When can I start powerlifting after tummy tuck/ breast augmentation?

Hello and thanks for your question. As others have mentioned, exactly when you are able to return to the gym at 100% will depend on the exact nature of your procedures. If your breast implants were placed under your pectoral muscles, you will likely need to wait longer than is typical before returning to your normal bench press routine. If your abdominal muscles were repaired during your tummy tuck, you will also need to wait a bit longer than the typical four to six weeks for your stomach to heal. As you’re already aware, powerlifting requires maintaining a tight core and you do not want to place an immense amount of pressure or stress on muscles that are still recovering.


At eight weeks post-op, you should be fine to return to the gym and start ramping up your training. Just be sure to listen to your body and start slowly. If you have any additional questions or begin to experience pain or discomfort when lifting, be sure to consult with your board-certified plastic surgeon right away. Best of luck!

Your surgeon is the best one to answer this question as she/he is most familiar with the details of your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery. At about six weeks post op my patients are typically cleared to resume more strenuous activities. I encourage them to start slowly and gradually progress to their prior activity level. In other words, don't begin your first day at the gym with the weight levels you had prior to your surgery.

Thank you for your question! For my patients having a tummy tuck procedure, I recommend they take 3 weeks off of cardio at the gym, and 6 weeks off of weight training and yoga exercises. At 6 weeks, there are typically no exercise restrictions, however it is always best to listen to your body and ease your way back into your pre op weight lifting routine. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

If you had a diastasis (muscle separation) repair with the tummy tuck, it will be 6 weeks before you can stress it. You should be able to ramp up to full strength over the following several weeks. If you implants are under muscle using the dual plane method, be aware that you will not regain full pectoral muscle strength because a portion of the muscle is detached. 

As a bodybuilder, I can understand your concerns.  Usually 6 weeks is the standard time to wait before dead lifting, squatting, bench pressing or more strenuous activity.  I generally recommend that patients ease back into the workouts over the course of a couple of weeks.  Do not start with crunches, sit-ups, or core exercises but gradually ease back into your former exercise routine to assess tolerance. 
However, a discussion should be had with your plastic surgeon as each patient has a unique postoperative course.

Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA