Exercise Before Tummy Tuck ? Yes Or No ?

Thank you for the question. There is absolutely nothing wrong with exercising to your hearts content before tummy  tuck  surgery. If anything it's helpful to be well conditioned and at a stable weight prior to embarking on a major operation.

 You are about to undergo a major operation which often involves a significant physical and emotional recovery. A few words of advice may be helpful:


1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself)  and that you have realistic expectations.  Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life   situation.  You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.

2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be  more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.

3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.

4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.

5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina  of your caretakers.

6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.

7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.

8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).

9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the   emotional swings that you may experience.

10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.

11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.

I hope this helps.
 

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!