Exact Answer: Within Two Weeks
Hip Replacement Surgery is a procedure used to enhance the hips of an individual. It is done through the deposition of fat into the region that is to be enhanced. This procedure is increasingly becoming popular among people who want to accentuate and contour their hips against a minimum recovery period.
Like all other surgical procedures, hip replacement surgery also requires the patient to follow certain post-operative rules. The patient is prohibited from walking and running for a while after the surgery. If these rules are followed, recovery from the surgery procedure will be swift and smooth.
How Long After Hip Replacement Can You Walk?
Hip replacement surgery is used to augment the size of an individual’s hips by injecting the tissue with fat from the same individual’s body. Various notable surgeons perform this procedure across the world. Although the surgery itself is a relatively short procedure, the recovery time is considerably longer as the patient cannot practice any exercises that might be painful for the hips. It is important to note that following the post-operative protocols is essential for a smooth and well-rounded recovery. If the patient happens to flaunt these norms, the surgical procedure results may be subpar or dissatisfactory.
Much like all other medical procedures and surgeries, the hip replacement procedure also comes with its own set of risks and challenges. One of the most prominent challenges concerning the procedure corresponds to the possibility of the patient being able to walk. Most doctors do not allow hip surgery patients to walk until they have healed completely. Generally, the recovery time stipulated for these patients can range from two days to a few weeks. Some doctors may instruct their patients not to walk within a minimum period of two days. Some others postulate rest for at least three weeks.
| Age Group Of Patient | Time After Hip Replacement To Walk |
| Old patients above forty | Two weeks |
| Young patients below forty | Two to three days |
Old patients more than forty should rest for at least two weeks as their body muscles are loose. In contrast, young patients can walk after two to three days of surgery.
Why Does It Take That Long After Hip Replacement To Walk?
After the surgery is completed, it is crucial to cognize the post-surgical protocols for each patient will vary according to the physician’s medical evaluation of the individual. Thus, this time frame of recovery remains a spectrum and not an absolute number. Each individual’s body heals and responds differently to the prescribed medications and the overall procedure.
The hip replacement procedure is performed by injecting fat cells extracted from the concerned individual’s abdomen. Injections help extract these cells, which are then introduced into the areas selected for the surgery. The idea is that the abdominal fat cells that absorb fatty acid will continue to do so when injected into the patient’s hips. According to surgeons, blood flow needs to be reestablished in these fat cells. They can only survive the procedure and become viable if the blood supply is maintained after the transfer.
It is advised not to walk immediately because it can lead to swelling in the hips and can be very excruciating for the patient if they are pressurized. Those patients that fail to adhere to the post-operative protocols risk losing the fat cells. These fat cells can get reabsorbed into the body if any pressure is applied to the region within at least two days of the surgery. Direct pressure is detrimental to their survival and will inevitably compromise the results and longevity of the hip replacement procedure.
Conclusion
Overall, it can be concluded that Hip replacement surgery is a procedure that surgeons perform to enhance the shape and size of an individual’s hips. Since the surgery is performed by injecting fat cells extracted from the patient’s body, they need some time to heal and recover before walking.
On average, a patient can walk within two weeks of the surgery. To ensure that blood supply to the cells is maintained, the patient must refrain from putting pressure on the region for at least one week. The best approach would be to consult their doctor regularly after the procedure to form a personalized timeline for returning to the normal routine.