Recovery After Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair

Question

I was an extremely fit person before my tummy tuck with muscle repair. I am on leave from the army. I had minimal loose skin, and the only reason I needed a full tuck was because of the seperated muscle. Because of my physical condition, how long can I expect recovery to take?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

When the muscle is tightened during a tummy tuck, we ask our patients to be careful for 6 weeks.

	For 6 weeks we ask that they do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds, hold they belly when coughing or sneezing.  During these 6 weeks they must wear an abdominal binder at all times (except when showering/bathing) and we recommend that they continue to wear it for 3 months after, whenever they are involved in any strenuous physical activity.  Most of our patients actually get used to it and prefer to wear the binder, it gives them a piece of mind knowing they are protecting their muscle repair

	The muscle repair must be protected while the wounds are healing.  A suture/stitch that is holding everything together can rip if patients are not careful.  The purpose of the suture is to simply hold the repaired muscle together while it is healing and scars form that will eventually hold the repaired muscle in place.  This takes about 6 weeks and that is the reason we give our patients instructions to avoid strenuous physical activity during the first 6 weeks.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! For my patients having a tummy tuck procedure, I recommend they take 10 days off of work, 3 weeks off of cardio at the gym, and 6 weeks off of weight training and yoga exercises. Best of luck!

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Within a few hours following surgery, abdominoplasty patients will walk in a slightly bent-over position. Strenuous activity and lifting of more than 10 pounds should be avoided for six weeks after surgery. Most patients are able to return to work and daily activities within two weeks of surgery.It may take several months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Recovery varies from one individual to another. In general, light non-impact activiities may resume as soon as 4 2-3 weeks after surgery but this will vary by physician. It may take up to 3-4 months prior to resuming normal unrestricted activities.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-

	Recovery is affected by a patient's overall level of fitness, and so it is possible that yours will be a bit shorter and smoother than average, but in general, expect to be feeling fairly strong and ready after a few weeks, but to be restricted from full exertion for 6 weeks after surgery.

	Congratulations on your new body!

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Although no 2 cases are the same, in general the healing time for muscle reair with abdominoplasty is the same as for a hernia repair which is 6 weeks for unrestricted physical activity. However, you should feel pretty good and be able to do most routine activities within 2 weeks.

Brian Windle, MD (retired) · Answer

The recovery from a tummy tuck
should not be more than a few days.  You
are not healed and you will not be back at the gym in two or three days but you
should be able to get out for walks, go to dinner, drive and do light house
work etc.  This may seem a little
contrary to other answers you may get, but using a rapid recovery protocol, we actually
expect you to be up and doing things the next day.

This applies to all tummy tucks,
even when there is extensive muscle repair or hernia repair.

I hope that helps.

Best regards.

Recovery After Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair

Answers (7)