Running After Having Liposuction
Liposuction is a quick way to lose excess fat if you’re not seeing your desired results from a healthy diet and exercise. Running immediately after liposuction may be difficult and not recommended by your doctor -- but you can resume exercise soon after liposuction. You'll want to start slow, and gradually work up to your normal routine.
Identification and Factors
Liposuction involves removing excess fat deposits from the hips, waist, back, thighs, neck, chest, face and lower legs, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2. It is a quick weight-loss cosmetic option that requires a small amount of recovery. Once the procedure is complete, you can expect some soreness and swelling -- and this will mostly determine when you can run after liposuction. If stitches are used for incisions there may be a significant amount of swelling which could last eight to 10 weeks. Otherwise swelling is gone within a month for 90 percent of patients, according to Liposuction.com.
- Liposuction involves removing excess fat deposits from the hips, waist, back, thighs, neck, chest, face and lower legs, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2.
- Once the procedure is complete, you can expect some soreness and swelling -- and this will mostly determine when you can run after liposuction.
First Month
The Risks of Running After a Hysterectomy
Learn More
During your first month after liposuction, you should avoid vigorous activities, such as running. Some patients are able to resume a light jog a few days after liposuction. However, this depends on your soreness level. Patients tolerate pain differently, so what causes discomfort while jogging for one patient may not be noticeably uncomfortable to you. Walking is recommended and a walking regimen should be implemented within one or two days after liposuction, according to New York Liposuction 1. Do not stay in bed after liposuction because you risk blood clots in your legs and lungs.
- During your first month after liposuction, you should avoid vigorous activities, such as running.
Running
If you were a runner before liposuction, do not jump into your old running routine. Start running at about 25 percent your usual intensity and then gradually increase the intensity, notes Lipsuction.com. Gradually increase hills on your running route or the incline on your treadmill. Slowly progress from a jog to a run. Increase your activity according to the progress of your recovery and your overall fitness level.
- If you were a runner before liposuction, do not jump into your old running routine.
Considerations
Exercises for a Torn Quad
Learn More
An exercise program in combination with a healthy diet is important after liposuction to maintain your new body shape. Your diet should consist mainly of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. You need a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or heart palpitations, seek medical attention immediately.
- An exercise program in combination with a healthy diet is important after liposuction to maintain your new body shape.
Related Articles
References
- New York Liposuction: Liposuction Patient Information
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Liposuction Procedure
- Dixit VV, Wagh MS. Unfavourable outcomes of liposuction and their management. Indian J Plast Surg. 2013;46(2):377–392. doi:10.4103/0970-0358.118617
- Saariniemi KM, Salmi AM, Peltoniemi HH, Charpentier P, Kuokkanen HO. Does liposuction improve body image and symptoms of eating disorders?. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2015;3(7):e461. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000000440
Writer Bio
Melissa McNamara is a certified personal trainer who holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and communication studies from the University of Iowa. She writes for various health and fitness publications while working toward a Bachelor of Science in nursing.