How Soon Can I Exercise After Tummy Tuck with NO Muscle Repair?

Thank you for your question regarding when you can return to exercise after a tummy tuck without muscle repair. While a tummy tuck without muscle repair typically allows for a slightly quicker recovery, it’s still important to take it slow and allow your body ample time to heal.

At 2 weeks and 5 days post-op, it is still too early to return to running or step aerobics. Even without muscle repair, you’ve had a major procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and fat, along with healing incisions. Your body needs time to heal both internally and externally before resuming strenuous activities like running.

Here are general guidelines for returning to exercise:

First 4 weeks: Stick to light walking to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Avoid any strenuous activity that puts tension on the incisions.
Weeks 4 to 6: Gradually increase your activity level, but still avoid high-impact exercises like running or step aerobics. You can usually start gentle stretching or very light exercise, but always follow your surgeon's advice.
After 6 weeks: Most patients without muscle repair can resume more intense activities around this time, including running and aerobic exercise, depending on how they’re healing.
Before resuming any vigorous exercise, it’s crucial to get clearance from your plastic surgeon. Even without muscle repair, overexertion too soon can still cause complications such as wound separation or delayed healing.

I recommend consulting with your plastic surgeon about your specific recovery timeline, as every patient heals at a different pace.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thank you for your question! For my patients having a tummy tuck, with or without muscle repair, I recommend that they take 3 weeks off of cardio at the gym, and 6 weeks off of weight training and yoga exercises. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Thank you for your question. It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals. Depending on the extent of your abdominoplasty and your general physical condition, you may be able to return to non-strenuous work anywhere from one to three weeks after surgery. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, after a few weeks. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort and swelling during this time, but such feelings are normal. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double board certified Plastic surgeon Hoffman Estates BarringtonOakbrook Chicago