My stomach is slightly protruding one year after my full tummy tuck - is working out safe?

Question

I am 15 months post surgery from a full tummy tuck with muscle repair due to stomach muscles loose/diastis recti after 4 pregnancies. I haven't start any exercises until 3 weeks ago when I hired a personal trainer to assist me with working out 3 times a week. My tummy was flat and contoured before my work out. I just decided to work out to stay healthy and tone other parts of the body. I had not gained weight during my recovery to present. My weight on the day of the tummy tuck surgery was 180lbs and right now I flactuate between 160lbs and 163lbs. However, I have started to notice that my stomach doesn't have that inner tight pulled together feeling anymore as I progressed through my work out routine and I have noticed my tummy is slightly protruding and not as contoured. It also feels very sore and sharp pricking sensations after work out. Also during workout I feel like my stomach muscles are stretching, like I'm undoing the work my surgeon did. Is it possible that by working I am actually hurting my tummy tuck results even though I started working out 15 months post surgery? Also do you think wearing a compression garment or waist trainer can help? I hust don't want to damage the results of my tummy tuck in the name of exercise. Please help.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Your muscle repair should be fully healed.  You may have to rule out other possible issues like a hernia.  I think it would be helpful and wise to return to your plastic surgeon to get their ideas on this and hopefully make you feel confident that everything is okay

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Vivid575786,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that you can cause any damage to the muscle repair after 15 months. A follow-up visit to your surgeon would be suggested for conformation.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question. I doubt that you ruined your surgeon's work at 15 months. You should go back to see him and discuss this. 
I wish you the best. 
Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACSDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonHouston, TX.

Ryan Endress, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear this is happening after what sounds like an amazing result! It is not uncommon for tissues to stretch as they are put under strain. At 15 months, the surgery is well healed and you are not really “undoing” the surgery so much as likely stretching the abdominal wall fascia or even developing a hernia. An examination by your surgeon can help determine exactly what is happening. Some patients ultimately require a tightening of the abdominal wall again, usually with placement of a more permanent mesh to stabilize and prevent this from happening again. In the interim, I definitely recommend continuation of exercise and healthy eating habits and completely agree with wearing a compression garment as well.

Francesco Campanile, MD · Answer

At one year post-op, most patients are fully healed and working out is generally safe, as long as you ramp back up gradually and listen to your body. A new or persistent protrusion at this stage is worth an exam because it can come from several causes, including normal body changes, residual or visceral fat, stretching of the repair/fascia or a hernia. You’re unlikely to “undo” your tummy tuck with appropriate exercise, but if the bulge is worsening, painful or asymmetric, follow up with your surgeon to rule out muscle repair separation or hernia.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

At 15 months post op it is fine for you to work out.  I advise my patients that with normal healing they can return to strenuous activities after six weeks, so you are way beyond that.  It's recommended when beginning any exercise program that you begin slowly and work up to higher activity levels.  Soreness would be expected with or without a tummy tuck.  If you feel you need a little extra support, your compression garment can be worn.

My stomach is slightly protruding one year after my full tummy tuck - is working out safe?

Answers (7)

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