When can I go back to weight training after liposuction?

Thank you for your question. Many physicians have different opinions on exercise after liposuction. As a general guideline , I tell my patients the following. No aerobic exercise for 10 days, then low impact aerobic for 10 days , then restrictions based on comfort only. With weight training, that would fall in the low impact category, but you might need to limit the amount based on your comfort. Of course, you should always check with your surgeon for post-op instructions.

I don't limit my patients from weight training much at all.  Typically, I tell patients that as soon as they feel up to it, and as long as they are wearing their compression garment, they can go to the gym.  Weight lifting doesn't ever seem to be a problem, but running or jogging sure does.  The simple act of running can feel like a "pounding" on areas that have had liposuction and is very uncomfortable.Of course, you should check with your doctor before taking this advice, but I think it is safe.Good Luck!

You really need to ask your surgeon about this as this will differ surgeon to surgeon.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

 In my practice I permit patients to resume athletic activity as soon as they feel comfortable. However, your specific instructions should come from your own surgeon.

After liposuction, most of my patients resume all vigorous activities like weight lifting or strenuous sports by 6 weeks after surgery.  However, the amount of time to avoid sports will vary depending on the location and extent of the liposuction procedure, and how well each patient is healing.

Usually after liposuction, patients can go back to most activity sooner than  after other more invasive surgeries. Good luck.

This will depend on what locations you have liposuction performed and how much is performed. I advise my liposuction patients to avoid strenuous exercise from anywhere from one to three weeks. 

I suggest you pose this question to your surgeon.In my practice, I encourage people to get back to a normal routine as soon as possible. I encourage my patients to use common sense and let their body be the judge of what is the right amount of activity.In general, if it hurts, you shouldn't be doing it.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

Weight training depends on the area of liposuction.  In general, patients go back to exercise, including weight training in 3 to 4 weeks.   See your Plastic Surgeon to confirm. Best wishes!

I recommend my patients wear their garment for a full 6 weeks post op. The reason is the compression allows the skin and tissue to adhere back down after the liposuction, reducing the risk for unevenness and fluid collection (seroma) in the area. With that being said the same concept goes for working out and my patients restrictions. You should be able to resume all physical activity including weight training 6 weeks post liposuction. Up until then you want to do minimal moving/twisting of the surgical area to allow the area to heal and to adhere properly. I allow my patients to do light isolated weight training at 3 weeks as long as the area they are working doesn't involve the surgical area. For example if the area that was operated on is the legs or abdomen I will release them to do light isolated weight training of the arms at that point.