How Many Weeks After a Body Lift Can You Exercise?

Question

Are there certain areas of the body that are better to target and others to avoid when beginning an exercise routine again after a body lift?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding how many weeks after a body lift you can exercise.  There are many variables affecting the answer to your question.  First, is you.  Your ability to exercise depends on your healing, incision status, energy level, and strength.  Second, is your form of exercise.  In terms of exercise, do you walk 5 to 10 miles, lift weights, resistance train, swim, or train for a marathon?
As you can see, there are many factors.  In general, avoid any extra activities for about 2 to 3 weeks, which means just getting up for the bathroom and eating.  Your body will be exhausted from the anesthesia, blood loss, low protein intake, pain, pain medications, and antibiotics.  Additionally, your body will use a lot of calories to heal the incision line.  If everything is healing well, at about 2 to 3 weeks, you can increase your activities of daily living, which means walking more around the house.  If everything continues to heal well, at about 4 to 5 weeks, you can lift light weights for your biceps and triceps.  Do not engage your core abdominal muscles.  Also, at about 4 to 5 weeks, you can start to walk an unlimited distance.  At about 6 to 8 weeks, you can work out your quads and gastrocs with isolated machines.  At about 4 to 6 months, you can engage your core muscles.   
You do not want to exert yourself too much in the recovery period after a  360 circumferential lower body lift.  Working out increases your blood pressure.  Bleeding can cause a hematoma, which may need to be drained every other day in the plastic surgeon’s office.  Too much unnecessary movement can cause bleeding, which may require a blood transfusion in the hospital.  Also, too much activity too early can tear the incision open.  An open wound may take months to heal.
Additionally, the body lift removes excess skin and fat and tightens your abdominal core muscles.  These surgical maneuvers can alter your sense of gravity.  During the healing process, you will need to learn to adjust and adapt to your new body.  During this time of learning your new center of gravity, you are at an increased risk of falls.  Falls can lead to wound openings.  Wound openings due to falls can delay your healing for many months.  
Remember, your healing after a 360 circumferential lower body lift is individualized.  That means do not compare yourself to others who have recovered from a lower body lift.  Your healing pace will be influenced by several factors, including your medical conditions (especially anemia and vitamin deficiencies), antibiotics, protein intake and absorption after the body lift, and your care of the incision line after surgery.  Additionally, avoiding excessive activity is crucial.  Bottom line: Avoid exercising too early after a body lift.  The risks of bleeding, falling, and a wound opening are too great.
I hope I have answered your question regarding how many weeks after a body lift you can exercise.  If you have any more questions regarding the lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, please get in touch with an experienced plastic surgeon. Since the body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the lower body lift.  Do your research.  Ensure they have performed at least 150 circumferential lower body lift surgeries, supported by before and after pictures.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced lower-body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if necessary.
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS, FASMBS (President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I advise my body lift patients to avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 5-6 weeks after surgery. So no exercising for this time period. You need to give time for your incisions and surgical sites to heal. Hope this helps. Dr. Basu

Michael A. Fiorillo, MD · Answer

If all is going well and you feel up to it, after about two weeks, you should be able to begin walking but keep your heart rate low. Again your situation may differ from other people undergoing a body lift so consult with your plastic surgeon before starting any exercise.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Unfortunately, in my opinion, this is not a question that should be addressed in this forum. Every patient's  operation is different.   Every patient's postoperative course and/or complications are different.  Every surgeon's  routine is different. 

	Please consult with your plastic surgeon for guidelines.

	Best wishes.

James Hoyt, MD (retired) · Answer

After a body lift surgery, the timeline for resuming exercise will vary depending on individual factors and the specific recommendations of your plastic surgeon. In general, you should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks following the procedure to allow for proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.Typically, patients are advised to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks before gradually reintroducing exercise into their routine. However, it's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's specific guidelines, as they may tailor the recommendations based on your unique circumstances and the extent of your surgery.During the initial recovery period, light activities such as walking and gentle stretching may be encouraged to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. As you progress in your recovery, you can gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercise regimen, taking care to listen to your body and avoid overexertion.Before starting any exercise program after a body lift surgery, it's crucial to consult with your plastic surgeon to ensure that you are cleared for physical activity and to receive guidance on when and how to safely resume exercise. They can provide specific recommendations based on your progress and help you establish a plan for a smooth and successful recovery.

Mary Lee Peters, MD (retired) · Answer

In general, if all heals as it should, you can begin low impact , low pulse walking around week two. If you do not have excess swelling, strengthening and aerobic conditioning can begin at 6 weeks.I agree with Dr, Pousti that you should only accept your own surgeon's advice as your situation may differ quite a lot from other people undergoing a body lift. Lots of luck.

How Many Weeks After a Body Lift Can You Exercise?

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