LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Hi Dr.lam,

I'm about eleven days out from fat grafting around the orbital rim and cheek area (i'm male), and I've healed very nicely, minimal bruising and swelling anymore. Is it ok for me to return to gym at this point? I watched your postoperative video where you caution about people bumping you whilst working out etc. but assuming that that is not an issue, can i do some light running and lift weights (not too heavy)? Also is swimming ok (I wear goggles when i swim so i'm wondering if the pressure they exert on the orbital area is too great)?

Also, with regards to being bumped or knocked in the area where fat grafting was performed, is the actual concern that the fat can be shifted, or is it that the fat may "die" off (for lack of better terminology) or is it a different concern entirely?

Thanks so much for your time

First if I did not perform your fat grafting, do not read any further. This advice is only for my own patients. It is very important I do not advise another surgeon's patients because I cannot reasonably know what the other surgeon did.

If you are my patient, you may return to exercise. I am not worried that the fat will shift. I am not worried about your being bumped (within reason). The only thing I would watch out for is if you are doing heavy lifting or bending over you may have prolonged swelling. Just start slowly and build back the energy. If you had general anesthesia, you may still be slightly tired so slowly get back to your routine to make sure that you don't hurt youself.

As far as swimming, I would really advise against it for a minimum of 6 weeks to 8 weeks for two reasons. First, public pools are absolutely filthy. Even though I do not make any incisions, you can still get an infection somewhere. Plus, the pressure of the goggles can over time cause indentations in the skin that may take a while to clear (or may not). Basically, don't swim. If you are my patient, I would like to personally see you before a blessing to go back into the pool. If you are from out of town, a photograph will suffice.

hope that helps,
sml[/i]