Good physical conditioning is an asset when recovering from surgery.

James C. Grotting, MD answers: Shorter recovery time due to fitness level?

I'm a 42-year old personal trainer who lifts weights heavily and on a regular basis. I've given birth to and nursed four wonderful children- the youngest of which is now 12. I will be getting an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), as well as a lift with implants. Will my fitness level help shorten my recovery time? Will strong muscle tone in my chest and abs help my surgeon to get better results? Thank you!


James C. Grotting, MD
8 months ago

We always look favorably upon motivated patients who keep themselves in good physical condition. Patients who are in good cardiovascular shape and close to ideal body weight tend to recover from surgery well. Your tissues may not actually heal any faster than those of a patient who is overweight and sedentary, but you will probably be back to normal activity sooner.

In regards to the abdominoplasty, I doubt you have much excess fat because of your fitness level. No amount of working out, however, can improve the widening of your abdominal muscles or the skin laxity that comes with having had 4 children. I think you will love what tummy tuck will do for your abdominal contour. I would caution you on getting back to working out the abdominal muscles too soon after surgery. Check with your surgeon, but I recommend no abdominal muscle exercises for a minimum of 8 weeks after surgery.

More important than your pecoralis muscle tone is the quality, shape, and volume of the overlying skin and breast tissue.

Good luck with your surgery.

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