Boxing After Tummy Tuck?

Question

I am in the military and am 5 weeks post Tummy Tuck. I just realized that part of my training includes boxing/martial arts which includes getting punched in the stomach. I had my stomach muscles sown together and had a full Tummy Tuck. When can I start boxing again?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding boxing after a tummy tuck, especially since your training includes getting punched in the stomach. Since you had your abdominal muscles repaired (sown together) as part of the procedure, it’s crucial to allow your body enough time to heal before engaging in any high-impact activities, like boxing or martial arts.

At 5 weeks post-op, your body is still in the early stages of healing, especially when it comes to muscle repair. Engaging in activities where your abdomen could experience direct trauma, like punches, could potentially cause damage to the muscle repair or result in complications like hernias or the separation of the muscle repair.

Most plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least 3 months before returning to high-impact exercises, especially those involving direct abdominal contact. Even after the 3-month mark, it’s important to ease back into such activities gradually.

Here are some general guidelines for returning to boxing or martial arts:

6 to 8 weeks post-op: You may begin light cardio and strength training with no impact on the abdominal area.
12 weeks post-op: After getting clearance from your surgeon, you can start slowly introducing boxing training but avoid direct punches to the abdomen until you’re fully healed.
After 12 weeks: You may begin more intense training, including boxing with punches to the abdomen, but only after your surgeon confirms that your muscles and incisions are fully healed.
I recommend discussing your training needs with your plastic surgeon before resuming any activities. Your surgeon can evaluate your progress and provide you with a personalized recovery timeline.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Robert Frank, MD · Answer

You have one of the most high impact requirements for a tummy tuck I've even heard of...I would caution you to consider giving up boxing to protect your result  (I'm sure your doc would write you the required excuse) and if not possible, waiting several month before getting back in the ring.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Violeta,
You are in a very precarious position.  I know the military has strict requirements and that cosmetic surgeries are generally not well accepted.  You must do what you have to do, but taking body blows 5 weeks after a tummy tuck could damage your result and even worse, your health.  At 6 weeks the muscle repair will be somewhat stronger, but again, I would never recommend kick boxing at that point in time.  Get a few more weeks of R & R first if that is possible.  Good luck!

Elan B. Singer, MD · Answer

Hold on soldier (or marine--not many sailors or coasties I know get punched in the stomach as part of their training)! While you may feel up for it at 5 weeks postop, your body is not quite ready for that kind of exercise. I typically tell my patients they can resume light activities at 3 weeks provided the abdomen isn't directly involved and 8 weeks prior to exercises that directly involved the abdomen. 
As far as getting punched in the stomach, I probably would probably advise you to wait a bit longer. You should really speak with your surgeon about this. I'm sure he/she would hate for you to ruin your result because of a body blow!  Good luck and thank you for your service.

Boxing After Tummy Tuck?

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Boxing After Tummy Tuck?

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