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Shorter Tummy Tuck 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!

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13 Doctor Answers | Asked by Nancy Anne in Wichita Falls, Tx

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Good physical conditioning is an asset when recovering from surgery.

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,... more

Being fit is a great asset and so is being positive

Fit patients recover better than those who are out of shape. Also of critical importance is your attitude. If you are a positive and calm person with good support around you, the recovery will go great!

The healthier you are makes you a ‘better’ surgical candidate

Thanks for your question. The healthier you are definitely makes you a ‘better’ surgical candidate. This is true for reducing potential risks of anesthesia and surgery. A shorten downtown and recovery phase is expected. Abdominal muscle tone of the rectus muscles will improve the aesthetic results of the tummy tuck. Likewise, the improved muscle quality of the chest wall muscles (primarily the pectoralis muscle) will enhance your results of the breast augmentation, but will... more

Being fit is best for better recovery from surgery

Yes, excellent fitness level is highly desireable for recovery as well as good nutrition, which is also essential. This relates to wound healing and improved oxygenation. However, bear in mind, that a healthy prominent pectoralis muscle will generally be more vascular and bigger and therefore more sore especially if your implants are under the muscle when release of the muscle is required.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Fitness helps with recovery

A tummy tuck with implants and lift is one of the longer operations with significant stress on the body. Like training for a big race, if your body is in great shape, you will recover faster. I have found that healthy and fit patients recover better and faster.

Yes, the more healthy and fit you are the faster your recovery.

Yes, the more healthy and fit you are the faster your recovery. You will have all the factors in your favor for the surgery. My only caution would be not to push yourself too much, which can also be detrimental. Just listen to your doctor and believe your body when you are pushing yourself to recovery faster after surgery. Good luck.

Being fit is your best ally

Being fit won't necessarily shorten a normal recovery time, but it certainly doesn't hurt and patients who aren't fit, might have other potential side effects or complications that will prolong recovery beyond what is expected. The body general will heal the way it will heal. That is, you can't push harder on the accelerator to make healing go faster. Muscle tone will certainly assist in getting you a good result with your abdomen. The muscle layer is the foundation on which the fat and... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Recovery after a tummy tuck

Because you're in such great shape, you're recovery will most likely be pretty easy. Just make sure you follow your plastic surgeon's post-op instructions. see video

Physical Fitness often shortens Recovery time

You will probably have a shorter recovery time and better ultimate results because of your motivation, and overall health. In my experience this is particularly true following the abdominoplasty. For a submuscular breast augmentation however the tone of your muscles actually slows down the time for your muscle to adjust to the implant and often the implants will ride a bit high until they drop because of the increased tone and ability to spasm following this procedure. The ultimate result... more

Patient's fitness level can shorten recovery periods

Tummy tucks are a very popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. Patients who have an excellent fitness level before the surgery will tolerate the surgery easier and recover more quickly. In our practice, we have performed many tummy tucks on personal trainers, aerobics instructors, and yoga teachers. These patients do recover more quickly and are more committed to maintaining their results with a rigorous exercise regimen and a balanced low fat diets. However, after your surgery... more

Being healthy will help you heal, just don't exercise too soon

Hello, The fact that you are healthy means you should heal fast. The fact that you exercise a lot means you have to try to resist the temptation to exercise too early and cause problems. It is a mixed lot on this one. Best Regards

Being fit will help with recovery after breast lift, breast implants, and tummy tuck.

Hi. 1) Your fitness level will speed your recovery after breast lift with breast implants and abdominoplasty. 2) You didn't ask this, but you should know that in New York City, we put breast implants over the muscle in weight lifters.

Recovery time and fitness

Certainly, the fitter you are, the better your recovery should be. But remember you still can not do the same exercise routine that you normally do for at least 6 weeks.