What exercise can be resumed after body lift?

Question

Is it safe to lift weights right after a body lift? If somone is undertaking a fairly heavy program of resistance training, will lifting weights pull the stitches? How long should someone wait before lifting weights again? What kind of exercise can be resumed right after surgery?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

After a body lift, it is important to allow time for the body to heal properly before resuming exercise. Lifting weights or engaging in any strenuous activity too soon can increase the risk of complications and interfere with the healing process. I recommend waiting at least 6-8 weeks before resuming any exercise routine and starting with light activities such as walking or gentle stretching. Heavy resistance training should be avoided for at least 2-3 months post-surgery. It's essential to follow your surgeon's instructions and listen to your body during the recovery period to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications. Thank you for your question and best of luck on your recovery journey.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Patients can anticipate limited physical activity for ten to fourteen days following body lift surgery. I typically tell my patients bathroom and kitchen privileges initially with slow resumption of normal activity over the next two weeks. Patients can usually return to work in two weeks, if no strenuous activity or heavy lifting is involved. After six weeks, they can resume all their normal activities including heavy lifting.Patients typically wear an abdominal binder for three weeks following surgery. This minimizes swelling and increases comfort. Drains are placed at the time of surgery and are usually removed within two weeks of surgery. Pain management is extremely important, especially when the abdominal muscles are tightened. Most patients are initially given narcotic pain relievers and switched to Tylenol five to seven days following surgery.For many patients, body lift surgery is a life changing experience. It's not unusual for patients to experience dramatic changes in their self esteem, self confidence and self image.

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

You should plan to refrain from heavy exercise for six weeks after the surgery and then when you start back doing exercise you should start slowly and build your strength and endurance back up.

Laurie A. Casas, MD, FACS · Answer

Ask your Plastic Surgeon how to resume your weight traing following body lift surgery. I typically ask the patients to start walking the first day after surgery and then to not stress the suture line by bending forward or twisting for 6 weeks after body lift surgery.

Christian A. Prada, MD, FACS · Answer

Clearly follow the advice of your Plastic Surgeon. In my practice I dont have patients return to rigorous exercise for 6 weeks after a body lift. After 6 weeks a patient can usually return to full weights and cardio routine.

Bryan Curtis, MD · Answer

After a body lift, it’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s recommendations for recovery. Generally, low-impact activities like walking can be resumed early in the recovery process. However, high-impact exercises and heavy lifting should be avoided for a more extended period, usually several weeks to months, depending on individual healing progress. Always consult with your surgeon for recommendations based on your specific situation.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I generally clear my tummy tuck or body lift patients to resume activity as tolerated at 6 weeks postop *gradually*.  The key word is gradually resume your exercise routines.   You may experience some swelling after work-outs.  This is normal.  Just put on your compressive garments after your workouts.  You'll notice this post exercise swelling less and less as the weeks/months progress.   
	Dr. Basu
	Houston, TX

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Every Plastic surgeon will have a different opinion on WHEN it would be safe to resume excercises after a lower body lift. The reluctance is based on the fear of creating bleeding or fluid collections (seroma), wroud splitting open or sutures breaking leading to widening scars.

	I prefer that my patients not raise their blood pressure for at least 4 weeks. When they rturn to exercising I ask that they do treadmill / stairmaster type cardio and no kicking or spinning for at least another 1-2 months to allow the body to scar better which will spread the pulling forces on more than just the stitches.

	Ask your surgeon.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and congratulations on your upcoming surgery and plan to maintain a healthy lifestyle afterwards.

	Your surgeon will provide you with his/her recommendations regarding exercise after surgery. Much of this advice will depend on exactly what procedure is done.

	In general, most surgeons will advise light exercise (walking, stationary bike etc.)  for the first month after major surgery.  A &ldquo;fairly heavy program of resistance training&rdquo; will probably not be advised for at least 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.

	Again please communicate with your plastic surgeon regarding specific  recommendations and good luck with your upcoming surgery!

Mary Lee Peters, MD (retired) · Answer

For athletic people it is very difficult to restrain exercise after a major procedure such as a body lift.  If you do not follow recomendations for return to exercise you may invite unnecessary complications.  If all goes well and you experience no delays in healing, i recommend light exercise at one to two weeks. That means low impact and pulse less than 120.  VERY light weigts for arms and legs could be used for some range of motion exercises.  A wound healing complcation is not worth premature return to activity.  The stronger you are, the more important it is for you to limit vigorous activity.

What exercise can be resumed after body lift?

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