All of us have concerns about the way our bodies look and feel, and a cosmetic procedure can
often provide just the solution we need to allow us to feel that little bit more comfortable in the
skin we live in.
Whether you want to plump up your buttocks with a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), or tone your
stomach with a tummy tuck, one of the most important considerations when you are planning a
treatment will be the timeline for the surgery itself and the recovery. So, let’s have a look at
some of the different possibilities for your cosmetic surgery timeline.
Take it Easy for the First Week
For any cosmetic procedure that requires surgery, you’ll likely need to take off between two and
seven days depending on the procedure. In the first week you will feel at your most tender, so
make sure to take this into account when you’re planning; Book the necessary time off work well
in advance so as to guarantee no last minute panics.
Different procedures have different required downtimes, so take stock of the advice given to you
by your surgeon and only return to work when you are ready.
The Second Week Improvements
After the first week you should begin to notice significant improvements in the tenderness of any
incisions, as well as your energy levels and a capacity for extremely light exercise such as
walking. For most cosmetic surgeries, some time during or at the end of the second week of
your recovery is when you can return to work, provided your work is not too physically
demanding.
When to Get Back to Your Exercise Routine
Always following the advice of your surgeon you should try to take walks as early as you can in
your recovery, increasing their length as soon as you feel able to. Your regular exercise routine,
however, must wait a little longer.
Depending on the location of your surgery, you can usually resume light exercise like jogging
after between 10 and 14 days. If your surgery concentrated on your upper half (e.g. breast lift or
breast reduction) your exercise must only involve your lower half until you’ve fully recovered.
The most cosmetic procedures focusing on the body, time to full recovery should take about six
weeks – at which point you can lift weights and sprint to your heart’s content!
Fitting the Timeline Around Your Lifestyle
To get a clear idea of the timeline for your particular cosmetic procedure, speak with your
surgeon during the planning stages. Once you have an approximate timeline, start thinking
about the time of year that suits you best for a little break; the holiday season is often a good
time for many people to fit in their recovery.
Whatever time of year works best for you, make sure to book the time off work and give yourself
the most relaxing conditions possible for a downtime that must be spent focusing on your own
needs, with as few distractions as possible.
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