If you have very strong abdominal muscles, will your tummy tuck recovery time be any less?

Question

I had my tummy tuck 12 days ago to finally tighten my abs and remove a tiny bit of stretched skin. I had kids 18 years ago and have been exercising non-stop since then. I weigh 128lbs, and am lean. I want my abs to reflect the hard work I’ve been doing. Does having a really strong core help the ab muscles repair quicker from muscle plication, etc? Do athletes recover any quicker in general? I want to make my abs strong as possible.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Healing and recovery from a TT varies from person-to-person. Your recovery from the procedure will depend on several factors, such as age, general state of health, and body weight. The paraspinal musculature and the abdominal musculature must both be strong and functional to help support the spine.  The tummy tuck can improve diastasis or abdominal wall laxity, which is beneficial to core strength. You should not perform strenuous exercises for 6 weeks in cases of uncomplicated healing or until instructed by your surgeon.  All patients after TT will have loose skin when bending over, but so will most models and bodybuilders.  Do not start with crunches, sit-ups, or core exercises but gradually ease back into your former high intensity exercises on the treadmill and strength training to assess tolerance.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Being in shape physically and emotionally is an advantage in recovery after surgery. However, do not be tempted to do too much too soon or you may jeopardize your results. I have my patients wait 6 weeks before resuming any formal type exercise. Be sure to follow your surgeon's instructions. Good luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Being healthy and fit before surgery will certainly help in general during recovery.  It is important to remember though that your body will need you to rest in order to recover.  Doing too much too soon can actually impede your progress.  I encourage you to follow your surgeon's advice.  You'll be ready to show off those results before long!

Cameron Craven, MD, FACS · Answer

Tummy tuck is one of the most invasive cosmetic operations that plastic surgeons perform.  Depending on the amount of tension placed on your abdominal muscle repair you may have more or less pain than other people.  Your preoperative level of activity will hopefully allow you to become mobile more quickly however this should not be misinterpreted as you being allowed to return to exercise.  
I ask all of my tummy tuck patients to avoid lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk for the first 2 weeks and nothing heavier than 20 pounds for a total of 6 weeks.  After 6 weeks they can return gradually to full exercises.  Frequently after abdominoplasty procedures patient's report their core strength is greater than it ever was before.  This is due to the mechanical advantage placed by having a tight fascial layer outside the muscle as well as repairing any diastases recti.  Additionally I counsel my patients that depending on the amount of muscle tightening, they may not have the same visibility of the rectus muscles that they had preoperatively as they have now been imbricated under the fascia. Take your time and let your body heal.  It will be worth it in the long run.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, the tummy tuck operation is an extensive operation, associated with a very significant recovery period, often underestimated by patients. As you can imagine, there is a wide range of recovery experiences ( in other words, the experience varies greatly from one patient to another). There may be that many variables involved when it comes to exactly how patient does after tummy tuck surgery. Having said the above, I find that patients who are physically, emotionally, and psychosocially "optimized" tend to do best after this extensive operation.   Also, patients who generally are "glass half full" personality types tend to do relatively well. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Being in shape is an added bonus after a tummy tuck.Following your post op care instructions is highly advised. However take is easy as time is your friend. Slowly elevate your activity level as tolerated.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

Being healthy and strong will definitely help with your recovery and your overall results.  But to actually see a 6 pack will require dropping your body fat percentage through diet.  Good luck!

John E. Nees, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!The rapidity of healing isn't dependent upon muscle strength. Whether a weight lifter or a weakling, healing will progress in a similar fashion. Obviously one must consume sufficient nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to promote healing at an optimal rate. Following muscle plication, it is best to consult with your surgeon to determine when it is safe to resume your exercise regimen without jeopardizing the repair.Best wishes...

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