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How Long Should I Wait After Plastic Surgery Before I Go To The Spa?

One of the recommendations we give to clients recovering from plastic surgery is to take it easy and rest. If you're considering going to a spa to help relax and speed the healing process, you probably have questions about how long you should wait. Naturally the period varies depending on the type of work you've had done. On the whole for any plastic surgery procedure, it's recommended that you avoid any strenuous activity that causes an increase in blood flow for at least two weeks. This also depends on the level of bruising and swelling you may experience after any surgical procedure.

If you've had a liposuction procedure, it is recommended that you move soon after surgery, as this reduces the risk of blood clots that can occur if you stay sedentary for too long. You can resume normal activities after a few days, sooner depending on the amount of fat you've had removed, but you must refrain from any strenuous activity, such as exercise, for at least two weeks. We recommend at least two weeks before you visit the spa after you've had a liposuction procedure. Swedish massage has been shown to be highly effective at reducing swelling following liposuction surgery, which is a real plus as there are not many things that beat a great massage for feel good activities.

If you've recently had facelift surgery, the timeline will be a little different for you. After a facelift your face will show some swelling, which usually peaks about two days after the procedure, though you should be able to wash your hair in two days. However, you should avoid strenuous activity until the swelling has subsided. Exercise can usually be restarted about two to three weeks later. People will experience different degrees of bruising and make-up can begin to be used about one week later. We highly recommend a cover-up that has either a green or yellow base as this most effectively camouflages any discoloration. Within two weeks the swelling should be reduced enough for you to consider a spa visit, but you may want to avoid social activities for first one or two weeks after your facelift surgery. Spas can be a great place to get advice on which make-up best suit your individual color palette. By about seven weeks your face will be healed enough for all strenuous activity.

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) on the other hand, is a major surgical procedure and you can expect a much longer recovery period as compared to any other plastic surgery. Depending on the extent of the tummy tuck procedure performed you will have to refrain from any strenuous activity for at least six to eight weeks. For the first five or six days after tummy tuck surgery you will want to slowly begin to straighten up and allow your abdominal muscles and skin to relax and stretch. You will want to be walking around your house starting the first day after the procedure and gradually build you activity level. You can start light to moderate physical activity.