Dr. Brandon Lee
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, MD, FACS
Exercise timelines vary by procedure, but here's a general guide: Walking: Start the day of surgery or next day for all procedures—it's important for circulation and preventing blood clots. Light cardio (stationary bike, walking on treadmill): 2-3 weeks for most procedures. Upper body exercise: 4-6 weeks for breast procedures, 2-3 weeks for body/face procedures. Lower body/core exercise: 6-8 weeks after tummy tuck, 4-6 weeks after liposuction. Heavy lifting (over 25 lbs): 6-8 weeks for most surgical procedures. Running/high-impact: 4-6 weeks for most procedures, 6-8 weeks for tummy tuck and breast procedures. Key principles: listen to your body, don't push through pain, and follow YOUR surgeon's specific guidelines—they know the details of your procedure. Returning too early is one of the most common reasons for complications like bleeding, swelling, and compromised results. Your fitness will bounce back quickly once cleared—most patients regain their pre-surgery fitness level within 2-3 months.