A facelift is an excellent procedure that refreshes and rejuvenates your facial appearance. However, a key component for a successful recovery is learning when and how to reintroduce exercise into your daily routine. Appropriate physical activity promotes circulation, helps reduce inflammation, and supports your overall well-being — yet timing is everything.
Dr Turner, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon based in Sydney, Australia, understands that every facelift patient’s recovery journey is unique. This blog, we’ll delve into the recommended exercise timelines, highlight safe activities for each stage of recovery, and provide practical tips for returning to your fitness routine without compromising your facelift results.
Recovery Milestones: What to Expect When Resuming Exercise
First Month: Laying the Foundation for Healing
The first month after your facelift surgery is focused on allowing your incisions to heal, managing swelling and bruising, and preventing undue stress on the facial tissues.
- What to Avoid
- Strenuous exercises that elevate heart rate or blood pressure, such as running, HIIT workouts, or weightlifting
- Activities involving significant head or face movement (e.g., vigorous yoga poses, inversions)
- Overstretching or bending forward for long periods, which can increase facial pressure
- What to Do Instead
- Gentle Walks: Short, leisurely strolls help boost circulation and minimize stiffness without straining your healing tissues.
- Light Stretching: Simple, slow stretches for the legs, arms, and back can keep you limber without impacting the surgical site.
1–3 Months: Gradual Reintroduction of Activity
Around the one-month, you’ll likely notice a significant reduction in swelling and bruising should have fully resolved. Your incisions are well on their way to healing, making this a good time to gradually ease back into more regular physical activities.
- What to Introduce
- Low-Impact Cardio: Light cycling, swimming, or treadmill can help rebuild stamina without placing too much stress on your face.
- Light Resistance Training: Begin with bodyweight exercises or minimal resistance bands.
- Gentle Yoga or Pilates: Keep movements controlled, avoiding deep inversions or aggressive stretches that place pressure on the head or neck.
- What to Avoid
- High-Intensity Workouts like running, heavy lifting, or HIIT remain off-limits.
- Any movement that causes pain or excessive facial tension should be postponed until further healing occurs.
After 3 Months: Returning to Full Fitness
Most facelift patients are sufficiently healed around the three months and can resume a broader range of exercises. While at this time, internal healing is still ongoing, the incisions are stable and largely healed.
- What to Resume
- High-Impact Workouts: Running and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may be gradually reintroduced.
- Resistance Training: Heavier weights and more challenging routines are possible if you proceed with caution, monitoring any facial discomfort.
- Full Yoga or Pilates: You can typically incorporate inversions and more complex poses but keep an eye out for unusual swelling or pain.
Types of Exercise and When to Resume
Low-Impact Activities
Low-impact exercises like walking and exercise bike are the perfect starting point during your recovery. These activities are generally safe to begin within the first few weeks’ post facelift surgery. The benefits? it promotes healthy circulation and help manage inflammation without putting unnecessary stress on your healing facial tissues.
Resistance Training
If you’re eager to get back to strength training, you can start with light resistance exercises such as bodyweight squats, light dumbbell workouts, or using resistance bands. This is typically safe around 4–6 weeks after surgery but take it slow — stick to low weights and higher repetitions to ease your body back into the routine.
Yoga & Pilates
For those who love yoga or pilates, light stretches, and seated poses can often be introduced around the 4–6 week mark. However, steer clear of inversions or poses that place strain on your neck until you’re at least three months post-surgery.
High-Intensity Workouts
High-intensity activities like HIIT, boot camps, or running require a longer wait. Typically, these can be reintroduced after three months, but only with clearance by Dr Turner. These workouts are excellent for rebuilding cardiovascular health and muscular endurance, allowing you to return to peak fitness levels when your body is fully ready.
Next Steps
Exercising after a facelift surgery doesn’t have to be daunting — when done wisely, physical activity can enhance your recovery experience and help you maintain the rejuvenated look you’ve achieved. The key is balance: giving your body ample time to rest and mend, while gradually reintroducing movements that support circulation, muscle strength, and overall health.
If you’re unsure about the right exercise approach after facelift surgery, Dr Turner and his dedicated team in Manly are here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact our clinic today to schedule your consultation with Dr Turner and take the first step towards achieving your facial aesthetic goals.
- Schedule a Consultation: Book your appointment with Dr Turner at his Manly Clinic in Sydney, Australia
- Prepare for Surgery: Follow any preoperative guidelines provided, such as avoiding certain medications and arranging for post-surgery care.
- Plan for Recovery: Set aside time for rest and healing and arrange for assistance during your initial recovery phase if needed.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best treatment options for your individual needs. A formal quote will be provided after your consultation with Dr Turner that gives a better estimate of costs involved in your planned procedure.
