Mommy Makeover: Q&A

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Exercise at 8weeks?

Hi I started exercising almost a week ago. I am almost 8 wks post op tummy tuck and breast augmentation. I can do the elliptical just fine but if I try to do anything to tone my stomach is sore and achy and it doesn't feel like a have the strength to do a crunch. Should it feel like that ?

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14 Doctor Answers | Asked by littlemisssunshine25

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Recovery

It is very common for mommy makeovers to include both breast and tummy procedures. After surgery, your pain should be well managed with 1-2 oral pain pills every 4-6 hours if needed. All my mommy makeover patients are ambulating a few hours after surgery (of course walking flexed at their waist given the tummy tuck). Most surgeons will likely recommend no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 5-6 weeks. Most of my mommy makeover patients are comfortable... more

Recovery time following mommy makeover

Typically I recommend that you refrain from vigorous exercise and strenuous activity for 6 weeks following tummy tuck. You can usually resume cardiac exercise within a few weeks, but avoid core strengthening exercises in order to allow adequate healing of your abdominal musculature, especially if muscle tightening was performed. It is not uncommon to experience discomfort once you return to exercising these areas. I usually say to slow down or stop if you do have some... more

How to resume exercise routine after tummy tuck

The minimum healing time after a tummy tuck is about 6 weeks before too much strain can be put on the abdominal muscles. It is completely normal for them to feel weaker and sore when first starting. I usually have patients begin non-lifting exercises within a couple of weeks.

Exercising after tummy tuck

I normally recommend that my patients start cardiovascular workouts 3 weeks after a tummy tuck and full weight training and crunches 6 weeks after. It is to be expected that once you start your workout program again after the lay off, you will find it difficult to get back in the swing of things. Start slowly without expectations, take it easy, and your strength and confidence will come back. Most importantly don't push too hard or you will cause a problem. If it hurts stop... more

Sore and weak after Mommy Makeover

Hello and thanks for the question. Yes, you will be weak when you resumed your exercise routine. It is very normal to feel sore and achy after laying off for two months. Couple this with muscle tightening and don't be surprised it takes a few weeks to get back into your normal routine. Hope this helps and best of luck. Robert Kratschmer, MD

Getting back into exercising after mommy makeover

Hello. It is completely normal to feel sore when getting back into exercise after a mommy makeover. I usually tell my patients that it’s ok to start exercising after five weeks but to take it slow and be careful not to push yourself too hard. It is also normal to feel weak when getting back into exercising simply do to the down time took to recover. Jaime Perez, MD Mommy Makeover Specialist Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa

Exercising after tummy tuck.

Certainly discuss your exercise regimen with your plastic surgeon. In my own practice by eight weeks people are indeed beginning to resume the exercise regimen. I instruct my patients to begin gradually. The stresses of exercise will pull and tug on incisions in the repair of the abdominal wall muscles. It is common to feel sore. In my own patients if they feel too sore I instruct them to back off a bit and then try again slowly. Best wishes for a full... more

Clear for takeoff

You should listen to your surgeon as to what they would recommend. For my patients who have had a tummy tuck, I ask them to wait three weeks before they start walking for exercise. I had one girl who was running at 2 weeks. If found this out later and would absolutely discourage that. The muscle repair is what you are protecting for the first 6 weeks. Theoretically you shouldn't have to worry about disrupting that after the 6 week point. It does take a long time however to get back into... more

Weakness 8 Weeks after Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation

Exercise after 8 weeks will come as a shock to the system. Residual swelling and scar formation may give the sensation that you feel. Also, 8 weeks off takes a while to get back on.

Post op exercise

It is normal to be sore when getting back into exercising. The key is to progress slowly and listen to your body. With slow progression you will work your way back to your previous exercise routines. Good luck!

Mennen T. Gallas, MD

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Houston Plastic Surgeon

Exercise after Tummy Tuck

What you are describing sounds normal after surgery. Talk with your surgeon and work your way up slowly to your normal exercise program.

Exercise at 8weeks?

It might even feel like that if you took 8 weeks off and then restarted without having had surgery. Nothing in the tummy tuck should have any long term issues with muscle strength and function. Keep at it. Best wishes.

Mommy Makeover and Exercising

Yes, it is very common to be sore when starting back to exercise after the surgery. It is likely your surgeon tightened your muscles in your belly wall. Your core strength will increase with time. It takes a long time to completely heal from these procedures and support is key when first starting out. A good sports bra and support for the belly is important. You want to able to move but be supported. You will be there.....a marathon always starts with the... more

Exercise 8 weeks after mommy makeover

Yes, it is quite normal to feel sore and weak in the abdominal area 8 weeks after a tummy tuck. It can sometimes take several months for abdominal soreness to go away after a tummy tuck. If you are really sore after a workout, try to back off a little bit next time and slowly work your way back into your routine. Your abdomen will take longer than the rest of your body. Good luck!