Does Being in Good Shape Prior to a Tummy Tuck Aid in Recovery Time?

Being in Shape Before a Tummy Tuck means you are likely to have less complications during the surgery.Although everyone recovers differently, generally speaking, patients that are in good physical condition prior to the surgery have better recoveries. However, this differs case by case so don’t be upset if you aren’t healing as fast as you expected. Also the phases of healing take a similar time and overdoing it too early can actually delay your healing time.Following surgery, you will be walking in a bent-over position to keep tension off the newly tightened skin incision site. Softening of the surgical scars, return of sensation, and loosening of the tight sensation may take several months to a year or more.Abdominoplasty involves a recovery period of 10 to 14 days longer than most plastic surgical procedures. Initial discomfort and decreased mobility is typical. 3-5 days or more of assistance at home is usually indicated.You will be encouraged to move and walk regularly starting the day of surgery. Wearing your TED stockings at all times, except while washing, to prevent venous clots (deep vein thrombosis) is mandatory.

Yes, being in excellent physical condition helps recovery from tummy tuck and recovery from surgery in general.

I have seen most patients that exercise regularly do recover a bit faster than those that dont...however...I have also seen the avid fitness patients have a hard time recovering and they tend to get back into it too soon, feeling that they can't  take a week or two off...And this can delay their recovery as well...So do yourself and your investment a favor...relax and recover and follow your doctors instructions!!

Hi there-

I do believe that your high level of fitness will benefit you and improve the quality (while shortening the length) of your recovery.

Best of luck!

People in good shape prior to any surgery have the following positives: Faster recovery, better pain tolerance, less issues getting back to work, less chronic pain.  The fact that you have been working out is excellent

 

Have a great surgical day!

Dr Jeneby

Being in "good shape" aids in everything. I assume you mean good physical fitness, excellent nutrition, no health issues, and managable stress in your life. You should do well and we wish you the best with your surgery.

Typically, patients who are in better physical shape will recuperate better and faster from surgery with lower risks of many issues, a finding which is somewhat intuitive. However, some of these individuals feel too good that they may not adhere to the restrictions in activities as well as they should which can result in elevation of risks for some problems.

It is also important that after surgery, you should be on a well balanced diet with a lot of proteins and vit C. This is not a time to be on a calorie restricted diet.

Think of surgery like an athletic event as it does induce great stress on your body. The better shape you are in before surgery the more likely you will have a faster recovery with less discomfort. So if you 'train' for surgery, you will be doing yourself a good service. The same goes for having a good weight, diet and nutritional status. The bigger the surgical procedure, the more relevant one's physical condition is after surgery.

Patients who are motivated psychologically and in good physical shape generally recuperate very well after tummy tuck. The body still has to go through the same healing process, including swelling. Although you can't exercise strenuously for 6-8 weeks postop, discuss with your plastic surgeon when you can begin to walk on a treadmill and engage in other activities.

Clearly healthy patients in good shape tend to have less complications than poor condtioned or overweight patients. However,  regardless of your health status you will need to let your body recover and heal. This is a physiologic function of time. I would recommend that you adhere to the restriction timetable of your surgeon rather than starting your activity level too soon after the procedure.