Return to exercise as soon as possible, but gradually.
Different doctors will advise slightly varied timing on this matter. However, what most experts agree on is that you should return to exercise as soon as possible, but take it slow. “During the first one to two weeks, your activity can increase gradually. Light exercise can begin at three weeks and no vigorous exercise until six to eight weeks post-surgery,” said Houston, TX plastic surgeon Henry A. Mentz, MD.
Dr. Rapaport said patients should stretch frequently even before returning to the gym, and he encourages his patients “to be back at the gym within a week, preferably within three to five days with low impact, and build from there.” When returning to high-impact activities, such as running, Dr. Rapaport said patients should wear compression.