Generally it's recommended to wait 48-72 hours after surgery, always with your surgeon's authorization. The exact time depends on the type of procedure. Some minor surgeries allow starting earlier, while others more extensive require waiting a bit longer.

In the initial phase, it's recommended to attend 2-3 times per week during the first 4-6 weeks. This frequency is crucial for controlling inflammation and preventing complications. Afterward, the frequency can be reduced according to your progress and therapist's indications.

During the first weeks, you should only do light walking. Moderate exercise is generally allowed after 4-6 weeks, and intense exercise after 8-12 weeks, always with your surgeon's authorization. Rehabilitation helps prepare your body to safely resume physical activity.

It's never too late. Although it's ideal to start early, many patients who begin treatment months or even years after surgery achieve significant improvements. Fibrosis, irregularities and scars can be treated at any time, although it may require more sessions than if they had started earlier.

Excessive fibrosis, chronic seromas, adhesions, contour irregularities, asymmetries, skin retraction, hypertrophic or keloid scars, and areas of poor-quality skin can be treated. Each case is evaluated individually to design a specific treatment plan.

Late complications generally require more prolonged treatment. You can see initial improvements in 4-6 weeks, but achieving optimal results may take 3-6 months or more, depending on the severity of the problem. Consistency and adherence to the treatment plan is fundamental.

Fibrosis manifests as hardened areas, palpable nodules, irregular texture, lack of skin mobility, or zones that feel "tight" or rigid. It can also cause discomfort, tightness or sensitivity. If you notice these symptoms after surgery, it's important to consult with a dermatofunctional rehabilitation specialist.

With appropriate and consistent treatment, most cases of fibrosis can improve significantly. Mild to moderate fibrosis generally responds very well. Severe or old cases may require more time and sessions, but substantial improvements in texture, softness and tissue mobility are achieved.

Treatment of established fibrosis can cause moderate discomfort because it requires deeper pressure to break adhesions. However, it should be tolerable. The therapist adjusts the intensity according to your tolerance. As fibrosis improves, sessions become less uncomfortable.

Hypertrophic scars remain within the limits of the original wound, raised and red, but may improve over time. Keloids grow beyond the original wound edges, invading healthy skin, and rarely improve spontaneously. Keloids have a greater tendency to recur and require more aggressive treatment.

Ideally, preventive care should begin as soon as stitches are removed (approximately 2 weeks post surgery). However, scars months or years old can also be treated. Early treatment prevents abnormal scarring, while late treatment seeks to remodel already established scars.

A scar never disappears completely, but it can improve dramatically. The goal is to achieve a flat, smooth, flexible scar the same color as surrounding skin, making it as inconspicuous as possible. With proper treatment, many scars become almost imperceptible.

Surgery removes excess skin and tightens tissues, but the intrinsic quality of remaining skin (elasticity, density, hydration) doesn't change with surgery. Factors such as age, genetics, sun exposure and massive weight loss affect skin quality. Dermatofunctional treatments improve these characteristics from within.

Gentle treatments like massages and LED can begin early. More intensive technologies like radiofrequency or HIFU generally wait until 3-6 months post surgery, when internal healing is complete. Your specialist will evaluate the optimal time according to your surgery type and progress.

Firming treatments generally require series of 6-12 sessions for optimal results. You'll see gradual improvements starting around session 3-4, with maximum results 2-3 months after completing the protocol. Periodic maintenance helps preserve long-term benefits.

Maintenance should begin once you complete your initial post-operative rehabilitation (generally 3-6 months after surgery). Some people start earlier if their recovery progresses quickly. Maintenance is a long-term commitment, similar to regular exercise or dental care.

Frequency varies according to surgery type, your age, lifestyle and goals. Generally 1-2 monthly sessions are recommended for optimal maintenance. Some patients prefer more frequent sessions before special events, while others maintain a more spaced program.

Surgical results remain, but the natural aging process continues. Without maintenance, you may experience gradual loss of firmness, fluid accumulation, or changes in skin texture more quickly. Maintenance is not mandatory, but helps prolong and optimize your surgical investment.