Is it OK to stretch my neck in exercise classes? 2 months post-op.

Question

I am 8 weeks post facelift and my neck is stiff below the ears. Should I avoid moving my head from side to side as in Pilates and Yoga classes?

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. After 2-4 weeks your surgery area will healed and you can stretch your head up and down. I wish you all the best.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You likely have sutures on your lateral platysmal border that are causing some stiffness.  I would recommend avoiding any aggressive side to side motions of your neck but if you are able to limit it to gentle motions, you should be fine.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear CloudieMac,you should be fine, but every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. At 2 months post op, there is really little limitation in terms of workouts and stretching exercises. I would check with your surgeon.Pejman Aflaki, M.D.Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

HI Cloudie,  You should be fine to move your neck slowly 2 months post a facelift.Check with your surgeon , however, as every surgeon has their own preferences for post-op recovery.Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

For my patients, it would be completely fine to stretch the neck in an exercise class 2 months after a facelift.  I would encourage you to check with your particular surgeon though, because your surgeon will have the most information about you and your procedure and will be best qualified to answer your question.

Mark Karolak, DO, FAOCO · Answer

One of  most important things that you can do as a patient is follow the instructions of the surgeon who performed your procedure. Every surgeon has his or her own preferences and knows what works best for their patients. When it comes to my patients, I find that in most cases they can ease themselves into exercise at 2 weeks after surgery. In some cases, I prefer that they wait 4 weeks before resuming extreme stretching exercises. Normal range of movement should be resumed as soon as possible.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

I would check with your PS but after 6 weeks I personally wouldn't have and issue with you perfuming starching exercises.

Michael Zenn, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I suggest you check with your surgeon or his/her nurse for their specific instructions. In general, I allow my patients to resume stretching 4-6 weeks after surgery.Best to you,Dr. Zenn

Michael E. Kelly, MD · Answer

I tell my patients that they can resume all motion after 3 weeks. I dont for see a problem with you doing stretches at 2 months out from surgery. Nonetheless, be sure to get the ok from you surgeonall the best

Is it OK to stretch my neck in exercise classes? 2 months post-op.

Answers (10)

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