Why Walking Is Important for Cosmetic Surgery Recovery
Whether you undergo facial rejuvenation, body contouring, or breast enhancement, the team at Jefferson Plastic Surgery always emphasizes the importance of good post-op care. Following post-surgical instructions closely can reduce the risk of complications and help manage side effects. In addition to tips on how to sleep and bathe, we also recommend that patients walk a little bit each day. It has important benefits for the recovery process.
The team at our Philadelphia, PA cosmetic surgery center would like to consider the risk of blood clots in the legs after undergoing surgery and how walking can help combat these dangers.
Circulation and Recovery
Rest is important after undergoing plastic surgery, but it’s important that you don’t just remain totally sedentary after a procedure. If you simply lie down after surgery and avoid any sort of movement, you increase the risk of circulatory issues. The blood needs to keep flowing while you heal, otherwise you might develop a dangerous blood clot.
About Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) refers to a condition in which a blood clot develops in one of the deep veins of the body. Often, the clot develops in the legs. All sorts of medical issues can cause deep vein thrombosis, but people recovering from surgery are at high risk of this condition because of poor or slowed blood circulation while recuperating.
If not treated, the blood clot can travel from your legs into your lungs, causing a potentially fatal condition known as a pulmonary embolism.
Signs and Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
The most common signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include:
- Leg pain
- Redness/skin discoloration of the sore leg
- Warmth or heat around the affected leg
If you notice any of the above issues as you are healing from cosmetic surgery, be sure to speak with our team or your doctor as soon as possible. It’s important to have this issue addressed before it develops into a pulmonary embolism.
How Walking Helps Prevent Blood Clots
If you walk for just a few minutes a few times a day after surgery, you can keep the blood flowing through your body and and avoid the formation of blood clots. It’s a way to keep your body and your blood moving, which is important for the healing process.
How Much to Walk Each Day After Surgery
That can vary. For major body lift procedures, you may not be able to walk a lot; your movement may consist of getting up and standing on your two feet. Patients who’ve undergone a facelift will be able to walk a bit more easily, like making short trips to the bathroom. Gradually, the amount of walking you do will increase from day to day as part of recovery.
During the consultation process, we can discuss how much walking you should do each day after your surgery. We can also discuss stretches and other activities that you can do to ensure you’re active and that you keep the blood flowing.
Walking Eases You Back Into Normal Physical Activity
After you continue to heal and to increase the amount you walk each day, you’ll find it easier to return to normal physical activities. Make sure to things slow and to be patient with yourself. Treat walking as a crucial one-day-at-a-time, one-step-at-a-time part of healing.
Speak with Skilled Cosmetic Surgeons
For more information about proper post-op care and how our team can help you heal quickly without experience complications, be sure to contact our experienced cosmetic surgeons. The team at Jefferson Plastic Surgery is here to help.