J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS

Thank you for your question about how long you should wait after running a marathon before undergoing a lower and upper body lift. Running a marathon is a tremendous physical feat that places a lot of demand on your cardiovascular, muscular, and immune systems. Because of this, it is important to allow your body sufficient time to fully recover before having major elective surgery like a body lift. In general, I recommend waiting at least 2 to 4 weeks after completing a marathon before undergoing a lower and upper body lift. This gives your body time to recover from the physical stress and any muscle breakdown or dehydration that occurred during the race. Ideally, your energy levels, nutritional status, and lab values (such as iron and protein levels) should be restored to normal prior to surgery. If you experienced any injury, illness, or immune suppression from marathon training or racing, it may be wise to wait even longer—up to 6 to 8 weeks—to ensure you are in optimal health before undergoing a major procedure. Body lifts, particularly when combining upper and lower body lift procedures, are significant surgeries that require your body to be in top condition to heal well and reduce the risk of complications. Before moving forward with surgery, I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in post-weight loss body contouring. Be open about your recent marathon and ask if any preoperative labs (such as hemoglobin, albumin, or CRP) are needed to confirm you're ready. If you have any underlying fatigue, muscle soreness, or signs of inflammation, it may be best to wait a bit longer before proceeding. If you have further questions about body lifts, including extended body lift, circumferential body lift, upper body lift, or lower body lift, I encourage you to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who has performed at least 100 of these procedures and has before and after photos to show their work. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen (President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Thank you for your question about how to best prepare for a successful body lift and what can help or hinder your healing. Proper preparation and postoperative care can make a significant difference in your outcome, comfort, and long-term results. First and foremost, one of the most critical factors is achieving and maintaining a stable weight before surgery. Ideally, patients should be at or near their goal weight for at least 3 to 6 months prior to their procedure. This helps ensure optimal skin removal and better long-term contour. Significant weight loss after a body lift could result in new skin laxity, while weight gain could compromise the results. Regular exercise—especially strength training—before surgery improves circulation, tones underlying muscles, and can make recovery easier. However, you should stop strenuous activity several days before surgery to reduce your risk of injury or inflammation. Regarding medications, it’s important to review all prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs with your plastic surgeon. Some medications can interfere with healing, such as: Blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, or warfarin (can increase bleeding) Steroids (can impair wound healing if used long-term) Smoking and nicotine products (can dramatically impair blood flow to healing tissue) If you're taking medications for diabetes, blood pressure, or thyroid, your surgeon may consult with your primary care provider to adjust dosages for optimal balance before and after surgery. To enhance healing, many surgeons recommend starting a vitamin and supplement regimen that may include Vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, iron (if anemic), and a multivitamin. These support tissue repair and immune function. However, always confirm with your plastic surgeon before starting any supplements, as some can affect clotting. After surgery, the most important things you can do to promote healing include: Wearing your compression garment as directed Avoiding smoking or alcohol Maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration Getting enough rest Attending all post-op appointments Following wound care instructions precisely Considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy if your surgeon recommends it—this can increase oxygen delivery to healing tissues and reduce risk of complications in high-risk patients. By focusing on healthy habits, optimizing your medical conditions, and working closely with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, you can maximize both the safety and success of your body lift. If you have further questions about the body lift, extended lower body lift, or 360 circumferential lower body lift, please contact a surgeon who specializes in post-weight loss plastic surgery. Choose someone who has performed at least 100 body lifts and has the before and after pictures to prove it. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen (President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Thank you for your question regarding how long you need to wait before resuming heavy exercise after a lower body lift. This is an excellent and very common concern, especially for active individuals like yourself who want to maintain their fitness without compromising their surgical results. A lower body lift is a major surgery that typically includes removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen, hips, lower back, and sometimes the buttocks and thighs. Because of the extensive nature of the procedure and the involvement of muscle tightening in many cases, your body will need time to properly heal and strengthen. Generally, most board-certified plastic surgeons recommend avoiding all strenuous activity, including running, kickboxing, and heavy lifting, for a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. Light walking is encouraged early on to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots, but high-impact activities should be avoided until cleared by your surgeon. Resuming exercise too early can lead to wound healing problems, fluid collections (seromas), stretched scars, or even muscle separation, all of which can affect your long-term results. Once your surgeon has cleared you—typically between 8 to 12 weeks post-op—you can start easing back into cardio and core exercises gradually. Patients are usually able to resume full activity over the course of 3 to 4 months, but this varies based on your individual healing, surgical technique, and how extensive your lift was. I hope this helps answer your question about when it is safe to resume intense workouts after a lower body lift. If you have any further questions about body contouring, exercise after surgery, or long-term maintenance, please consult with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of body lifts. Be sure to review their before-and-after pictures and check patient testimonials. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen (President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Thank you for your question regarding your symptoms two weeks after umbilical hernia repair with mesh. While some discomfort and fatigue are normal after surgery, feeling lightheaded, weak, and experiencing a racing heart is not typical and could signal something more serious. Two weeks post-op, most patients should be gradually regaining energy, especially if they’ve started walking and following post-op instructions. However, persistent or worsening symptoms like weakness, dizziness, and increased heart rate could point to a few possibilities that require immediate medical evaluation. These include: Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, especially if your fluid intake has been low Infection, either at the incision site or internally (around the mesh), which can cause systemic symptoms like fatigue, fever, and a racing heart Internal bleeding or hematoma formation, particularly if your hemoglobin has dropped Cardiovascular changes or reactions to medications used during or after surgery Even though you’re walking and making an effort to recover, it’s very important not to ignore these symptoms. I highly recommend that you call your surgeon immediately or visit an urgent care or emergency department. You may need blood work, vital sign monitoring, and possibly imaging to rule out infection, anemia, or other complications. Please don’t delay seeking care. When it comes to post-surgical recovery, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen (President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Thank you for your question regarding how to maintain your results after weight loss and loose skin removal surgery. First, congratulations on your transformation and your breast lift procedure—that's a huge accomplishment. You’re absolutely right to focus not only on the surgery itself but also on how to preserve your results over time. Yes, wearing a supportive bra after a breast lift can help delay gravitational sagging, especially in the months and years following surgery. Similarly, when it comes to maintaining the results from procedures like a body lift or tummy tuck, compression garments and supportive shapewear can be helpful—but mostly in the early healing phase. These garments support healing tissues, reduce swelling, improve circulation, and help skin conform to the new contour. For the first 6 to 12 weeks, wearing medical-grade compression consistently is especially important. After that, while it's not necessary to wear compression garments long-term, some patients choose to wear supportive shapewear during physical activity or while traveling to give their tissues extra support. However, it’s important to understand that shapewear and compression garments will not stop the natural aging process or eliminate the effects of gravity and time. Long-term maintenance relies more on your lifestyle choices, including: Stable weight: Rapid weight fluctuations are the number one cause of skin re-stretching after body contouring. Muscle tone: Maintaining strong underlying musculature through weight training can help support your skin from the inside out. Hydration and nutrition: Healthy skin is supported by a nutrient-rich diet with adequate protein, vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Sun protection: UV damage can weaken collagen and accelerate skin aging, so daily sunscreen is key, even on areas like the arms and chest. Avoid smoking: Smoking compromises blood flow and collagen production and leads to faster skin degradation over time. Ultimately, surgical tightening will give you a huge head start, but your daily habits are what will maintain those results for the long term. If you're ever unsure about the best garments, exercises, or skincare for post-surgical support, check in with your plastic surgeon or a knowledgeable post-op care provider. If you have any more questions about breast lifts, body lifts, skin removal, or long-term results, please consult with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in post-weight loss body contouring. Look for someone who has performed hundreds of these procedures and can show you clear, consistent before-and-after photos of long-term outcomes. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen (President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)