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How Much Can I Exercise After Male Tummy Tuck?

asked 3 years ago by John S
Latest answer by Mahlon Kerr, MD
Question viewed 83,910 times
Tags: exercise, fitness

Hi, I am going to have the tummy tuck op 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)?

47 answers to How Much Can I Exercise After Male Tummy Tuck?

+11

Activity and Exercise post Abdominoplasty : Get moving!

Absolutely! In 3 or 4 monthhs you can do as you please includiing sky diving and bungy cord junping I tell my patients. I am a believer in early activity. Even after large muscle repairs, I allow 100% activity in 4 weeks and begin gradually at the gym in2 weeks. i have my patients up and walking the same day as the operation and progressively from there. i have never had a muscle separation or wound separation ever. I have never had a pulmonary... more
George Commons, MD

Palo Alto Plastic Surgeon
+9

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... more
Steven H. Williams, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+8

Exercise Program after Tummy Tuck

I typically allow my patients to do brisk walking and light cardio at 2 weeks after tummy tuck. At this point they are still wearing their abdominal binders for support. As they are able the typically get back into full treadmill by 2 weeks. Weight lifting may not begin until 4 weeks and then it's very light. I think it's important to wait and refrain from ANY sit-ups or weight training that targets the abdominal muscles until at least 6 weeks. I think this allows ample time for the... more
James F. Boynton, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+7

Allow muscles to heal but exercise can even help if done properly.

Clearly you need time for the muscles to heal together and this takes a minimum o f6 weeks. There is great variation in the opinions of when it is best for you to resume exercise and so I would defer to your operating surgeon who will have the best knowledge of your anatomy (i.e., how far apart) and repair (i.e., how tight?) after surgery. However, the correct exercise if done properly can not only reinforce but enhance the repair as well. Please ask your surgeon for quidance. However, I... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+6

Exercise after tummy tuck recovery in Los Angeles

Most women can start exercising in about 3-4 weeks after a tummy tuck. abdominal exercises and sit ups are usually not recommended for at least two months after a tummy tuck.
S. Sean Younai, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+6

Consider what's being done prior to considering postoperative activity

Your surgeon typically performs plication (tightening) of your abdominis rectus (abdominal) muscles during your abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Generally, you should avoid activity other than ambulation and light walking the first four weeks after surgery. This will generally allow your incision line time to heal without complications. After four weeks I generally encourage my patients to start light to moderate activity. But because of the plication you should not perform other than light... more
Jeffrey D. Hoefflin, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+5

Exercise after tummy tuck

Ask 10 plastic surgeons and you get 10 different answers....Here is what I tell patients. We want to get you back to the gym/exercising, however, WE will be your personal trainer over the next 1 year. We will require that you get out of bed on the first day after surgery, every 2 hours, like it or not (most patients are sore after surgery, but not in so much pain that they cannot move around). After 2 weeks, we make sure you increase your activity to include 20-30 minutes of cardio a day,... more
John Philip Connors III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+5

You should get back to your normal routine

After 3-4 months, you will have no restrictions, and should be on the way back to returning to your "pre-tuck" routine. You will notice a few things that make sense: After having taken a break from exercising for 6-8 weeks, you will be deconditioned, and it will take some time to build up your stamina Crunches and the like are not a problem (they do take some getting used to...) - it is the back extension and arching exercises that are done in some types of Yoga that are an issue... more
Michael A. Bogdan, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+5

Exercise after tummy tuck

Like all surgeries you will need about 6wks to heal completely. However, recovery occurs in phases. You can usually begin some light cardiovascular exercise in about 2-3wks and some upper body exercise in about 3-4wks and do more from there. As for the crunches and abdominal exercises - it is best to wait about 3-6mo. We have a personal trainer that specifically deals with postop recovery. That is the best way to learn how to do core strengthening without hurting your surgical outcome.... more
Bahram Ghaderi, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+4

Exercise following tummy tuck

Brisk walking 2-3 weeks and unrestricted exercise after 6-8 weeks is the general rule in my practice.  Of course, this differs from patient to patient.  Your plastic surgeon can help you make these very important decisions during your routine post operative visits.
Michael Orseck, MD

Greenville Plastic Surgeon
+4

Exercise after Abdominoplasty

  My advice is to be up and walking as soon as  possible  following a Tummy Tuck. Walking is the best way to prevent blood clots (DVT) in your legs.    If you have had a repair and tightening of the abdominal muscles during the abdominoplasty, you should avoid lifting and straining your abdominal muscles for about six weeks. At six weeks the internal scarring that suports the muscle repair is strong enough for exercise. Be certain to start slowly... more
Richard L. Dolsky, MD

Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon
+4

You can exercise after tummy tuck.

Congratulations on losing weight!  Tummy tuck is a great operation to achieve a good abdominal contour after a weight loss.  It is going to be a great surgery for you if  you have moderate/severe excess skin and mild/moderate amount of excess fat.  You should be able to walk right after tummy tuck.  You can do light exercise 3-4 weeks after tummy tuck (no heavy lifting or sit ups).  After 6 weeks, you can resume your exercise routine.  Yes, you can... more
Sugene Kim, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+4

Exercise after a tummy tuck is great! (once you're healed)

Of course you may still exercise and even do strenuous ab work after a tummy tuck.  When the muscle repair is done, the muscles aren't cut--they're just moved back into their original position and sewn in place.  So you don't lose any strength.  Enjoy your workouts, which will only improve your overall results!  Just wait at least 3 months before adding the strenuous ab work to your workouts--or wait until your own surgeon has given the go-ahead. more
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+4

Excercise after Tummy Tuck

By the begining of the fourth week patients start a mild form of excercise, which gradually increase, but remain comfortable to the patient. By  6 weeks, patients are back in the gym.
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+4

Heavy Exercise after a Tummy Tuck

Every Plastic Surgeon has his/her own opinion on this topic. In my opinion it is best if you did NOT exercises for 4-6 weeks. This should allow the skin/fat flap which was lifted to both repair the muscle separation and to remove the loose skin, to stick down to the abdominal muscles. At that time you can gradually return to gym activities. I would prefer you did NOT engage in your "long sets of ab exercises" - There is NO need for doing them. By doing crunches etc you will be... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+4

Exercise after tummy tuck

I recommend no heavy lifting or strenuous activity (no exercise) for at least 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 to notice some increased swelling once exercise is resumed. Over the next several weeks, this post-exercise edema will no longer manifest.
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+4

Exercise after tummy tuck

I recommend avoiding strenuous activity after a tummy tuck surgery for approximately three months. You can certainly do aerobic activities such as an ellipitical machine, stair machine, or stationary bike, as these are low impact and will be more comfortable for you in the early recovery. Avoid sit-ups for several months after surgery as this will directly stress the surgical repair of your abdominal muscles. If the surgical repair of your abs was done sufficiently, there will be little... more
William Bruno, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+4

After surgery it is wise not to do any activities that...

After surgery it is wise not to do any activities that elevate your heart rate and blood pressure above a resting rate for about 2 weeks. This is to minimize the chance of delayed bleeding. After a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) you can begin exercises such as treadmill workouts at that point but avoid abdominal straining exercises for 8 weeks since it takes that long for the muscle repair to reach its fullest healing strength.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+3

Post Operative Care After a Tummy Tuck

One of the key restructures after a tummy tuck is that it will take at least 3-4 weeks to resume a significant amount of your post-operative activity. I usually allow my patients to resume most rigorous physical exercise at 4 weeks and abdominal wall exercises by 6 weeks, especially if you have done a full abdominoplasty with repair to the diastasis rectus muscles. It is important to allow for normal wound healing before having a patient to begin full aggressive exercise activities. I will... more
Rod J. Rohrich, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+3

Exercise after tummy tuck

From the description of you condition you may not need extensive abdominal wall reconstruction to get a good result.  This will change your recovery and your ability to exercise.  If you do require extensive abdominal wall work the recovery will be much longer and gradual.  If I fix a weekness in the abdominal wall I don't allow sit-ups for a year, as an example.  Having said that we are always encouraging  our patients to begin gradually increasing exercise... more
Talmage J. Raine, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+3

EXERCISE POST TUMMY TUCK SHOULD PROGRESS TO UNRESTRICTED ACTIVITIES WITHIN 2 MONTHS

FULL UNRESTRICTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY 6 - 8 WEEKS POST ABDOMINOPLASTY In a tummy tuck procedure: the excess skin and adipose tissue are removed from the lower abdomen, and the abdominal wall muscles may or may not be tightened. It is the rectus muscle tightening, if performed, that will determine how quickly you start working on your abdominal muscles. Generally, by the end of the third week light cardio is permitted, but full abdominal strengthening will only be... more
Carlos Cordoba, MD

Montreal Plastic Surgeon
+3

You can continue to exercise after tummy tuck

Exercise is great and you can certainly return to it after surgery, but only when you get the green light from your surgeon.  Sometimes, we do a significant amount of tightening of the fascia or muscles, and you wouldn't want to strain that and lessen your result.  If you can do heavy exercise yet, keep your routine going by doing light walking if that's OK with your surgeon.
Mario Loomis, MD

Middletown Plastic Surgeon
+3

How Much Can I Exercise After a Tummy Tuck?

Immediately after a tummy tuck you should  walk to the bathroom. This is important because total immobilization after major surgery can increase the risk of DVT  deep venous thrombosis( Blood clots). The day after surgery you should try to walk more around the house. By  2 weeks most patients can drive and ambulate on the streets. At 3 to 4 weeks you can usually exercise your upper body. After 6 week you can begin to use your abdominal muscles freely during... more
Jaime Perez MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+3

Tummy Tuck Surgery does not impair your exercise ability

Following a tummy tuck you need to follow your Plastic Surgeon's post-operative protocol.  This varies from surgeon to surgeon and also depends on whether or not your muscle was tightened.  In general you should refrain from any strenuous physical activity for 6 weeks.  You should wear an abdominal binder at all times. However, once fully healed AND cleared by your surgeon, you should be able to return your exercise routines.
Martin Jugenburg, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon
+3

The more you increase your activity after tummy tuck the higher the risk of fluid collections

I have found in my practice that if my patients return to aggressive exercise too soon after tummy tuck that their risk of fluid collections increases significantly.  I have a very low percentage of fluid collections, but those that get a fluid collection are almost always increasing their activity too soon and too much. I typically allow patients to begin walking for exercise within a week after surgery but I ask them to avoid activities which include bending, twisting or stooping... more
Richard H. Fryer, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+3

Get back to abs & crunches in 6 weeks

Great question! Your great attitude about health and exercise will ensure that you will continue to look great even after your tummy tuck. Talk to your plastic surgeon about the tummy tuck technique that they plan to use. Our patients receive an internal corset during their tummy tuck that cinches the waist and provides support. We encourage our patients to return to gentle aerobic exercise in one week and abs and crunches in approximately 6 weeks. Best.
B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+3

Exercise time after Tummy Tuck

You should ask your physician what their particular routine is. However, we start the patient exercising after Tummy Tuck by 4 weeks, or once maximal wound strength has been achieved. BD
Barry E. DiBernardo, MD

Montclair Plastic Surgeon
+3

My typical post operative restrictions are no lifting...

My typical post operative restrictions are no lifting greater than 10 lbs for three weeks. This is a difficult period where you want to exercise to improve your new waistline but can't do so. I tell my patients to switch to a low carb, low calorie diet during this period so that we don't lose ground in this period. At three weeks you can slowly advance your activity to what is comfortable without causing soreness. At six weeks you can perform any exercise, including sit-ups, which challenge... more
Pramit Malhotra, MD

Ann Arbor Plastic Surgeon
+2

Postop exercise

Certainly you will be able to exercise after the initial postoperative period. You have to ease back into an exercise regimen and I would expect that you will be working out as you suggest by three months postop. You could begin with treadmill and other exercises not involving the abs several weeks after surgery and gradually add to the workout.
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+2

How soon after Tummy Tuck can you begin exercising...

You sound like an excellent candidate for a Tummy Tuck. To answer your question directly, yes you can absolutely go back to a regular or extensive abdominal work out post surgery. You will have to start with mild exercises, depending how you feel about 3-4 weeks after surgery. You may begin with light cardio and slowly work your way up to regular strenuous exercises, depending on how you feel. Make sure you go over your proposed regimen with your plastic surgeon before you... more
Shain A. Cuber, MD

Marlboro Plastic Surgeon
+2

Exercising after a tummy tuck

Many active patients want to know when they will be able to return to exercising after undergoing a tummy tuck. Most patients are discourged from doing any heavy lifting more than 20 lbs. or strenuous activity for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery. However, many patients will begin walking short distances for exercise within a few weeks after their procedure. Patients typically should expect to their normal activity level by 8 weeks or so. more
Kelly Gallego, MD

Sioux City Plastic Surgeon
+2

Exercise after weight loss reconstruction

Unless your muscles have been damaged from prior surgery, exercise should resume naturally. An abdominoplasty realigns muscles but does not alter their function. In fact, when aligned properly, they should respond better to exercise.
Timothy Fee, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+2

Exercise after Tummy Tuck?

Most of my patients begin light exercise at 2-3 weeks after a tummy tuck. I do not allow focused abdominal work until 6-8 weeks post-op. Always follow your surgeons directions and when you do start , begin slowly and listen to your body before you increase your work load. Good Luck.
Douglas L. Gervais, MD

Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon
+2

Exercise after Tummy Tuck

Patients can generally resume exercise activities after 4 weeks, but they should begin gradually and increase the level of activity and exercise according to their comfort. After the healing process is complete, there is no reason not to begin an exercise program.
Ankit Desai, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+2

Working out after Surgery

This is a great question.  Many of my patients ask the same thing. You want to ease your way back into a workout routine.  You don't want to stress your body out. Doing abdomen excercise 3 or 4 months after surgery is fine. 
Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+2

Return to exercise after a tummy tuck

In my practice I have my patients return to some form of aerobic exercise in about 10 days.  We gradually allow some resistance training over the first few weeks.  After two months I allow unrestricted core muscle training, including sit ups.  Of course for this type of a recovery the surgeon has to be certain that his technique will stand up to the rigors of this postoperative regiment.
Boris M. Ackerman, MD

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon
+2

Tummy tuck and exercise

Good for you!  You're going to do great with a tummy tuck.  Patients can walk from post-op day #1.  Usually withing a 2-3 weeks patients can do mild exercise and all types of exercise can take place at 6 weeks.  Good luck!
Dustin L. Reid, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon
+2

Exercise can be resumed gradually after tummy tuck

Tummy tuck patients are able to resume physical activity after about 6-8 weeks. Depending on the severity and complexity of your case, make sure your body has healed properly with no complications. Slowly work into your work out routine, if there are cetain things that dont feel right, then hold off and wait. Using your common sense would be best to determine what your body is ready for. I would definately recommend avoiding any strenuous activity and heavy-lifting to help prevent any... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+2

Exercise after tummy tuck

You should refrain from heavy aerobic exercise for 4 to 6 weeks after a tummy tuck, but don't worry about returning to the gym for simple toning, walking, and careful stretching. Avoid crunches and situps for 4 to 6 months. Just take it easy. Wear a comfortable garment like a Flexies, or bicycle-riding stretch shorts.
Donn Hickman, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+2

Long term exercise regimen after tummy tuck

Abdominoplasty procedures often involve plication of the midline fascia. Exercise is encouraged after abdominoplasty, but strenuous abdominal exercise may place your abdominal plication under too much tension. Be vigilant in terms of immediate postoperative instructions and gauge the exercise regimen based on your surgeon's specific recommendations as he is the only one who knows the capacity of your abdominal sutures.
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+2

I tell my patients to avoid aerobic type exercise for...

I tell my patients to avoid aerobic type exercise for about 3-4 weeks and to hold off on serious exertional activity like weight lifting and situps for at least 6-8 weeks.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Exercise after tummy tuck

At my practice I ask my TT patients to refrain from any gym workouts for 6 weeks and any dedicated ab exercises for 8 weeks. You can retrurn to your normal routine after this recovery time, and with your new abdomen should look and feel even better than before surgery. Best of luck, Dr Kerr
Mahlon Kerr, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon
+1

Heavy exercise should be delayed for at least six weeks

Following tummy tuck surgery, your exercise regimen should be slow at first. Walking is okay within a few days. Light lifting (5 to 10 pounds) with arms alone can begin in two weeks. Running should be delayed for about four weeks. No straining, bending over, heavy lifting (25 to 35 pounds) for six weeks. You may resume all normal activities after 8-12 weeks. see video
James Tang, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Three to four months

After three to four months, you should be able to resume any physical activity. Tiy may still have to wear a binder or flex garment, so some movement may be restricted.
Robert E. Zaworski, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Follow your Doctor's orders!

Based on your unique situation, your surgeon will determine when your will be released for exercise. I typically recommend for my patients to refrain from strenuous exercise for a minimum of 6 weeks.  Be sure to follow your surgeon's instructions in order to heal more quickly and without complication. Best wishes!
Christine Sullivan, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Exercising After a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck procedure addresses two parts of the abdominal wall.  The first goal is the remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the lower abdomen to tighten the skin.  The second is to tighten the muscle layer of the abdominal wall.  This requires several weeks of complete healing.  In our practice we recommend that our patients begin light cardio exercise 3 weeks after surgery, full cardio activity 4 weeks after surgery, and weight lifting 5-6 weeks post-op.  This... more
Neil J. Zemmel, MD

Richmond Plastic Surgeon
+1

Patients can resume most exercises at 3 weeks but no abdominal exercise for three months.

In general I will ask my patients to refrain from exercise for three weeks following their Tummy Tuck surgery. In reality, even the most hardy individuals are not ready to resume exercise before three weeks. At three weeks patients can perform any exercise tolerable minus those that strain the abdominal musculature such as sit ups and crunches. Patients must avoid these abdominal exercises until three months from date of surgery. This is to allow for sufficient time for the muscle... more
David A. Ross, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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