Will Weight/Strength Training Negatively Impact Tummy Tuck Recovery?

I am 2 wks post-op from tummy tuck. Before surgery I regularly weight/strength train and perform moderate cardio 4-5 days a week. Once I am able to resume strenous exercise I am planning to work out wearing my binder until I feel comfortable without it. Will weight training put too much stress on my abdomin and slow down recovery and cause swelling?

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by chickiediva in Newton, NC

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Exercise After Tummy Tuck

I allow patients to begin light activity(walking, slow treadmill, light upper body weights) at 3-4 weeks. More strenuous activity is started at the 4-6 week mark. If you train too vigorously too soon, you may compromise your result and will prolong your recovery.

Timeline for exercise after tummy tuck.

I agree that a 6 weeks healing period is minimal before exercise. However, also consider that abdominal muscle strain should be avoided for 3 months post surgery. Sit ups or trunk rotations (core) under heavy muscular loading is not recommended.

Training after a tummy tuck

I, like the other surgeons on this forum, recommend at least 6 weeks of no heavy lifting or strenuous training after an abdominoplasty. This allows enough time for the abdominal wall plication to heal properly and minimized the risk of suture failure and a resulting unsightly recurrent bulge.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Post OP Recovery

Care must be taken after a tummy tuck. If the facia has been tightened to flatten the abdomen, then a deep layer of multiple sutures are holding things together. Exercise should be started slowly at 6 weeks or you may rip-out sutures, cause swelling and prolong your recovery. see video

Weight training following a tummy tuck: obtain your plastic surgeon's recommendations

I recommend that my patients wait 8 weeks before engaging in the weight training activities that you mentioned though aerobic activities such as using a treadmill can be started at around 4 week. Neverthless, you need to contact your plastic surgeon to obtain his/her instructions for you as he/she was the one who performed your surgery.

Tummy Tuck

My recommendation is typically 6-8 weeks after a procedure of this kind, however, each person's recovery is different and I would follow-up with your PS to make sure you are not starting out too soon-He or She is the only one that should be in the loop about your safe recovery

Weight Training After Tummy Tuck

I ask my patients to wait 6 weeks or so after their tummy tucks to resume heavy exercise, a bit longer for anything which places a lot of stress directly on the abdomen. This is a question which should put to your operating surgeon with whom you have invested a great deal of time and money.