Our desire is for you to have the best possible recovery after surgery. We have created guidelines to help you get back to activity as soon and as safely as possible.
Day of surgery: REST! Rest with feet elevated in a comfortable position. Stay well hydrated and take your medications as directed.
Days 1-7: This is the time you will be the sorest, bruising will try to resolve, and your body is healing. Continue pain medication as needed; slowly increase range of motion as tolerated for activities such as bathing, eating, dressing, etc. Stay well hydrated (a good benchmark is that you need to urinate every 1-2 hours while awake). Getting up and moving (even just a little) every 1-2 hours in this period also helps prevent blood clots.
Day 7-10: At this time, you may walk as far as you want to. If you have any scabbing or crusting still present along your incision, you may still walk but avoid it in excess to avoid sweating. You may also start light stretching at this time. Intimate relations can carefully resume as the risk of increasing your blood pressure that can cause bleeding is decreased now.
Weeks 1-3: You will continue to build strength and energy as your body is healing. You may SLOWLY resume light housework, gradually increasing the workload. You may also start light leg and arm lifting/exercises at this time, along with walking.
Week 3: You may use a recumbent bike and elliptical along with light arm/leg lifting.
Week 3-6: Although you may feel fine, remember that you are still healing. Be cautious in your activity while gradually increasing endurance, intensity and resistance over the next 3 weeks.
Week 6: At this time you may return to all activities you wish to do.
For Breast Surgery: Make sure to wear good support while working out. A sports bra with a defined cup is best. Avoid sports bras that “smash” your chest. Avoid excessive chest workouts (bench press, flys, pushups), as these will push implants outward over time.
For Tummy Tuck & Liposuction: When you begin to increase your activity, you will swell. Make sure to wear your compression garment for the full 6 weeks and when exercising. We encourage you to wait a full 8 weeks to resume core work.
If you have any questions regarding post surgery care, please call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.