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

Question

I had a tummy tuck and breast implants 8 weeks ago. Before surgery I was deadlifting 300lbs, squatting 250lbs and bench pressing 145lbs. I’m putting the amounts because when I ask “when can I lift heavy again” people think 50lbs is heavy. When can I start working my way towards these weights again? I just need to know I’m not going to cause damage to anything since surgery.

Nikesh K. Patel, MD · Answer

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!

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!

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

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!

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

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.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Arielleira514,
The majority of breast augmentation patients need one week of downtime. Depending on the work environment (heavy lifting, etc) more time off may be necessary. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after surgery to avoid blood clots in the legs. I suggest that you follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions, especially on the level of activity that you can do and your scheduled follow up checkups, for faster and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear Arielleira514,Thank you for your question. After a tummy tuck, I generally have my patients wait 6 weeks before any strenuous activity. Any sooner and you can develop fluid or damage the stitches that narrow the waist. At 6 weeks, I have them slowly return to a full workout over a period of 1-2 weeks. I have them listen to their body, and if their body is telling them to slow down, it is best to do so. I know it can be frustrating, but forcing a workout will lengthen your recovery and can compromise your result.Best regards,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Sean Hill, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for submitting your question. 
Typically I release my patient to no activity restrict s around 6 weeks post operative. the reason being is after performing a diastasis recti repair you want the muscle to be able to heal and scar together in the midline. That being said, I suspect with your level of activity a slightly more conservative plan should be exercised, maybe 8 weeks. However, each surgeon is different in their way of thinking so it would be best to chat with your plastic surgeon and get his/her ideas.

Thank you again and best of luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question, and congratulations on your mommy makeover.  Although most patients can return to weight training 6-8 weeks after surgery, I would not approximate your lifting regimen for at least 3 months after surgery.  This allows much of your swelling to resolve and your tissues to regain some of their normal elasticity.  You will need to work slowly back into these weights, stopping if you feel any significant soreness, pain, or swelling.  Hope this works.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

This is something you should discuss with your surgeon who knows you best. for my patients, I want them to wait 6 weeks before resuming any type of formal exercise, and then I want them to listen to their body, start slow and increase gradually. Good luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

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.

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

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