As with any surgical procedure, proper post-operative care is essential to ensure optimal healing and results after blepharoplasty. A critical component of this care involves knowing when and how to resume exercise after blepharoplasty safely.
In this blog, Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna provides guidelines on exercising after blepharoplasty.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct defects, deformities, or disfigurations of the eyelids. It involves removing excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper and lower eyelids. This procedure can be performed for both functional reasons, such as improving vision obstructed by droopy eyelids, and for cosmetic purposes.
After blepharoplasty, it is important to balance rest with light physical activity to support recovery. Initial weeks should focus on minimal exertion to prevent complications such as increased swelling, bruising, or bleeding. Gradually reintroducing specific types of exercise can aid in overall recovery without compromising the surgical results. Following a structured plan that outlines which exercises are safe at different stages post-surgery ensures that you maintain physical health while allowing proper healing of the eyelids.
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Engaging in light exercises post-blepharoplasty is essential for maintaining overall physical health and preventing stiffness while ensuring that the surgical site heals properly. Here is a detailed guide on the types of light exercises you can perform and when you can safely do them during your recovery.
Here’s a detailed guide on the types of yoga and breathing exercises you can safely perform during your recovery and the appropriate timing for each.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as deep belly breathing, is an excellent way to promote relaxation and improve oxygen flow. This exercise can be started as soon as you feel comfortable post-surgery.
4-7-8 Breathing
The 4-7-8 breathing technique can help manage anxiety and promote a sense of calm, which is beneficial during the recovery process.
Seated Mountain Pose
The seated mountain pose is a gentle yoga pose that helps improve posture and breathing without putting pressure on the eyes.
Seated Forward Bend
This pose helps stretch the back and shoulders gently.
Seated Cat-Cow Stretch
This exercise gently stretches your spine and shoulders, promoting flexibility and easing tension.
Standing Mountain Pose
As you progress, you can introduce gentle standing poses that do not require bending.
Combining breathing exercises with yoga poses can enhance their benefits. For instance, practice deep diaphragmatic breathing while holding the seated mountain pose or the 4-7-8 breathing technique during the seated cat-cow stretch. This integration promotes a deeper sense of relaxation and helps manage any post-surgery stress or discomfort.
Engaging in aerobic workouts after blepharoplasty is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health and overall physical fitness. However, it’s important to approach aerobic exercise with caution to avoid compromising the healing process. Here is a detailed guide on safe aerobic exercises and when to perform them during your recovery:
Minimal Activity during Initial Recovery Phase
During the initial recovery period following blepharoplasty, your primary focus should be on rest and allowing the surgical site to heal. Strenuous aerobic activities should be avoided to prevent increased swelling, bruising, or other complications.
Gradual Increase in Aerobic Activity
As you progress in your recovery, you can gradually increase the duration and intensity of your aerobic workouts. The key is to monitor your body’s response and avoid any activities that cause discomfort or strain.
Extended Walking
Stationary Biking
Low-Impact Aerobics
Light Jogging
During the first two months after blepharoplasty, it is important to avoid certain exercises that could jeopardise your recovery. Here are specific types of activities to steer clear of and the reasons why they should be avoided:
High-impact sports, such as running, basketball, soccer, and tennis, involve significant physical exertion and sudden, jarring movements. These activities can increase blood pressure and heart rate, leading to increased swelling and bruising around the eyes. Additionally, the risk of accidental collisions or impacts can cause direct trauma to the surgical area, potentially resulting in complications such as bleeding or reopening of the incision sites. During the early stages of recovery, even seemingly mild high-impact activities can pose a significant risk, delaying the healing process and compromising the surgical results.
Heavy weight lifting and strenuous resistance training should be avoided during the first two months post-surgery. Lifting heavy weights can significantly increase intra-abdominal and intra-thoracic pressure, which can, in turn, elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of bleeding and swelling around the eyes. The strain associated with heavy lifting can also lead to facial muscle tension, potentially affecting the delicate tissues around the surgical site. Instead, opt for light resistance exercises with minimal weight or resistance bands, focusing on maintaining muscle tone without exerting excessive strain.
Activities that involve bending over or placing your head in a downward position, such as certain yoga poses (e.g., downward-facing dog), pilates exercises, and even household chores like mopping or vacuuming, should be avoided. These positions can cause increased pressure in the head and around the eyes, leading to swelling and potential complications in the surgical area. Maintaining a neutral head position is crucial to ensure that pressure does not build up, which can adversely affect the healing process.
Instead of these activities, focus on exercises that keep your head in a neutral or elevated position. For example, gentle walking, seated exercises, and light stretches that do not require bending forward can help maintain physical activity levels without risking your recovery.
Exercising too soon after blepharoplasty can lead to several complications, including increased swelling and bruising around the eyes, which can delay the healing process. Engaging in strenuous activities can also cause bleeding or reopen incision sites, leading to infections and other serious issues. High-impact exercises can result in accidental trauma to the surgical area, potentially compromising the results of the surgery.
You should generally wait at least six to eight weeks before resuming regular gym workouts, especially those involving heavy lifting, high-impact activities, or intense cardiovascular exercises. This timeframe allows your body to heal adequately and reduces the risk of complications.
Yes, you can practice yoga after blepharoplasty, but it’s important to avoid poses that involve bending forward or placing your head in a downward position for the first two months. Focus on gentle, seated, or standing poses that maintain a neutral head position. Gentle stretches and breathing exercises are beneficial and safe during the initial recovery period.
Low-impact aerobic exercises like stationary cycling can typically be resumed around four weeks post-surgery, provided you feel comfortable and have Anca’s approval. High-impact aerobic exercises, such as running, should be avoided for at least six to eight weeks. Always start with low-intensity activities and gradually increase the intensity as your recovery progresses.
Yes, if you experience increased swelling, pain, bruising, bleeding, or any signs of infection (such as redness, warmth, or discharge from the surgical site) while exercising, you should stop immediately and consult your surgeon. These symptoms could indicate that the activity is too strenuous or that there is a complication in your recovery. It’s important to listen to your body and seek medical advice if you have any concerns during your post-operative period.