When can I do yoga, bending, and stretching again after Body Lift?

Question

Hello, I was wondering how long after a body life it is safe to do full bending/stretching/yoga again? My doctor said I should limit my bending for about 6 weeks, but after that I can return to full exercise. Is 6 weeks generally the time it's safe to bend and do yoga again? Is there any chance of ripping the incision open doing movements after 6 weeks?

Marie E. Montag, MD · Answer

Exact timing on return to full and strenuous bending and stretching varies a lot from patient to patient depending on healing. I agree with your surgeon that avoiding extremes of motion for about 6 weeks is typical. Before that point you will be able to walk and do less strenuous exertion and some gentle bending- 6 weeks is not a magic number however… at 6 weeks and 1 day you should not go for a full yoga class or kickboxing session. You will need to gradually advance the force/stretch you place on your incisions and listen to your body. If things stretch easily you can move along quickly, but if you feel tight and it proves quite painful, you need to slow down and lighten up. Just know that as long as you are careful you will get back to all of that eventually and prevent problems with your scars.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding when you can safely resume yoga, bending, and stretching after a body lift.

I advise limiting bending and strenuous stretching for at least 6 weeks following a lower body lift to allow the incisions to heal properly. At this stage, the skin and underlying tissues are still recovering, and excessive movement could place stress on the incision lines. However, every patient heals at a different rate, and while 6 weeks is a common guideline, it’s important to listen to your body and progress gradually.

At 6 weeks, most patients can safely begin incorporating light stretching and gentle yoga movements, but deep backbends, forward folds, or twisting movements should still be done with caution. Any activity that puts tension on the incision sites—particularly the lower abdominal, hip, and buttock regions—can potentially stretch or disrupt the scar tissue, even if the incision appears healed on the surface.

For full flexibility, deep stretching, and advanced yoga poses, I recommend waiting at least 8 to 12 weeks, depending on how well your scars are healing. At this stage, your incisions should be much stronger, and your risk of wound reopening is significantly lower. However, sudden forceful movements can still cause discomfort or tension at the incision sites, so it’s best to ease back into stretching gradually.

To ensure a safe return to bending and yoga, follow these guidelines:

Start slow: Ease into stretching with gentle movements, such as seated stretches or standing forward bends with a slight knee bend.
Listen to your body: If you feel pulling, tightness, or discomfort around your incisions, stop and try again in a few more weeks.
Wear compression garments (if recommended by your surgeon) during early stretching to provide additional support.
Avoid deep twists, backbends, or extreme stretching for the first 8–12 weeks.
Consult your surgeon before resuming full yoga practice to ensure your healing is on track.
If you experience pain, pulling sensations, or redness along your incision line, it may indicate that your body is not yet ready for certain movements. In rare cases, excessive stretching too soon can contribute to widened scars or delayed healing.

Good luck, and I hope this helps answer your question regarding when to safely return to yoga, bending, and stretching after your body lift! Be sure to listen to your plastic surgeon's guidance on post-op to ensure your smooth recover.y

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

It is best to follow your surgeons advice. The tissue has reached its healing by 6 weeks so that's why this time is used.

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