Why Do Reality Tv Surgeons Say to Wait One Year Before Exercise Following a Tummy Tuck?

Why do reality tv cosemtic surgeons say to wait one year before exercise following a tummy tuck? On RealSelf everyone says it's only 6-8 weeks. Wouldn't waiting longer to exercise be safer? Or would it cause too much weight gain? Thanks

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by arik

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Exercise recommendations after a Tummy Tuck or Mommy Makeover

Hi there- This is a lot easier to understand (and I feel my patients are a lot more likely to follow instructions they understand) if we review a little science... Human scars (including those in your muscle layer from the repair performed during your tummy tuck) typically take about 6 weeks to achieve 90% of their maximum strength. In other words, after 6 weeks, your scars are 90% as strong as they are ever going to be, with a little increase in strength occurring over the next year... more

Exercise after Tummy Tuck

Waiting one year to exercise would not be something I would tell a patient after tummy tuck on TV or otherwise. I DO ask patients to minimize heavy lifting, weight training, and sit ups for up to 6 months but I encourage light excercise, walking, stairmaster, elliptical, spin class, light weight reps, etc. as early as 2 weeks after surgery.

Exercise after tummy tuck

At the time of the abdominoplasty, the fascia undergoes repair with sutures to increase mechanical strength of the abdominal wall. The quality of the fascia will determine how soon the patient is ready to exercise. I usually use mesh to reinforce the fascia reapirs and increase mechanchical strength of the abdominal wall. This allows earlier return to normal activities, usually 6 to 8 weeks. Best of Luck, Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Exercise after tummy tuck

I am not aware of the tv doctor you are referring to, but I can't imagine telling any patient not to exercise for a full year. I encourage starting some light exercise at about 3 weeks. If you don't start some exercise within some reasonable time after a tummy tuck, you run the risk of gaining weight which is common after a tummy tuck and is one of the major causes of dissatisfaction with a result.

Timing of post tummy tuck exercise

Here is an example why "reality tv" is really an oxymoron. Certainly exercise regimens need to be modified and delayed post op but one year delay may have been a misstatement or a misunderstanding. I encourage light exercise at two weeks limiting lifting to less than 15 lbs for 6 weeks.

It is okay to exercise 6-8 weeks after tummy tuck with normal healing.

If you heal normally from a tummy tuck, then it is okay to exercise 6-8 weeks after a tummy tuck. By the way, reality TV surgeons are not even required to be board-certified plastic surgeons to be on TV. TV is entertainment and dramatization of reality. Please keep that in mind.

Exercise after tummy tuck

I generally recommend no heavy lifting or strenuous activity (no exercise) for 4 to 6 weeks after tummy tuck. After six weeks, I encourage patients to slowly resume exercise routines *gradually*. Remember, during the six week postoperative period - you will be deconditioned. I do prepare patients to notice some increased swelling once exercise is resumed. Over the next several weeks, this post-exercise edema will no longer manifest. But please check with your surgeon with respect to... more

After Tummy Tuck Surgical Instructions and "Reality TV Surgeons"

There is NO reason why with uneventful healing after a Tummy Tuck you need to wait more than a month or so after surgery to return to excercising. By that time scar tissue has begun sothering all tissues together and a longer wait will not markedly change it.

Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck and Exercise

I'd be curious who recommended one year! I typically ask my patients to wait 2 months prior to exercise after Abdominoplasty. Can you imagine not exercising for one year!! That is really a long time.