Can I do yoga post tummy tuck?

Question

I'm scheduled to go in for a tummy tuck in July 2017 - I'm concerned that my yoga practice will never be the same. I understand there is roughly a 3 month healing period however, will twists and things involved in yoga affect the incision or muscle repair?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Healing after a  #tummy tuck will require time. Some patients are out of bed and walking the night of surgery and every hour while awake. I allow my patients to return to work at one to two weeks with 14 days preferred.  However, no lifting or straining.  At three weeks, increased level of activity and full with no restrictions, at 6 weeks. 
As I advise my patients, if your work keeps you sedentary, you may return whenever you feel up to it. If your work is strenuous, wait until your work activity does not cause any superficial pain. Some employers will modify a person’s job duties so they can back sooner, but without physical activity. Our office can provide our patients with a note stating they are not to engage in strenuous activity for a specified period of time. The note will not disclose what procedure they have underwent. Therefore, you may have to request a similar note from your surgeon if you are not independently employed. I recommend avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous #activity for six weeks following your surgery. With that said, it may help you plan your return to work accordingly.
As for heavy lifting and other #strenuous #activities, it should be avoided for until you have clearance from your surgeon. You may, however, do normal activities at any time if they cause no pain or #discomfort. Let your body tell you what you can or cannot do. Aerobic exercise will raise your blood pressure, which could cause late bleeding and harm your result. Once you begin exercising again, #yoga included, start gently and let your body tell you what it can tolerate. Don’t rush!!  If you have concerns about your healing, or pain that you question to be unusual, it is important to call your plastic surgeon to discuss these further asked to be examined.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. After 4-6 weeks your surgery area is totally healed and yes you can doing yoga and also do other activities. I wish you all the best.

George H. Pope, MD · Answer

After 3 full months you should be sufficiently healed from a tummy tuck for yoga, but be sure to run this by your plastic surgeon; he or she may have specific instructions for this.  Yoga is pretty grueling, and the stretching is pretty intense. 
George Pope, MD

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You should be able to go back to yoga once your surgeon feels that you have healed adequately.  Best of luck.

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