How much can I exercise after a tummy tuck?

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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.

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... more

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... more