Exercise Before Tummy Tuck ? Yes Or No ?

This is a question that I am often asked when patients are preparing to undergo surgery.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with working out, running, or any other type of exercise in the days prior to surgical procedures.  I am happy for patients to continue a healthy diet and exercise plan up to the day before surgery when this is something that they have already been doing previously.

I would not BEGIN any type of restrictive diet or strenuous exercise plan in the days before your surgical procedure if this is not something that you have been doing previously.  Doing so may increase your blood pressure and therefore the strain on your heart which could be bad prior to a surgical procedure.  As always, when starting any new exercise or diet plan, consult with your doctor if you have any prior medical problems.  Hope this helps.

Hi there-

If you exercise routinely as part of your healthy lifestyle, then I say continue you routine until a few days before the procedure, at your usual pace and intensity. I would not want you working out extra hard because you are having surgery.

Similarly, if you are not a person who normally exercises regularly, I do not think it benefits you to start an exercise program in the weeks leading up to your surgery if you are doing so because you think it will improve your outcome or recovery- it probably will not.

On the other hand, if your surgery is months away, and you would like to achieve a better state of health, and you are beginning an exercise program as part of a healthier lifestyle that you think you will be able to maintain over the long term after your recovery period, then doing so is a smart thing.

I hope that helps you!

 

Most certainly, yes, exercise before tummy tuck for strength, flexibility, endurance, and your mental well being.  Not just your core, everywhere.  Increasing your lean body mass will provide more protein that your body will mobilize post operatively to support healing.  From a metabolic standpoint, surgery is a stressful event.  You become catabolic for a while.  You will not be able to exercise during this period, so get it in now.

It makes no surgical difference either way.  However, if you are exercising not for enjoyment but specifically in order to prepare your body for a tt, then you don't need to do that.  You're better to just be healthy, then starting 3 months after the tt to work on toning and strength.  You will lose muscle mass and strength during the 3 months after tt as you can't exercise those muscles during that recovery phase, so there's no great benefit to build them up preop.

Good luck with your surgery.  And good question.

There is nothing wrong with exercising prior to a tummy tuck.  Losing as much weight possible before the procedure will help give you optimal results.  Often times the tummy tuck is being done because the abdominal muscles are weak, so exercising will not really help.  If you do choose to exercise, don't over do it right before the procedure so you will not feel any soreness.  Also be sure to discuss it with your surgeon to get his or her recommendations.  Good luck!