By Dr Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon | Sydney & Brisbane
Returning to physical activity following facelift surgery requires careful planning and patience. While exercise offers undeniable benefits for overall health, premature or overly vigorous activity during the healing period can compromise your surgical results and increase the risk of complications. Understanding the appropriate timeline for reintroducing different types of exercise helps protect your investment and supports optimal healing.
Dr Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon with clinics in Sydney and Brisbane, provides each patient with individualised guidance based on their specific procedure and healing progress. Whether you have undergone a deep plane facelift, SMAS facelift, Ponytail facelift, short-scar facelift, or the Face+ Signature Facelift, this guide outlines general principles and timelines, though your personal recovery instructions will always take precedence.
Table of contents
Why Exercise Restrictions Matter After Facelift Surgery
The weeks following facelift surgery represent a critical period for tissue healing and optimal results. Surgical incisions progress through distinct healing phases over several months. During the early stages, wounds possess minimal strength and remain vulnerable to mechanical stress. Collagen production gradually increases wound strength, but this process takes time. Research indicates that surgical wounds achieve substantial tensile strength approximately four to six weeks after surgery, forming the basis for activity restrictions during this period.
Physical exertion elevates heart rate and blood pressure as your cardiovascular system works to deliver oxygen to active muscles. While beneficial for fitness, these changes can pose significant problems during facelift recovery. Increased blood pressure raises the risk of haematoma formation (bleeding into tissues beneath the skin), one of the most common complications following facelift surgery that may require drainage or additional intervention. Vigorous activity can also cause prolonged swelling when increased blood flow exacerbates the normal inflammatory response, seroma formation (fluid accumulation in surgical spaces), and wound dehiscence (incisions partially separating under excessive strain).
Rushing back to exercise too quickly can undermine your results, potentially requiring revision surgery and extending your overall recovery period. A measured, gradual approach to resuming activity ensures the best possible outcome. For comprehensive information about the healing process, visit our detailed facelift recovery resource.
Recovery Timeline: When to Resume Different Activities
Weeks One to Two: Foundation of Healing
The initial fortnight after surgery focuses on rest, allowing incisions to begin healing and managing the peak of swelling and bruising that typically occurs within the first 72 hours. During this period, avoid any activity that significantly elevates your heart rate or blood pressure, including running, weightlifting, vigorous cardio, yoga inversions, and swimming. Bending forward for extended periods and lifting heavy items should also be avoided.
Short, gentle walks are not only safe but actively encouraged from the early days of recovery. Brief strolls of five to ten minutes, repeated several times daily, improve circulation, support lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling, lower the risk of blood clots, and provide gentle mood enhancement. Begin with very short walks around your home and gradually extend to longer durations by the end of the second week as your energy permits. Gentle stretching for legs, arms, and back can also help maintain flexibility without affecting the surgical site.
Weeks Three to Four: Early Progression
By the third and fourth weeks, most patients notice significant improvement in swelling and bruising. Incisions are gaining strength, though they remain vulnerable to excessive stress. Extended walking becomes appropriate during this phase, with sessions gradually increasing to around 30 minutes at a moderate pace. Outdoor walking is generally suitable, though sun protection is essential for healing incisions. Fresh scars are extremely sensitive to UV radiation and can develop permanent darkening if exposed without protection. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen to all exposed areas, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and consider exercising early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak UV hours.
Light flexibility work and gentle stretching routines can be safely incorporated, focusing on range of motion without creating facial tension. Some patients may be cleared for stationary cycling at very low intensity during this period. Continue avoiding impact activities, resistance training with weights, swimming, yoga inversions, and any activity causing facial pain, tension, or increased swelling.
Weeks Four to Eight: Gradual Expansion
Around the four to six-week mark, a significant turning point occurs for most patients. Swelling has substantially decreased, bruising has typically resolved, and incisions have gained considerable strength. Low-impact cardiovascular exercise can generally resume, including light cycling, elliptical training, and treadmill walking at increased speeds. Swimming may be appropriate once Dr Turner confirms complete incision healing, typically around four to six weeks. Both chlorinated pool water and natural bodies of water contain bacteria that can infect healing incisions, so clearance is essential before swimming. Once approved, rinse off immediately after swimming, apply sun protection to healing scars, and start with shorter sessions.
Light resistance training can begin with a conservative approach, focusing on bodyweight exercises or minimal weights with controlled movements. Avoid holding your breath during lifts, as this can spike blood pressure. Gentle yoga and Pilates with flowing movements can safely resume, though deep inversions should still be avoided. Start at a reduced intensity compared to your pre-surgery routine and progress based on how your body responds. High-intensity workouts, heavy weightlifting, and contact sports should continue to be avoided during this phase.
Three Months and Beyond: Full Activity Resumption
By the three-month milestone, most facelift patients have healed sufficiently to resume their complete exercise routine. While internal healing continues for several more months, incisions have gained substantial strength and can withstand more demanding physical activity. High-impact workouts, including running, jogging, and HIIT, can typically be reintroduced, starting conservatively and building intensity gradually over several weeks.
Full yoga and Pilates practice, including inversions, can be incorporated gradually, building up to more advanced poses. Sports and recreational activities can resume based on the nature of the sport; low-contact sports like tennis and golf are generally appropriate around three months, while contact sports may require additional time, per Dr Turner’s specific guidance.
Monitoring Your Response
Warning signs that indicate you are overdoing it include sharp pain or pulling sensations around incisions, increased swelling (especially if asymmetric), new bruising, warmth or redness near incision sites, and bleeding from incisions. If you experience any symptoms, stop exercising immediately, rest with your head elevated, and contact Dr Turner’s clinic.
Individual Variation
Healing timelines vary considerably between individuals. Patients who combine their facelift with complementary procedures such as neck lift surgery, deep neck lift, neck liposuction, blepharoplasty, or chin augmentation may require adjusted timelines. Always prioritise Dr Turner’s specific recommendations for your unique situation.
Exercise Types: General Guidance
Walking
Walking represents the cornerstone of early facelift recovery and can begin within the first few days after surgery. This gentle exercise promotes healthy blood circulation without jarring impact or significant blood pressure elevation. Regular short walks support lymphatic drainage, prevent blood clot formation, and provide mood enhancement through endorphin release.
Stationary Cycling
Stationary cycling offers low-impact cardiovascular conditioning and can typically begin around three to four weeks post-surgery. Begin with very low resistance and short sessions, maintaining conversational intensity. Focus on increasing duration before adding intensity.
Resistance Training
Strength training requires a longer delay due to blood pressure increases and the physical strain involved. Light resistance work can typically commence around four to six weeks, focusing on controlled movements and proper breathing. Heavier resistance training can usually resume around six to eight weeks, beginning at reduced capacity and progressing gradually.
Yoga and Pilates
These disciplines require modification during early recovery because inversion poses increase facial pressure. Gentle floor-based stretches and seated poses can typically begin around four to six weeks. Full practice, including inversions, should wait until at least three months post-surgery.
High-Intensity Workouts
HIIT, boot camps, and running require the longest wait, typically not resuming until after three months. The significant cardiovascular demand dramatically elevates blood pressure, while impact forces can transmit through the body to facial tissues. Always obtain Dr Turner’s clearance before returning to vigorous activity.
Supporting Your Recovery
Proper nutrition significantly supports wound healing. Protein is essential for tissue repair and collagen production, while vitamin C supports collagen synthesis. Zinc plays an important role in every phase of wound healing, and omega-3 fatty acids help manage inflammation. Foods to limit include highly processed foods, excessive sodium, refined sugars, and alcohol. Aim for approximately 2-3 litres of water daily to support healing and reduce swelling.
The recovery period can be emotionally challenging, and some mood fluctuation is normal. Gentle exercise provides mental health benefits through endorphin release and a sense of accomplishment. Practice relaxation techniques, maintain social connections, and seek professional support if experiencing significant anxiety or low mood.
Even without complications, exercising too vigorously too soon can lead to prolonged swelling, increased bruising, and suboptimal scarring. For detailed information about scar management, visit our guide on facelift scars.
Summary
Returning to exercise after facelift surgery need not be daunting. When approached thoughtfully, physical activity can enhance your recovery experience and help you maintain the results you have achieved. The key is balance: allowing your body adequate time to heal during the critical early weeks while gradually reintroducing activities that support circulation, strength, and overall health.
Remember that recovery is not linear. Some days you will feel energetic and capable; others may require additional rest. Both are normal parts of the healing journey. Listen to your body, follow Dr Turner’s guidance, and trust the process.
The temporary exercise restrictions represent a small investment of time for long-lasting results. If you have questions about the appropriate exercise approach after facelift surgery, Dr Turner and his team are available to guide your recovery.
Contact us to arrange a facelift consultation at our Sydney or Brisbane clinic.
Book a Consultation in Sydney or Brisbane
If you are considering lower facelift surgery, Dr Scott J Turner offers comprehensive assessments at his Sydney and Brisbane clinics. As a Specialist Plastic Surgeon specialising in facial aesthetic surgery, Dr Turner can evaluate your individual concerns and recommend the most appropriate surgical approach.
To arrange your consultation, please contact us or telephone 1300 437 758.
