Is it ok to be weight training my abs after abdominoplasty?

Question

I had tummy tuck in April 2013 10 months ago. Today at gym I tried to use weight to work my abs (1st time after surgery) and my upper abs were in pain I'm sure my lower ones also but I still can't feel anything yet on there. So is that normal or should I stop and wait a few more months for that kind of workouts.

Steven M. Camp, MD · Answer

I tell my patients in most cases that return to light resistance exercise can begin at 4 weeks.For more extensive repairs and cases with combined hernia repair I advise patients to wait 6 weeks before weight lifting exercise.When returning to weight lifting I recommend starting with light resistance.  Try starting with about half your normal resistance and half the duration. Let your body guide your progress, and it may take about 3 weeks or more to get back in to your  preoperative routine.Make sure to follow the instructions of your plastic surgeon if you have questions.

Terrence Murphy, MD · Answer

Typically weight training after TT should be just fine.  Start slowly and work your way up.  Be sure to ask your surgeon about your plans just to be sure.

Gaurav Bharti, MD, FACS · Answer

At 10 months post op you should be safe to weight train.  I also have my patients wait until 6 weeks post op for resistance training.  If my patients have pain or discomfort I tell the to back of resistance and avoid that motion or activity for a while. They then gently reintroduce the activity or resistance in a gradual fashion that is pain free.  Good Luck, Gaurav

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

If you are 10 months out from your surgery, without any complications, you should be fine to do any activity that you feel comfortable doing.  Always clear your activity level with your plastic surgeon.  At 6 weeks after abdominoplasty most of my patients are released to full activity without restrictions, working on building endurance and strength.  Most are back to normal fitness level by 3 months.

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD (retired) · Answer

I tell my patients they may resume resistance training at 6 weeks following an (uncomplicated) abdominoplasty. This is true for procedures that include muscle repairs or hernia repairs.I recommend starting with light resistance: as a guideline, start with about half your normal resistance and half the duration (number of repetitions). Let your body guide your progress:see how you feel the next day, because you may not notice soreness right away.if you are very sore, wait to resume exercise until the soreness goes away; at your next workout, go a little lighter.if you feel OK, increase your resistance and repetitions ~10% at your next workout.Don't be surprised if it takes 3-6 weeks to get back to your pre-op workout routines!It's normal to experience some soreness after a long rest period; your muscles need to get the message that it's time to get strong, again!

Brian Windle, MD (retired) · Answer

Weight training after an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck should be delayed for about 3 months after the H.  After that time you can start with light weights.  The muscle repair should be more than solid enough to handle this but your muscles may be weak from inactivity.  I hope that helps.  Best regards.

Is it ok to be weight training my abs after abdominoplasty?

Answers (6)

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