A face-lift is a major cosmetic surgery procedure that removes sagging skin and excess fat from the face and usually involves tightening the neck muscles. The procedure usually takes several hours, and most patients receive general anesthesia. Recovery times vary among patients, who are encouraged to slowly return to their exercise routines after about two weeks, report doctors at Chicago Plastic Surgery.
Step 1
Get up and begin walking around after about two days of bed rest. You will feel pain and discomfort following the surgery, so you need to remain lying down with your head elevated on a couple of pillows for the first two days. Walk around your home after that, stopping to rest when you feel fatigued.
Step 2
Loosen up and get some mild exercise by adding light housework like dusting, cooking or doing dishes to your strolls around the house. Refrain from lifting or doing strenuous work for the first week. Use ice packs on your face to minimize swelling after you've been moving around for a while.
Step 3
Perform mild stretches to keep your muscles flexible and to avoid atrophy. While sitting, raise your hands above your head as far as you can and hold for a count of 10. Move your arms out to the side and push, holding the pose for a count of 10. As you lie down, lift your leg as high as you can and hold while you count to 10. Repeat on the other leg. Move your torso from side to side slowly, holding your head in place to prevent pulling out the stitches. Avoid stretches that require you to bend over.
Step 4
Stick with isometric exercises for the first week until your stitches are taken out. Isometric exercises are those that are performed by tightening a muscle group and holding it for a count of 10 or so, and slowly releasing. For example, squeeze your buttocks, hold and release. Repeat three times. Pull in your stomach, hold for a count of 10 and release. Repeat three times.
Step 5
Begin going for longer walks outside, recommend doctors at Facelift Boston. Walk for 15 or 20 minutes and build up to 30 minutes as you begin to feel better. Wear a hat and sunscreen to avoid any direct sunlight until all your scars have healed.
Tips and Warnings
- Recover quicker by getting in the best shape that you can prior to the surgery, report doctors at the Garcia Plastic Surgery Institute. Exercise so that you are close to your ideal weight. A 20-minute daily walk can help you to stay fit and stress-free, which will make your surgical recovery much easier and re-establishing your walking patterns a breeze.
- Avoid aerobic exercise for three to six weeks, depending on your rate of healing, to prevent bleeding and swelling.
Things You'll Need
- Ice packs
- Isometrics
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