How long after my mommy makeover can I start working out?

It is good to get into an exercise routine on a long-term basis.  Fast starts and intense/grueling bursts frequently lead to burnout and failure.  If possible, it would be good for you to start an exercise program before your surgery.  Initiate good habits today and you will be more likely to resume them once you are healed! You may even tone up or loose weight to create a better result from your surgery!



     After surgery, you will need to take at least the first week completely off.  Getting up and around the house will be plenty of stress on your body.  After the first week, gentle walking should be okay, but even then do not try to get your heart rate up or break a sweat.  Between 3-4 weeks you usually can start to engage in vigorous activity (like a slow treadmill or elliptical without using your arms).  By 4-5 week you may be able to step up the pace to jogging and aerobics.  Heavy lifting, kickboxing and core exercise have to wait until later depending on healing. My limit for lifting for patients is usually 5 lbs. for 3 weeks, advancing to 10-15 lbs. for another week or two progressing to unlimited lifting by 6-8 weeks (depending on healing).  Specifics of these timelines will vary depending on the exact surgery, your health, and your healing process. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s recommendations on these issues.

In our practice we would wait at least 4 to 6 weeks before any kind of intense work outs. Also depends on the individual and what their situation is. But check with your surgeon first because every practice is different and will give you specific instructions. Jaime Perez MDPlastic Surgery Center of Tampa

A couple of things: specific instruction should come from your own surgeon, the convalescence will be dependent upon the operations chosen. Having said that in my practice you would be expected to be up and walking the next day. Aerobic activity can begin when the sutures are removed at about 10 days. The abdominal muscles cannot be targeted for six weeks and from then until three months activity is increased.