Does Exercise Help with Swelling?

I have had a tummy tuck with lipo of my back. I know it will be a few month before my swelling goes does down, but I would like to know if when i start to exercise again will my swelling subside or will it get worse?

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by Zina1 in Yonkers

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Swelling and exercise after a Tummy Tuck

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. Swelling after... more

Does Exercise Help with Swelling

Exercise, in general after any surgery, can increase swelling in the operated area. That does NOT mean that you should not exercise, on the contrary. Exercise helps with increasing blood flow to the tissues which helps with wound healing. The amount and intensity of exercise should be discussed with your operating surgeon so that you do not do too much too soon. Good luck!

Swelling after surgery

After the first week or so, it is good to get back to exercise. Start slowly with just treadmill and then work yourself up to a normal routine. The increased circulation and movement will be helpful. If you had a tummy tuck / abdominoplasty, you should refrain from heavy lifting for the first 6 weeks was the internal stitches heal. Good Luck.

When to start exercise

This is a question best decided on by you and your doctor. Everyone is different in terms of when they let people workout. A simple phone call to your doctor's office may answer the question and you could start on a gentle exercise program tomorrow. Good luck

Swelling will return with exercise too soon after tummy tuck

Tummy tuck has the longest recovery, especially with significant muscle repair and tightening, and exercise should be delayed a full four to six weeks after. Swelling and irritation will return if you push into exercise too soon, much like trying to run on a sprained ankle. You can walk and start slowly with low impact activities such as a recumbent bike which will take the stress off your back and abdomen. Whatever you do, if it causes discomfort or swelling, stop. Best of luck... more

Swelling May Increase Temporarily As Exercise Resumes

In general, patients usually swell a little more whenthey resume activities again after liposuction. When everything starts to move around a fair amount, it can cause some irritation and swelling transiently. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about. I recommend an ice pack 20 min on/off for a few hours after initial exercising if you notice some swelling. This should subside after a week or so of returning to your activities. I hope this helps. more

Exercise and Post Surgery Swelling

Once you are a several weeks past your surgery, it is generally safe to introduce limited exercise. Full tissue healing will not occur until 8 weeks so you will need to limit aggressive physical exercise until that time. Exercise does not increase swelling and in fact, may reduce swelling.

Swelling after tummy tuck.

You really should discuss this with your surgeon. Let him/her know about the swelling you are experiencing. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Check With Surgeon Before Exercising after Tummy Tuck

You did not state how far post-op you are, so it is difficult to comment on when it would be beneficial or safe to begin exercises. However, I feel strongly that this a question that should address to your surgeon. You and he/she have a vested interest in your recovery and you should trust him/her to advise you on this matter.

Take it slow

Depending on your doctor's recommendation and your own post-op recovery-you may be able to start walking slowly on a treadmill after 7-10 days for a short period of time-meaning not to get to the point of sweating as that will cause increase in swelling.

Does Exercise Help with Swelling?l

Always best to strictly follow the post operative protocols of your chosen surgeon. You paid him, right? Exercise for my personal patients starts at 3 weeks post in most cases. I think you mean massages or ultrasound therapy for swelling not exercise. From MIAMI DR. Darryl j. Blinski

Tummytuck, suction

Exercise after surgery causes more swelling. The tissues have been traumatized and rearranged and their circulation is compromised. Exercise also increases blood pressure hence more swelling. Suggest to abstain till your doctor advises that it is OK. He can only advise you when he examines you to see how your healing has progressed. Postoperative course and your compliance is very important to the success of your surgery. HC