Lorelle

I would like to know about the safest ways of exercising after a tummy tuck. The plastic surgeon warned me about the skin pulling apart where the staples and that will cause bad scarring. Are there any members on this forum that have had a tummy tuck and found a exercise routine after surgery that is okay to do?

PS- I am 3 weeks post op as of tomorrow. I got the upper arm lift surgery only.

robyne00

Check with your surgeon. Every case is individually dependent.

Lorelle

I did ask him but he said exercising after a tummy tuck is not needed. He's a large gentleman and doesn't appear to value exercise as much as I do. I cannot go too long without doing nothing. I would feel like my muscle is wasting away if I did that. I am someone that stays in good shape. I only needed a tummy tuck because I gave birth to triplets and that stretched out the skin. I forgot to ask him when I should start using scar cream.

PS- I meant to say I only have the arm lift left to go. I haven't had that done yet, only the tummy tuck.

robyne00

Exercise IS necessary, however you do not want to do anything too drastic or too soon. Having triplets will definitely stretch that skin!!!

You can do light cardio and/or brisk walking/treadmill 2-3 weeks post op, depending on the severity of the tuck. Hold off on weight training until 5-6 weeks post op. Wait at least 7-8 weeks for sit ups/crunches. You dont want to develop a seroma! Consult with your surgeon for individually based clarification.

Applying a topical to minimize scar appearance depends on several factors. Did you take appropriate supplements prior to your surgery? Did you apply olive oil or cocoa butter prior to surgery? Are you taking supplements currently? What topical did your surgeon suggest you apply? Mederma? These factors are all crucial.

Regardless of your surgeon's size or beliefs, exercise is necessary for everyone!!! If many people exercised the PS industry would not be able to perform many procedures.

Lorelle

I think everyone must always exercise too. Please tell that to my plastic surgeon! Thank you very much for the exercise timeline. Would taking 10 minute walks around the block with the dog be a good start? I haven't done anything before of after my tummy tuck yet for the scar. The surgeon never spoke to me about it. He did have my stop taking vitamin E starting 2 weeks before the operation. Does that have anything to do with the scars?

robyne00

One must stop taking Vitamin E prior to surgery, as it affects blood clotting.

Take those 10 minute walks, but without the dog. You want to exercise. Adding the dog creates resistance training sometimes.

Prior to surgery did you apply anything to the area to be altered? Are you taking supplements now?

Mederma is usually your best bet as a topical post op. Your surgeon didn't advise you about applying a specific topical?

Lorelle

Alright I will take the walks by myself. I have not applied or taken anything before or after for the tummy tuck scars. I am backing to taking my daily multi but not anything else. I will buy Maderma at the drugstore tomorrow. Thank you for the heads up on that. My surgeon did not give me instructions about using anything for tummy tuck healing. Should I apply it according to the label?

robyne00

If you were smoking prior to surgery ... DON'T!!! this wil impede healing.

You can now begin ingesting Vitamin C, K (especially), Zinc, and Copper for healing purposes.

Hold off on the Vitamin E for a bit.

Apply Mederma twice per day to your scar, post tummy tuck.

Good luck to you and your perfect body!!!

Lorelle

Thank you! I do not smoke and will get the other things you recommend for my tummy tuck scar. I will report back on how the healing goes. Again thank you for the help with the exercises and scar care!

robyne00

No problem, Lorelle!!! Remember smoking delays healing and depletes the body of necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

Keep us posted!

Good luck to you!