How soon can I restart pilates?

Question

I had an fdl tummy tuck with mons lift and muscle repair 6 & 1/2 weeks ago. Pilates works on the core muscles but under your own power, no additional weights are used. Thanks in advance.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! For my patients having a tummy tuck, I recommend they take 3 weeks off of cardio at the gym and 6 weeks off of weight training and yoga exercises. At 6 weeks post op, it is ok to resume Pilates exercises. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your tummy tuck!  Returning gradually to exercise usually begins around 6 weeks post op.  However concentrated core workouts should be avoided until around 3 months to allow for proper healing.  Your surgeon is your best guide as he/she is most familiar with the details of your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

This is something you need to discuss with your surgeon who knows you best. For my patients, they can return to formal exercise after 6 weeks, but that is dependent on how they are healing. Good luck.

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It's best to follow your surgeons specific advice post-operatively. Usually, patients can return to light activities almost immediately after surgery, normal activities 2 weeks after surgery, and vigorous exercise 4 weeks after surgery.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  It's best to follow your surgeons specific advice post-operatively. Patients usually can return to light activities almost immediately after surgery, normal activities 2 weeks after surgery, and vigorous exercise 4 weeks after surgery.  We usually experience a slow steady improvement for 3 months or so after surgery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Healing and recovery are patient dependent.  During recovery, you do not want to place a strain on your incision.  Most of the time the incision is healed by 4 to 6 weeks.  The muscles have been irritated to a certain extent by plication and the surgery itself.  The abdominal wall may need several months to get accustomed to the changes.  You should not perform exercises for 6 weeks in cases of uncomplicated healing or until instructed by your surgeon.  Do not start with crunches, sit-ups, or core exercises but gradually ease back into your former exercise routine.  After four months, stomach exercises should be okay.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the questions. I would let my patients to start full gym activities at 3 months post op. Best,

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
I recommend my patients to wait at least 8 weeks after a TT, before resuming their workout rutine.
If you have any concerns, I suggest you to follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck :)

Rachel Streu, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thank you so much for your great question! I like to discuss with most of my patient's that it is usually three months before I clear them for intense core work such as pilates. This is because I want the scar tissue that forms from the muscle repair to become stronger than the sutures that were placed in the operation to repair the muscle diastasis. I would suggest discussing with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Congratulations on your Fleur de Lis and best of luck to you!Sincerely, Dr. Rachel Streu

TUMMY TUCK PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

How soon can I restart pilates?

Answers (9)

TUMMY TUCK PROVIDERS NEAR YOU