Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Abdominal Crunches After Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair? (photo)

I am 6 weeks post op, had a Tummy Tuck with muscle repair. My doctor told me that now, at 6 weeks, to begin getting off the binder at night, put it on during the day, and totally out of it in two weeks. But, he said I should do light abdominal crunches for the next two weeks to restrengthen my muscles. They hurt! I could barely do four little ones. Is this safe for my muscle repair? I trust him and my recovery has been flawless, but this scares me! Any input would be appreciated.

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6 weeks post-op recovery second opinion

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by Angeella in USA

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Abdominal crunches after Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair

Dear Angeella, I think it is a commonly held perception that if you were sucessful in getting 4 or more Plastic surgeons in one room there would have a hard time agreeing together on few little things. It is becuase we are all individualistic and perceive and process data slightly differently. In continuing this tradition, I would RESPECTFULLY disagree from you plastic surgeon. !st - There is NO scientific reason that I know about why you should do abdominal crunches EVEN if you did them... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

35 reviews

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Abdominal Crunches After Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair

I don’t think there is any evidence that abdominal crunches will help your muscles specifically after an abdominoplasty. I think walking and eating a low fat low calorie diet will do better for you.

Abdominal Crunches Post Tummy Tuck

I would recommend you follow your surgeons orders. If it is bothersome when trying abdominal crunches I would say take it slow. You need to start strengthing your core little by little. Be patient and start slow, you don't want to over do it.

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Listen to your body, but return to activity should be safe at 6 weeks

Hi there- If your surgery was at least 6 weeks ago, you should be able to return to activity with little fear of actually hurting yourself, as human wounds have reached ~90% of their eventual strength at this point. I would be cautious in my return to activity, and listen to my body, backing off of activities that cause pain and easing back into them a few days or a week later, but slowly resuming activity should be safe for you now. I hope that helps you.

Abdominal Exercises / Crunches after Tummy Tuck

I usually recommend patients wait 6 weeks before beginning crunches or abdominal muscle exercises after a tummy tuck. With that being said, I usually recommend starting their typical exercise routines in a graduated fashion and to listen to their body as they increase the level of activity.

Crunches after a tummy tuck

I would trust your surgeon's advice as he/she has likely followed this regimen with success in the past. I strongly encourage women to resume a regimen of core strengthening using a Pilates regimen as this promotes a flatter contoured and concave abodominal wall in contrast to the convex bulging six pack that males generally prefer and achieve with "crunches".. see video

Abdominal crunches after a tummy tuck

Tummy tucks are a very popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. Patients who receive this procedure should understand that there is a significant recovery process. In our practice, we encourage patients to initiate a rigorous exercise regimen after their surgery. Patients should begin walking as much as possible right after the surgery but should wait for at least 6 to 8 weeks before returning to the gym and performing strenuous exercise or lifting weights. When returning to the... more

Abdominal exercises after a tummy tuck

Every surgeon's post-op instructions are a bit different. I usually allow patients to return to sit-ups or weight lifting by about 6-8 weeks. Some surgeons may differ in their opinion. I would follow with your doctor. If it hurts too much, you may want to back off a bit.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.