Tummy Tuck Q&A
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Does Being in Good Shape Prior to a Tummy Tuck Aid in Recovery Time?
asked 6 months ago by Megan in Indiana in Goshen, IN
Latest answer by J. Jason Wendel, MD
Question viewed 305 times
Tags: athletic, healing, shape
I am an avid runner/exerciser. In fact I will have just ran my 3rd marathon not too long before I plan on having surgery. I am curious if being in good shape will help me have a faster recovery time from a "Mommy Makeover." I know it will be at least 6 weeks before any strenuous exercise plans. Just curious.
17 answers to Does Being in Good Shape Prior to a Tummy Tuck Aid in Recovery Time?
+3
Tummy Tuck Recovery?
Thank you for the question and congratulations on your fitness level and your decision to proceed with mommy makeover surgery.
Although there is no science behind my comments, I think that generally speaking patients who are physically and emotionally in “good shape” to better after major surgery.
However, despite being in good shape you are about to undergo major surgery which involves a significant physical and emotional recovery. A few words of...
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+2
Does being fit aide recovery?
My experience shows that patients who are physically fit have better recoveries after surgery. My only caution is nto not get discouraged. It seems that the more physically active patients are before surgery, the more they expect of themselves. Don't get discouraged if you are not able to do much right away. It's normal and you will be able to get back in shape quickly once your body has recovered. Good luck.
+2
Basically, Yes!
I personally believe that patients who are in good physical condition have an improved postoperative course. They tend to move more and quicker and seem to tolerate discomfort better. Good Luck!
+2
Exercise and Tummy Tucks
Dear Megan, The better shape you are before surgery, usually the faster and quicker you will recover from your Tummy Tuck. With any surgery, all parties involved need to do everything they can to optimize their readiness for proceeding into the OR. For the surgeon, that means knowing what the problem is and choosing the correct procedure to treat the problem. The OR team needs to have all of the right equipment and ensure that it is proper working order. For the...
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+2
Better shape, better recovery
The better shape you are in before surgery, the faster you will recover. Your body will recover quickly and your result will be that much better.
+1
Being in shape prior to tummy tuck
Yes, being in excellent physical condition helps recovery from tummy tuck and recovery from surgery in general.
+1
Does Being in Good Shape Prior to a Tummy Tuck Aid in Recovery Time?Answer:
I have seen most patients that exercise regularly do recover a bit faster than those that dont...however...I have also seen the avid fitness patients have a hard time recovering and they tend to get back into it too soon, feeling that they can't take a week or two off...And this can delay their recovery as well...So do yourself and your investment a favor...relax and recover and follow your doctors instructions!!
+1
Good Shape
Being in "good shape" aids in everything. I assume you mean good physical fitness, excellent nutrition, no health issues, and managable stress in your life. You should do well and we wish you the best with your surgery.
Marc Schneider, MD
Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon
Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon
+1
Physical shape prior to surgery can affect outcome
Typically, patients who are in better physical shape will recuperate better and faster from surgery with lower risks of many issues, a finding which is somewhat intuitive. However, some of these individuals feel too good that they may not adhere to the restrictions in activities as well as they should which can result in elevation of risks for some problems.
It is also important that after surgery, you should be on a well balanced diet with a lot of proteins and vit C. This is not a time...
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+1
Getting In Shape For Surgery
Think of surgery like an athletic event as it does induce great stress on your body. The better shape you are in before surgery the more likely you will have a faster recovery with less discomfort. So if you 'train' for surgery, you will be doing yourself a good service. The same goes for having a good weight, diet and nutritional status. The bigger the surgical procedure, the more relevant one's physical condition is after surgery.
+1
Physical Fitness and Tummy Tuck
Patients that are physically fit tend to be at or near their ideal body weight and will recover quicker from most surgical procedures including tummy tuck. It is important to ambulate as soon as possible after surgery and healthier patients accomplish this easier and quicker.
Richard Linderman, MD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon
+1
Physical Fitness does Improve Recovery for Most
Hi there-
I do believe that your high level of fitness will benefit you and improve the quality (while shortening the length) of your recovery.
Best of luck!
+1
Exercise and tummy tuck
Patients who are motivated psychologically and in good physical shape generally recuperate very well after tummy tuck. The body still has to go through the same healing process, including swelling. Although you can't exercise strenuously for 6-8 weeks postop, discuss with your plastic surgeon when you can begin to walk on a treadmill and engage in other activities.
+1
Physically fit and surgery
Clearly healthy patients in good shape tend to have less complications than poor condtioned or overweight patients. However, regardless of your health status you will need to let your body recover and heal. This is a physiologic function of time. I would recommend that you adhere to the restriction timetable of your surgeon rather than starting your activity level too soon after the procedure.
+1
Best physical shape, best recovery
This is true for all aspects of medicine and health, those in the best of shape have the best outcome and recovery. As a runner used to high energy activity, you should begin to plan and anticipate alternatives in your exercise programe. The diastasis repair will hold you back the longest, though a recumbent bike or swim may be an avenue to earlier exercise.
Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com
Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1
Good Shape prior to tummy tuck
People in good shape prior to any surgery have the following positives: Faster recovery, better pain tolerance, less issues getting back to work, less chronic pain. The fact that you have been working out is excellent
Have a great surgical day!
Dr Jeneby
+1
Being in Good Shape before Tummy Tuck
Although it is hard to prove, my personal experience (and that of other plastic surgeons) is that more athletic and physically fit patients tend to do better after these types of surgery. Be sure your nutrition & protein intake is good before surgery so that your healing is not impaired.
Karol A. Gutowski, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
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