Working out post-Tummy Tuck

I had a Tummy Tuck 6 weeks ago. I tried going back to my usual workout (biking, jogging, toning, weights), but I felt pain in the upper right muscle under my breast. Am I doing more harm than good? Should I wait for another week or two before attempting to workout as usual? Please advice me on how to safely resume my workout regimen.

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7 answers to “Working out post-Tummy Tuck”

A: Exercise after tummy tuck

Robert M. Freund, MD

I tell my patients to start by walking on the treadmill at 3 weeks. At two months they can resume all exercise except crunches. Workouts should also start slowly. Do not start at the same level as you finished with prior to the surgery.

A: Don't jump right in

Kenneth R. Francis, MD

Barb, The idea is to start your exercising at about 6 weeks.  However, even if you had simply stopped working out and not had surgery you would not expect to return immediately to your prior level of exercise.  You need to start slow, listen to your body and progress slowly as your body tolerates... more

A: "Start" exercising at 6 weeks

Michael A. Bogdan, MD

I allow my patients to begin some light "movement" exercises (elliptical machine, bike) at 3 weeks after a tummy-tuck, but no impact or weight activities until 6 weeks after surgery. At that time, I do not think they will damage our result (specifically the muscular tightening) by beginning to... more

A: Start Slower

Sutton Graham II, MD

You would need your own surgeon's advice, but for my patients, I suggest resuming moderate exercise slowly at six weeks. Rather than performing all of the activities you mentioned, I would tell them to start with one.  Try it for a few days and expect mild soreness since you haven't done this for weeks... more

A: Exercise after abdominoplasty

Steven Wallach, MD

I usually have people wait 6-8 weeks to go back to heavy exertion or sit-ups.  But, I always tell my patients that that is the average.  Some people need longer, and some lesser time.  If you having pain, then you should probably wait some more.   Steven Wallach,MD www.stevenwallachmd.com

A: You should be able to exercise after 6 weeks.

George J. Beraka, MD

To barb-hoss, Usually, 6  weeks after an abdominoplasty is more than enough time to exercise. But you have to listen to your body. If you have sharp localized pain  (as opposed to a little diffuse soreness) when you exercise, stop and see your surgeon. Most likely, you have not done any harm.

A: Ask your plastic surgeon

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

I would be irreponsible if I tried to advise you on your post-operative regimen. The best person to ask is your plastic surgeon.

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