Will I Be Able to Do Ab Exercises, Etc. After Tummy Tuck Heals?

Question

I have diastasis recti and lots of wrinkly loose skin from having 3 large babies. Before the kids I did extremely taxing ab routines of 40-60 minutes of various exercises working all the ab muscles. I also do six or more hours of cardio per week and weight train. If I get a full tummy tuck and repair the diastasis will I eventually be able to resume all of these exercises? I've heard some women are instructed never to do things like pushups etc. Will the stitching be like cheesewire on my abs?

Douglas L. Gervais, MD · Answer

Dear Arik,

	   I have my patients begin light activity at 2 weeks. They are performing more strenuous activity including core exercises by 6 weeks. You will experience soreness and minor discomfort for a short period of time after you resume activities but this resolves with time. Be sure to ask specific questions about your activity level with your surgeon before and during your recovery.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Ab Exercises are not a problem and in fact recommended to all of my patients  after they are full healed from their Tummy TuckLight walking but not running begins immediately after surgery once you are home. In general for most of my patients, after the operation, basic exercises are recommended, such as walking immediately and progressive activities beginning on the third week. Walking can usually begin in a few days after surgery. Normal activity may be resumed at 3-6 weeks post operation to tolerance and that would include elliptical and light cardio. At 6 weeks core exercises especially crunches (starting slowly and building each week to tolerance) is particularly helpful to show your results following a tummy tuck. Specific time periods for resumption of daily activities, work, and exercise with be further discussed by your surgeon post surgery.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, with normal healing you should be able to resume all activity at 6-8 weeks after surgery. Discuss specific instruction with the board-certified plastic surgeon you choose to do you surgery. Good Luck!

Mahlon Kerr, MD, FACS · Answer

At my plastic surgery practice I tell my abdominoplasty patients it's ok to hit the gym at 6 weeks. For dedicated ab exercises and intense core training like pilates I ask them to wait until 8 weeks. By then your muscles should be healed enough to tolerate pretty vigorous activity. Remember that exercising is something that you should ease into, and I find that many patients don't realize they overdid it until the next few days after so take it easy and start slow. Best of luck, Dr Kerr

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

All the set-ups in the world won't rehab an abdomen that requires an abdominoplasty for aesthetic correction. Once all the post pregnancy damage has been fixed, there's no reason to do ab work unless you enjoy it. The results will leave you flat for life unless you get pregnant again or have major weight gain.

Will I Be Able to Do Ab Exercises, Etc. After Tummy Tuck Heals?

Answers (8)