Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Muscle Healing After Tummy Tuck

I had a full tummy tuck with muscle repair on January 19th 2011. I have the quilted suturing done so there was no need for drains. How healed are the muslces after 7 weeks? And what are my physical limitations as this point? I go back to see my PS on the 10th, next Thursday, so was just curious.

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healing muscle

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by Linda50 in Dallas TX

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Your Good to Go!

I have my patients start to get back to exercise at 6 weeks. The muscles are not cut or damaged but the tissue encasing the muscles is what is tightened. You can start depending on what you doc says and listen to your body.

Healing time

Though you should first contact your physicians office for their recommendation, we allow our patients to begin physical exercise starting 6 weeks after surgery assuming their recovery is as expected.

Healing and exercise after tummy tuck, week seven

After tummy tuck with repair of muscle separation full exercise usually begins about eight weeks so you are very close. Most will have begun low impact activities with walking by week three progressing to an elliptical or recumbent bike by six weeks. What ever you choose, start slowly and begin with 'core' exercise. Strengthening should come only after three months of aerobic fitness. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

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When are the muscles healed

Good question. Unfortunately, I cannot give you an exact answer. Each surgeon does a different type of muscle repair and uses different sutures. I close the muscle in two layers including one layer of permanent suture. I thus feel confident in all lowing my patients to resume lifting at the gym within 4 weeks and reasonably strenuous work-out by six weeks with a binder on.

Determining activity limitations following a tummy tuck

You need to inquire of your plastic surgeon as to what are your limitations and exactly what you can do as he/she was the one who performed your surgery. Opinions do vary among plastic surgeons regarding at what point you can engage in certain activities - and they are not necessarily right or wrong. For my patients, I usually allow full unrestricted activities at 8 weeks.

Different Protocols for Exercise After Tummy Tuck

All surgeons have different opinions regarding when certain activities can be resumed following surgery. This is a question which you should ask your surgeon he/she knows best about exactly what was done at the time of your procedure.

Exercise after TT.

Check with your surgeon, but you should be able to do many kinds of exercise. I would have you hold off on the abs or back bends for another two months. Twisting may hurt a bit, too. After not exercising for 7 weeks you should start easy and work up. Wait until Thursday to see what your surgeon says before doing anything other than walking.

Healing after tummy tuck.

Healing after tummy tuck surgery can take up to a year. Physical limitations should be reviewed with your surgeon at your post op apointment. see video

Healing after tummy tuck

At the seventh week mark, your muscles are continuing to heal after surgery. Physical limitations vary with individual comfort. Exercise walking or even running is acceptable as long as there is no discomfort to you. I would hold off on any heavy lifting or sit ups until you are given the green light by your surgeon.

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