So, when can you resume normal sexual activities after plastic surgery? There may not be a straightforward answer. It depends on the nature of the surgical procedure, your particular recovery process, the amount of discomfort you are in, the degree and location of bandages or drains, and if you feel ready for it.
Exercise Restrictions After Plastic Surgery (Yes, Sex is Exercise)
After any surgical procedure, there will be activity restrictions. All patients have to protect their surgical sites to avoid bleeding, swelling, wound separation, or irritation. Some patients may need to keep their body in certain positions. For example, after a tummy tuck, a hips-flexed posture needs to be maintained for 1-2 weeks; for breast surgery, patients need to sleep on their backs with arms near sides for 2-3 weeks. Exercise should be avoided for at least 3-4 weeks, as increases in heart rate and blood pressure can increase risks for bleeding and swelling. Think of sex as exercise.
Pressure, shear, or tension forces can be detrimental to healing incisions. Many patients after breast augmentation, in particular, feel so much better about themselves soon after surgery and want to get intimate sooner rather than later. I had one patient who was several days after breast augmentation and opened up her incision during sex with her boyfriend. Luckily, we were able to get her to surgery quickly and fix the problem, saving her implant. Why would you want to jeopardize the success of your operation by being noncompliant with post-operative activity restrictions? Not only that, but a second trip to the operating room is a costly endeavor that you are responsible for.
Post-Operative Turn-Offs
Pain is also a turn-off. Sex isn’t that much fun if you are in pain or out of it from pain pills. Nausea associated with medication also makes for a bad sexual experience. So, no sex until you are not in any pain is advised. Listen to your body and use some common sense. If something hurts, don’t do it.
The time you will need to wait will be longer for more involved operations. For instance, if you had joint breast surgery and tummy tuck (such as in a mommy makeover), you may want to wait 4-6 weeks.
Resume Sex When You're Physically (and Mentally) Ready
The key to resuming sex is to use common sense. In many cases, you may need to be somewhat inventive with positioning to enjoy sex. Having someone’s body weight on an area that is healing is not a good idea. But, if you can position yourselves to prevent this, you may be able to proceed without harm. Listen to your body. If nothing is hurting, it is probably ok. Start slow and be careful.
Another consideration is that many of our patients stop birth control pills or hormones before elective surgical procedures that involve general anesthesia. So be careful. An unintended pregnancy during the perioperative period would be a big surprise and something you hadn’t considered when planning your surgery.
So the bottom line is that you invested a lot of time, money, and some discomfort when going through plastic surgery. It is crucial that you follow all post-operative activity restrictions for an uncomplicated recovery and success in your results. The first 3 weeks after surgery may be the riskiest, so be careful during this time frame. Listen to your body and use common sense. If in doubt, ask your plastic surgeon.
Contact Our Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon Today
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hayley Brown has owned and operated Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center for 20 years. As a female plastic surgeon, she's intimately familiar with the needs and concerns that women experience around plastic surgery. She and her team will be with you every step of the way, from your initial consultation through your surgery and recovery as you start to resume your routine.
Dr. Brown serves Henderson, Las Vegas, and nearby areas of Nevada. Call (702) 260-7707 today to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Hayley Brown MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center, Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada