Working out after plastic surgery

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A user recently shared their experience following a Blepharoplasty, expressing frustration over post-operative restrictions that prevent heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks, which they were not informed of prior to surgery. As an active individual accustomed to intense workouts, the user is struggling with the enforced inactivity and is seeking advice on how to manage their exercise routine without jeopardizing healing. They raised concerns about the impact of exercise on blood pressure and inflammatory responses, questioning if short-acting antihypertensive medications or anti-inflammatories could mitigate risks while working out. The discussion highlighted the importance of adhering to medical advice and suggested consulting healthcare professionals for tailored guidance. Ultimately, the user was encouraged to avoid violating doctor's orders and seek clarification on safe exercise options.
jaumzaum
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Hello guys!

7 days ago I did a Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). It's one of the simplest plastic surgeries on the face. However, for my surprise, I was told by the doctor after the surgery that I would have to stay 4-6 weeks without heavy lifting for the scars to heal properly.

I think that type of information should have been given by the doctor before the surgery was done, when I asked him about the post operatory regime. I am a very active person, and I usually workout 2 times a day, 7 days a week. It has been a torture for me staying these 7 days without going to the gym or doing any kind of exercise.

When I searched on the internet for the reason why I shouldn't workout my arm given that the surgery is on the face I found some people saying that working out any part of the body increases your heart rate and blood pressure, and that can be bad for the healing. Also, some inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) are released during a workout and re bad for the scar.

I know I shouldn't workout, but unfortunately for me this is impossible. I am already extremely distressed from being inside my house doing nothing that I even started on benzos to calm myself down. I am aware of the risks that heavy lifting could do to the scars, but considering that I already made up my mind and nothing is going to change it, I was wondering if anyone with a medical/biochemical background could help me to do that in the least detrimental way possible?

If working out rises blood pressure in the face area, I was thinking if isn't there any antihypertensive medication with short half-life that I could take before working out to minimize the blood pressure rise? Topical medications (if one exists) could be an option too. Or medications that are specific for some area of the body (the face).

About the inflammatory response, what if I work out and keep taking anti-inflammatories? I know that could decrease the muscle growth, but I am not going to the gym only to gain muscle, but also to not become crazy. Many people here could think I am exaggerating on this, but I am not. Consider you do something everyday for 10 years in a regulated way and then suddenly you have to stop completely, would you feel ok about it? I won't.

Also, about the exercises, are there any that don't increase blood pressure very much? What about concentrated exercises in small muscles (for example, the biceps and triceps)? I can stay without working out big muscles for a while, that is no issue.

*** Please don't judge me in this post, I am really looking for help here, and I already made my mind!

Thank you for everyone that could help, even a little!
 
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You said "no heavy lifting" workouts, which makes sense to me. Probably no swimming either for a while to lower the risk of infection.

But I would think that normal aerobic exercise like cycling and running should be okay -- have you called the Advice Nurse with that question?
 
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That's rough. I just had a knee meniscus trim and after a 2-week checkup I was given basically zero restrictions ("ease yourself back in as pain/range of motion allows").

However, we can't humor a very non-hypothetical discussion of violating doctor's orders here. Please ask them for clarification/workaround. Thread closed.
 
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