When is It Safe to Do an Abdominal Fitness Test After a Tummy Tuck?

As a military plastic surgeon about to leave the service, this is what I have always instructed my active duty patients after an abdominoplasty:

Start to run at four weeks.  Start doing pushups and sit-ups at six weeks.  Make sure to start slow and progress up over a period of another six weeks in order not to hurt yourself an set yourself back.  You should do everything at your own pace and avoid exercising in formation or a group until you have returned to baseline.  For most people --who were fit to start-- it takes around three or four months from the time of their tummy tuck before being able to participate and pass a military fitness test.

If you have a civilian plastic surgeon, make sure they understand what your test and normal exercise routine consists of so they can write you an appropriate note to get the profile you need.  The typical "your back doing your normal workout in six weeks" does not apply to you.  Most people don't have standards to meet and an NCO hovering over them.

I see a lot of military patients being in San Antonio and usually  will recommend 3 months of no sit ups after a Tummy Tuck surgery.  However, it is best to consult with your plastic surgeon.

I agree. For my Tummy Tuck patients,  I usually recommend beginning a light workout at 6 weeks. Then at 8 weeks I recommend progressing back to your normal workout.