When Can I Go Back to my Pilates and Zoomba Classes After my Mommy Makeover?

Question

I had a breast lift with implant and tummy tuck. Eager to go back to my exercise routine. Feeling great!

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

Although guidelines will vary from surgeon to surgeon, I advise my patients not to engage in any exercise for at least 6 weeks after surgery. It might seem like a long time but it really is an important aspect to the healing process. It is also very important that when you have received the go ahead from your surgeon that you return to regular exercise as if were the first time. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard too fast.

Robert J. Schwartz, MD · Answer

I usually allow my patients to resume exercise 6 weeks after a mommy makeover. The limiting factor here is the tummy tuck. If you start straining your abs too soon, you can tear the sutures used to tighten your muscles. Fixing that can require re-doing almost the entire procedure so it's definitely something you want to avoid.

	That said, if you ask this question to ten different plastic surgeons, you'll probably get ten different answers. So definitely check with yours before doing anything.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I generally recommend no heavy lifting or strenuous activity (no exercise) for 4 to 6 weeks after tummy tuck. After six weeks, I encourage patients to slowly resume exercise routines *gradually*. Remember, during the six week postoperative period - you will be deconditioned. I do prepare patients do notice some increased swelling once exercise is resumed. Over the next several weeks, this post-exercise edema will no longer manifest. Exercise itself will not help reduce this swelling.  If swelling manifests during your workout routine, you may benefit from use of compression garments.   But please check with your surgeon with respect to his/her specific recommendations.  Enjoy your results!

	Dr. Basu

	Houston, TX

William Aiello, MD · Answer

The reason for delaying heavy activity after such an extensive procedure is to give your body time to heal  and for the solidification of the deep scars to hold things together  before you over stress them.  I realize you may not have much discomfort after a few weeks but early return to exercise will increase your heart rate and blood pressure and significantly increase your risk of a bleed (hematoma) in your breast pocket where you have the implants.  After so much surgery it is advisable to wait at least 6 weeks for your body to heal enough from the abdominoplasty  where your abdominal muscles were tightened. Early exercise before then puts all the stress on the sutures and may result in their rupture or the tearing of the muscle and this will lead to a poor result.  Patience is necessary, so just remind yourself of the great improvement you have achieved from these procedures.

	William Aiello, MD   Newport Beach CA

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your mommy makeover and for feeling great! I usually advise my patients to start light, low-impact cardio work-out 4 weeks after surgery. Usually I clear my patients for full-activities/exercise after 6 weeks. Even if you are feeling great but it has been only a short-time after your surgery, you should refrain from your exercise. Please check with your plastic surgeon on his/her postoperative instruction/clearance!

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

Congrats on a swift recovery!!!   I always practice caution when advancing activity levels.   Things that can happen by doing too much physical activity include:

	1. Scar Widening

	2. Wound breakdown

	3.  Implant Malposition/Displacement

	Therefore, I always recommend 6 weeks off from the gym.  Longer walks and light activities are welcome, but no resistance or strengthening exercises for 6 weeks.

	Be safe and try to stand the course, you will be glad you did in the long run!!  

	 

	Dr. Gill

Carlin Vickery, MD (retired) · Answer

Ideally, you will wait at least 8 full weeks before any strenuous exercise. The healing strength of the operated tissues will not achieve it’s full strength until 8 weeks. If you begin to do core exercises prior to 8 weeks then you are risking weakening of your abdominal repair and you may develop recurrent abdominal bulging. I do tell my patient’s that they should gradually increase walking within a few days of surgery. Additionally, I allow them to do light arm weights in the early post op weeks.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Congrats on your surgery, and feeling great! You did not say when you had the surgery. Most patients start out with peaceful walks, before getting back into Pilates and Zoomba. A good rule is 6 weeks following surgery for hard core exercise. Follow your Plastic Surgeon's post op instructions for your best result! He will guide you to recovery. Best wishes!

When Can I Go Back to my Pilates and Zoomba Classes After my Mommy Makeover?

Answers (8)

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