Board-certified plastic surgeons advise patients to gradually return to exercise routines after cosmetic procedures, recognizing that appropriate exercises can expedite healing and enhance surgical results.
Surgeries like abdominoplasty and liposuction can strain the body’s core, complicating exercise during recovery. Breast procedures and facial rejuvenation surgeries also have specific post-operative guidelines.
Yoga combines physical and mental practices to train the mind and body effectively. Plastic surgery involves creating a physical wound to improve or repair a specific body area or address damage from a condition or accident. Skin surface surgeries are typically brief and have minimal impact on the individual.
Pros and Cons of Yoga After Surgery
The benefits of yoga after surgery are evident in patients with operations like a tummy tuck. Vinyasa and Ashtanga pose in yoga significantly enhance blood circulation, which reduces the risk of post-surgery blood clots. Pranayama breathing techniques are also beneficial, as they gently engage the abdominal muscles, improving circulation and reducing swelling post-surgery.
However, it’s recommended to use yoga straps during vinyasa poses to prevent undue pressure on the operated area. Patients wishing to practice yoga after surgery should always seek guidance from a trained professional.
On the downside, engaging in yoga post-plastic surgery means avoiding strenuous styles such as Bikram yoga or intense breathing techniques, particularly after abdominal procedures. These activities may strain the surgical site unnecessarily and lead to complications.
Is it Safe to Work Out After Facial Plastic Surgery?
Taking it easy doesn’t mean you are lazy around. It also doesn’t mean you should exercise. You must pause your regular workout routine for at least a few weeks. If you’re into fitness, you might feel impatient, but it’s a worthwhile sacrifice to maintain optimal health and ensure proper wound healing. Exercising too soon can lead to prolonged side effects at best or irreparable complications at worst.
Exercise boosts your heart rate and blood circulation, which is beneficial under normal circumstances. However, right after cosmetic surgery, increased blood flow from vigorous exercise can lead to more bleeding, bruising, and swelling in the treated area. Dr. Jay Calvert plastic surgery clinic performs all types of plastic surgery and will help you make the best decisions for your recovery.
Consult Your Doctor First
Surgery and recovery aren’t one-size-fits-all, so it’s important to consult your plastic surgeon before starting any routine, even gentle yoga. Your surgeon can suggest safe activities and provide a realistic timeline for incorporating various exercise levels during your recovery.
The best advice when considering yoga after surgery is to listen to your body. Begin with simple yoga poses, and if you feel any discomfort or pain, stop and rest immediately. Try again after a few days, monitoring your body’s response to the simpler poses before attempting more advanced ones.
Always consult a specialist before performing any exercise post-surgery to prevent aggravating internal muscles or organs. Yoga should not be practiced until six weeks after surgery to allow sufficient time for internal wounds to heal.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is gentle with slow, supported movements and meditation. They work to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This promotes rest and recovery. It aids digestion, improves sleep, supports tissue repair, and alleviates depression and anxiety.
Remarkably, restorative yoga is considered one of the few safe and effective forms of exercise. Focusing on self-care is essential during your healing process, and restorative yoga could be an excellent starting point, provided your plastic surgeon approves.
Restorative yoga is particularly gentle, often using props like pillows and blankets to enhance relaxation. Due to its physiological benefits, studies suggest restorative yoga-based practices can speed up healing time.
Muscle Relaxation Technique
You can perform this exercise while sitting, standing, or lying down. Alternatively, try it flat on your back with your arms and legs slightly apart. Start by establishing diaphragmatic breathing and maintain it throughout the exercise. As you inhale, close your eyes tightly and clench your teeth to tense your jaw. As you exhale, release the tension softening your face, jaw, and tongue.
Take a full breath, and expand your rib cage completely. Hold it to create tension in your chest, upper back, and neck. Exhale to release completely. Inhale and clench your hands into fists, tensing all the muscles in your arms. Exhale to relax. Inhale and tighten your bottom and pelvic floor muscles while engaging your abdomen. Exhale to release.
Inhale to curl your toes, activating all the muscles in your legs. Exhale to let go. Take 10 or more deep, long breaths, resting in a state of complete relaxation. This exercise aims to actively promote relaxation throughout your body by initially tensing each area, enhancing awareness and connection.
Supported Fish Pose
Lie on a bolster or large pillow, supporting your entire back, shoulders, neck, and head. If you don’t have any lower back discomfort, stretch your legs out straight on the floor. Otherwise, you can adjust by bending your knees. Allow your arms to rest at your sides to feel an opening sensation.
This position helps relieve tension in the chest, neck, and shoulders. Once your doctor gives the go-ahead, it can be beneficial for gently releasing scar tissue and adhesions in individuals recovering from heart, lung, and breast surgeries. Remember, gentleness is key. Always pay attention to your body’s signals. Restorative yoga should never feel alarming or cause stress.
Legs Up the Wall
Legs-up-the-wall pose is a top choice and is likely the most favored restorative yoga position. Post-surgery, my body tends to handle stress by causing significant swelling, particularly in my legs. Elevating our legs above the heart alters our gravitational relationship, encouraging venous blood flow to reduce edema.
To enter this pose, sit on the floor with your right shoulder and hip close to a wall. Lower your left shoulder to the floor and extend your legs straight up against the wall, allowing your back and head to rest on the ground.
If straightening your legs completely is challenging, adjust by placing them on a chair with bent knees. Use a thin pillow or folded blanket under your head or hips for any neck or back discomfort.
Endnote
Exercise plays a vital role in post-surgery recovery. Consult your doctor and physical therapist before beginning any exercise regimen and pay attention to your body’s signals as you gradually resume physical activity. Adhering to these precautions and exercising safely will aid in a successful recovery and enhance your health and fitness.