What exercises are okay 7 weeks after tummy tuck?

Question

I saw my surgeon today and he cleared me for exercise. He did say that he doesn't want me doing anything that will stress my core. So my question is what exercises can I do that won't stress my core? It's really hard to exercise without using the core at some point. Thanks!

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

After
tummy tuck surgery, I advise the patients to take two weeks off from work. The
patients may return to work, but may not engage in any strenuous activity. At
two months, the patients start low impact cardio. At three months they can
engage in more strenuous physical activity. If anything hurts or causes
swelling, we ask them to back off somewhat. If you exercise or do some
particular activity that results in pain or swelling you are doing too much for
your personal recovery at that time.  Not
everyone heals the same.  You need to
make sure that you don’t cause more swelling. 
Fighting the swelling or working through the pain will certainly
backfire. I prefer the patients to stay in town for two weeks if they from more
than 2-3 hours away.  I do not allow patients to fly before 2 to 3 weeks
at the very minimum.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. Generally speaking, the average Tummy Tuck patient, exercises tend to allow two months after PO, gradually: first, gentle walks without sweating, then, you can go to the gym to do aerobics, and, after four months you can stats with machines excercise and start with light weights, and, if there are no problems, only six months after PO may charge "free weights".Finally, i invite you to share your photos with us to give more and better information of interest to you.RespectfullyDr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Jennifer Boll, MD · Answer

I recommend starting with a stationary bicycle, preferably reclining, and doing gentle lower body exercise. From there work to the elliptical without the arms. Add the arms in as comfortable. Once this goes well, you can do lower body exercises such as squats or lunges. Yes, these use a little core but are generally safe to add in after the aerobic exercise is well tolerated. You can also add some arm exercises at the same time as the lunges/ squats. The very last thing to restart is direct core exercises. I also strongly recommend that everyone listen to their body. Each person is different and some can start things sooner than others. If it hurts when you do something, then back down, wait a few days, and then try it again. Don't push though the pain because that is when you get into trouble. Good luck!

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

Cardio exercises like walking or cycling , outside or on a stationary bike, are best. I would not try to over do it too fast. Just follow the surgeons instructions well. Best of luck

What exercises are okay 7 weeks after tummy tuck?

Answers (4)