MD · Answer

The two areas you mentioned typically don't involve a large amount of fat removal. As long as you comply with your instructions for compression and have no unforeseen complications you should be able to return to at least some of your classes and activities within two to three weeks. The residual tenderness you experience at that time will be an indication of how hard to push.

Jan Zemplenyi, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your question. Different physicians have different post-op instructions. In general, you should be able to return to your normal routine within a day or two, yet you will likely experience swelling and soreness which will prevent you from hard core exercise. Swelling can take 4-6 weeks to completely subside. Make sure to talk to your physician and have all your questions answered before your procedure. Good luck.

Reza Tirgari, MD · Answer

A lot of this depends on how much fat is removed from the area and the type of activity you are looking to do.
For example, lower body activity is not as much of a concern for someone who is getting their arms, or chin area done, and if they are  only having a modest amount of fat removed.
If you are having your thighs done and are contemplating Cycle and kettlebell activities, the recovery will take longer.
We have even had Olympic athletes come through for problem areas, and they need to return to training quickly, so I usually suggest about 10-14 days for most people, although it is often less.
Hope that helps.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Treating those two sites would likely mean sitting out of heavy exercise for a few days to a week. It would depend more upon how much bruising/swelling you experience. Best wishes.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

I recommend two weeks of avoiding physical activity following liposuction procedure regardless of which style you have undergone.

How soon could I go back to spin classes and running after smartlipo?

Answers (11)

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