Getting back into a gym routine after cosmetic surgery

When can I go back to the gym after my procedure?

One of the number one questions our surgeons get asked during consultations is ‘how long do I have to wait before I can go back to the gym?’

While the rest period is vital for recovery, we understand you may start to get restless during your recovery, especially if you were an avid gym goer pre-op. That said, it is very important that you follow all your pre-op care instructions and don't rush back to your usual exercise routine too quickly.

Exercising after cosmetic surgery

To recover fully and effectively, you’re advised to take rest seriously after a cosmetic surgery procedure. While this may be music to your ears for a lot of you, many of our patients feel restless during this downtime, and are eager to get back into an exercise routine. 

But how long do you have to wait before you put your running trainers back on again?

Honestly…it depends on the procedure. 

The recovery time for most procedures here at MYA is 6-8 weeks but everyone is different - by this point the majority of patients will have returned to work and resumed normal activities (depending on how physically demanding their job is). 

However, when it comes to high-intensity workouts, you must wait until you’ve been signed off by your surgeon or clinical team, before joining any HIIT classes. Patients that have undergone breast procedures, should be particularly careful when lifting weights and should ease themselves back into the gym. 

Rhinoplasty patients should not swim or participate in physical activity for 6-8 weeks. Patients are recommended to avoid heavy lifting and contact sports for 6 months following their rhinoplasty procedure and should seek clinical advice from their MYA nurse or surgeon before doing so.

Top tips for returning to the gym after cosmetic surgery: 

Our top tips for patients looking to get back into exercise following their procedure.

• Be aware, the length of time it takes to fully recover from a cosmetic surgery procedure varies. For example, breast procedures and rhinoplasties can take 12 months to see the final result, whereas, with a facelift, you’re fully recovered after three months. 

• When your MYA surgeon says it’s okay to start exercising again, you’ll be advised to start slowly. Just a gentle walk is a great way to get back into the swing of things, and you can do it at your own pace. 

• Lighter exercises are a great way to build up your strength (and your confidence), MYA recommend that patients try to keep mobile following their surgery, this also helps to decrease the likelihood of blood clots and ease symptoms of bloating and constipation following anaesthetic. 

• It is important that patients who have undergone breast surgery such as a breast enlargement or breast uplift wear a supportive sports bra when exercising.

• Don’t be disheartened if you can’t manage the weights and speeds you’re used to. You’re getting used to a new change in your body and in some cases, a new addition (the extra weight of breast implants can take time to get to grips with). 

• The most important piece of advice we can give you is to trust your body. If you try to push yourself and it’s quite painful, stop. Either return to a less strenuous exercise, or go home to rest - you can always try again in a few days when the discomfort is reduced.

MYA is here to help 

Here at MYA Cosmetic Surgery, we pride ourselves on our community-like approach and encourage past and present patients to turn to us when they need advice and support. 

If you have any concerns about exercising after a cosmetic surgery procedure - whether it’s what exercises you should avoid, or how long you need to wait before you do a burpee - don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re more than happy to lend a helping hand.