Plastic surgery

Can you tell me what is the differece between a tummy tuck and a C-section and recovery time for both.

I am in the Army (19)and must take a phycial test. (53 sit-up within 2 minutes).  How long should I start excersing after the tummy tuck.  How do can I tell when to stop (pain or pressure) without hurting my stomach muscles.

I feel as if I have never done any ab work out.  Is this normal. Never had problems before the tuck.

thank you

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

In performing a tummy tuck, the abdominal (rectus muscles) are actually not touched.  It is the overlying tendinous layer (the muscle fascia) which is tightened.  This is usually healed after several weeks post surgery and so most patients can resume full physical activity (including sit-ups) at three to four weeks after this surgery.  I can't speak for C-sections since I am a plastic surgeon and not an obstetrician and do not follow or advise patients immediate following delivery.