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How Much Can I Exercise After Tummy Tuck surgery?
Hi, I am going to have the tummy tuck operation because 3 years ago I lost significant weight. Despite all exercise my waist still needs improvement. Will I be able to exercise again regularly and do long sets of ab exercises as I do now (not immediately after the op. but in a 3-4 month time period)?
What are the risks of exercise in the early post-op period
I agree with most of the comments posted by the other plastic surgeons below. You may wonder why we all have such strong opinions and post-operative care instructions for our patients. It is important to understand the risks of exercise in the early post-operative period following abdominoplasty. Here's a quick summary - in no particular order. First - any narcotics that you are using to control the pain can make working out dangerous. In my San Francisco area practice I advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery while using narcotic pain medication. This would likely include strenuous workouts. Second - increase in heart rate and blood pressure can cause bleeding at the surfaces cut. This bleeding can be significant and can cause the need for re-operation or hospitalization. It can also greatly impact the final result of the surgery. Third - Exercise, especially crunches, for post-op abdominoplasty can mechanically damage the muscle plication or even the skin closure. For these reasons it is important carefully discuss a post-operative regimen including when you can begin exercise with your surgeon. I hope this helps.
