Why Can I Not Exercise Right After a Thigh Lift?

3 Minute Read:

Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a huge step in your life. There is a lot to consider, such as the costs, the risks involved, and the length of the recovery period. You might also be wondering if the surgery results will last a lifetime.

When it comes to body contouring procedures — like a thigh lift — the longevity of results depends on how well you maintain a stable weight. To do this, you must focus on a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine. But what do you do if you want to exercise after your surgery but are still in recovery? And how soon can you exercise after a thigh lift?

What Does a Thigh Lift Surgery Entail?

Thigh lift surgery involves removing any loose skin around the thighs before repositioning the tissues in the area. This raises and tightens the skin around the thighs, creating a more appealing and younger-looking contour. Thigh lifts are one of two types: the inner thigh lift and the outer thigh lift.

During the inner thigh lift, we will use either a long or short scar inner thigh lift. While the short scar lift incision is isolated to the fold of the groin area, it is rarely used.

Most often, the long scar inner thigh lift is necessary to address excess skin and fat in the inner thigh area.

The outer thigh lift surgery requires an incision starting at the top of the groin, goes above the hip bone, and ends at the intergluteal crease. This aims at tightening skin on the front and outside of the thigh.

Both procedures can be done with or without liposuction. Liposuction takes out excess fat, resulting in smoother and fitter contours.

How Long Do I Have to Wait Before Exercising After a Thigh Lift?

Since thigh lift surgery involves lengthy incisions and tissue tightening, your body will require time to regain full motion and flexibility. You can resume light exercises, such as walking around the house within a day; however, more strenuous activity, such as hitting a treadmill or riding a stationary bike, should be avoided for up to two or three weeks.

Even more strenuous activity, such as jogging, running, or weightlifting, should be avoided for four or six weeks after surgery.

What Are the Complications of Exercising too Soon?

Exercising immediately after a thigh lift surgery can result in several complications and side effects. You may experience extreme pain. There could also be excessive swelling, bruising, or bleeding. Even worse, exercising too soon can reopen your incisions, which puts you at a higher risk of infection, lengthens your recovery, and results in more significant scarring.

All in all, you must understand that a few weeks of rest will not hurt your results. In the end, this rest will help you and actually allow you to return to full strength exercising quicker than if you tried to push yourself too hard, too soon.

Interested in Learning More?

While you might be tempted to hit the gym once you start recuperating, it is important to consult your physician before undertaking any exercise.

Our doctors at Advanced Aesthetics are qualified board-certified plastic surgeons with experience in thigh lift and other body contouring procedures. Contact us or call us at (770) 461-4000 to set up a consultation.