How long after a TT should I wait before doing Pilates?

Question

I know you shouldn't do ab exercises for several months after a TT. Pilates is all core and ab workouts, how long do I need to wait? Is there another exercise regimen I can do in the meanwhile?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Your operating surgeon will be the best one to advise you about post op activity restrictions. I recommend 3 weeks with no cardio activity post op and another 3 weeks of avoiding heavy lifting and abdominal workouts. Your Plastic Surgeon may have their own preferred protocol and clear you based on your unique situation.All the best

Kevin Dieffenbach, MD · Answer

Generally I recommend casual walking after 2-3 week, walking for exercise at about 3-4 weeks[treadmill ok, elliptical not ok], and more strenuous exercise after 6 weeks.
Every patient and every surgery is different, so your recovery may affect this timeline; and will be closely monitored by me for the first 6 weeks.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Most patients will be placed in an abdominal binder, which they will wear the first week. There is usually a fair amount of swelling and the binder should be opened several times a day so that there are no pressure points. After the first 7 to 10 days the patient is placed in an elastic garment for compression over the next six weeks. You can return to full activity without restrictions at 6 weeks.

Swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and penis area for men can become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.

If for any reason at this six week post-op period you still find yourself in pain or discomfort, or worried at all about your healing, then it would be best to visit your surgeon and have the area examined for proper healing. Good luck.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your tummy tuck surgery. Most patients are cleared to exercise by six weeks following a tummy tuck.   It is best to have an in-person follow up examination with your plastic surgeon for recommendations regarding what you should and should not be doing at this time. Good luck in your recovery.

Malcolm A. Lesavoy, MD, FACS · Answer

Because a good abdominoplasty also tightens the core abdominal muscles, you should wait at least 2-3 months before aggressive abdominal exercise.

George Sanders, MD · Answer

Generally patients may resume all forms of exercise by 6 weeks after tummy tuck surgery. I would think of planks at 6 weeks, but would wait for two more weeks before resuming Pilates. The reasoning has to do with the fact that  it takes at least 6 weeks to regain maximum strength in the area of muscle repair following its repair.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

It is always best to ask for recommendations from the performing surgeon who may have technique-specific instructions for your type of surgery. I generally allow patients to do light exercises at 2 weeks and full activities starting at 4 weeks. This means at 4 weeks they can EASE into full exercises including Pilates. At any time if there is any discomfort, it is usually your body's way of telling you to rest and to try again later. Eventually, your body will be able to handle your routine strenuous activities.  Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD Plastic Surgery

Adam David Lowenstein, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm glad you are so active and looking forward to getting back to pilates.  My first advice would be to ask your surgeon what her or his advice is as I'm sure your surgeon has an opinion on this.  In my practice, I ask my abdominoplasty patients to avoid any exercise for a month, and then ease into things again.  It is likely that when you start up again, you are not going to be able to do the things you used to without some initial discomfort.  Remember that even without your surgery, you have taken a break from working out for some time and you would expect to need to ease into things anyway.  Start slow, listen to your body, and gradually start your exercise regimen again when your surgeon directs.  Before long you should be back at your pre-surgery activity levels but looking better than ever.Best wishes, Dr. L

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

For my patients who are healing without any delays I allow them to start abdominal exercises after 6 to 8 weeks.  I think it is important to start gradually and progressively increase back to your normal regimen.Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)ABC-TV Extreme Makeover SurgeonBeverly Hills, California

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