Why so many varying opinions on exercise timing after Tummy Tuck?

Hello and thank you for your question.
Every surgeon has his or her own protocol. You need to follow your surgeon's instructions and restrictions. Reach out to him or her with your questions and concerns regarding this. Best wishes!

Dear Peaceful515071,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Opinions vary by surgeon for recovery, including returning to exercise. Typically my patients wear compression for about six weeks and are able to gradually return to exercise at that time as well. Light activities such as walking can begin earlier. It is based on your surgeon's preferences and your surgical plan. I encourage you to discuss your surgeon's rationale with her/him. It is important that you feel comfortable and confident in your recovery.

Thanks for your question! Plastic Surgeons often have different opinions about many topics, this being one of them. There isn't really just one "correct" answer.In my practice, we recommend compression with a custom garment for one month post op. At that point they can discontinue it or wean off it for a period of 2 weeks.Also, light exercise can begin at one month (even light weights) but more vigorous exercise should wait until 6-8 weeks post op. Hope this helps!Dr. Nicolas HynesLotus Cosmetic Surgery

There’s no particular reason for having differences in postoperative instructions. Each surgeon makes decisions based on their belief which comes from their training, personal experience, what others do and in the end simply that doctors opinion.

In the end most patients advance exercise pretty gradually simply based on being sore and cautious.

From personal experience I would say the majority of patients probably are not compliant with their instructions regardless.

In the end postoperative activities have little impact on the final result but patients should typically follow the instructions recommended by their doctor. some post operative instructions for certain procedures can be very important.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Hi and welcome to our forum!Each plastic surgeon develops an individual protocol of treatment based upon their training and their years of personal experience. There may be significant variation in care regimens. For example, some surgeons recommend compression garments after abdominoplasty for a period of 4 week, some 6, some 3 months. Some, not at all! The surgeon will choose a protocol which has been most successful in his / her practice.Best wishes...