Sex After Lower Body Lift? (photo)

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding resuming sexual activity after a lower body lift. I appreciate you sharing your history and concerns.

At two weeks post-op, your body is still in the early stages of healing, especially after experiencing complications such as a hematoma, a second surgery, and anemia. Your tissues are fragile, and while your drains are being removed soon, your body still needs more time to recover before engaging in any activity that could increase strain or tension on your incisions.

Most experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least 4 to 6 weeks before resuming sexual activity. This is because intense physical exertion, increased heart rate, and muscle contractions during climax could increase swelling, tension on incisions, and the risk of delayed healing or wound breakdown. Given your history of anemia and prior surgical complications, you may need to be even more cautious and allow for additional healing time.

Once you do resume activity, listen to your body and proceed gently. Avoid positions that place direct pressure on the surgical areas and keep an eye on any increased swelling, discomfort, or fluid buildup. If you experience sharp pain, excessive swelling, or any new bleeding, stop immediately and consult your surgeon.

For personalized guidance, I recommend discussing this with your plastic surgeon at your next follow-up appointment. Given your history of complications, they may suggest a longer wait time before engaging in physical activity.

I hope this helps answer your question regarding sex after a lower body lift. Be patient with your recovery, and give your body the time it needs to heal properly. Best of luck!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Any type of strenuous activity including sexual intercourse should be avoided for a least one month following lower body lift surgery. Strenuous activity can elevate blood pressure and pulse rates and lead to hemo-dynamic, changes especially in the presence of anemia. These changes can result in post-operative complications such as bleeding and seroma formation. In addition, physical exertion can cause stretching and pulling of the soft tissue which can traumatize fresh surgical wounds that are still healing. Under these circumstances, the incidence of wound healing complications would be expected to increase.

    I would not recommend any strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks after your surgery or after the complication was corrected.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Thank you for the question!  I hope that these answers help you!  I typically have patients wait a few weeks (2-4 weeks), depending on the complexity and what was done during the procedure.  Hearing your story, it may be a little longer since it will take some additional time for appropriate healing following your 2nd procedure, to allow for the additional swelling to subside, and have proper healing of your incisions.  

Overall, it is wisest to have your surgeon evaluate your progress, examine your healing, and physical well-being after this procedure and give you permission to engage in sexual activities.  Best of luck!

After a major body contouring operation complicated by anemia, low blood pressure, and reoperation it would be prudent to wait on sexual intercourse or strenous physical activity. You do not want to complicate your recovery further.  Intimacy can take many forms that is not always the routine. Creativity can keep you safe and enhance intimacy. All the best.