when can you walk after a face lift?

Your surgeon is the most knowledgeable person to consult when looking to resume light physical activity- such as walking- after your facelift. He or she is most informed about your condition, and will be monitoring your recovery closely in the first days and weeks post-op. In my practice, I have found that patients can begin walking for exercise at about 10-14 days into recovery. Again, this estimate is dependent on how your body is healing, and can vary significantly from patient to patient. It is always better to adopt a conservative approach to recovery, easing your body slowly into your pre-surgery lifestyle

You will be able to walk after a brief recovery period following your facelift. Mostly, however, your recovery period is a time for resting. We discourage any exercise that increases your blood pressure and heart rate for 2 weeks after your surgery.Be sure to follow your doctors instructions. 

Unless otherwise instructed, I like my facelift patients to walk on the day of surgery, *with assistance* in case they are not as alert due to medications or anesthesia still in their system. The reason I like patients to walk after surgery is to prevent blood clots or atelectasis (closing or collapse of small lung passages when you aren't taking deep breaths, that can lead to fever). This does not mean walking for long distances or power-walking for exercise, but simply walking around the house, and to and from the bathroom. Once anesthesia has worn off, and you understand how pain medication affects you, you may no longer need assistance and can walk on your own. The time it takes for this is different person to person. The actual instructions therefore will vary for each patient, and you should ask your surgeon for his or her recommendations for you in particular.

I permit my patients to resume walking for exercise immediately after facelift. Restrictions particular to a patient should be given by their own surgeon however.

Patient should follow their plastic surgeon’s specific post-operative
instructions to achieve a uneventful recovery. Walking after a facelift would
be safe in most of the cases. However, surgeons may require their facelift patients
to refrain from walking in certain cases. Facelift patients must always clarify
any questions with their surgeon or surgeon’s nurse team.

We encourage early ambulation following a facelift in our practice. We find that this is helpful not just in preventing the development of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary atelectasis, pnuemonia, etc. It also improves a patient's mood, and makes her feel less "sick" .  The key is that in the immediate postoperative period, the walking be at an easy pace and not strenuous, i.e., no walking up stairs, no carrying of heavy things as you walk, no "speedwalking", etc. There is no need to rush, or push things. The patient will be able to return to her normal return before she knows it.

After facelift, I generally encourage patients to walk at a relaxed and gentle pace as soon as possible.  I believe that being up and about helps the healing process and minimizes complications.  Heavy straining or heavy exercise should be avoided for several weeks to help minimize the risk of hematoma or prolonged edema.

I encourage my patients to walk as soon as they are steady on their feet. Initially, this might just involve moving around the home. It is important to limit heavy lifting, not bend over at the waist and not strain as this can raise the risk of bruising, bleeding and hematoma. However, walking at a relaxed pace is actually very helpful and will reduce the risk of blood clots developing in the legs in most cases. Before proceeding with surgery, ask these questions of your doctor to ensure that you are both on the same page. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

You will be walking the same day of surgery. Walking to increase heart rate and perspire is another story. Your "downtime" will vary depending upon the particulars of your procedure. Be sure to follow your doctor's orders very carefully.

Thanks for your questionI ask my patients to begin walking soon after surgery with assistance.  This has been shown to speed recovery and decrease post surgery risks including blood clots.  I give all my patients specific on walking and activity for the first 2 weeks after facelift.  After 2 weeks they may resume more activity including exercise.Hope this helps.