Exercise after abdominal/waist lipo, how soon can I start?

Question

How soon after abdominal/waist lipo can I return to the circuit machines at the gym? I do not do abdomen specific exercises. I do lower and upper body training and then 30 minutes of a recumbent bike. I also hike 5 to 7 miles 3 to 4 times a week.

David L. Kaufman, MD FACS · Answer

It’s best to ask your plastic surgeon for his or her recommendations regarding when it’s safe to resume your regular exercise routine. That said, your question is a great one, since it’s important to allow yourself to recuperate sufficiently before doing anything strenuous. In general, most people can return to their workout routine (with some possible restrictions) around 1 to 2 weeks after having liposuction. By 6 weeks post-op, you will probably be able to do even high intensity core workouts. Again, be sure to check with your plastic surgeon.

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear smccarty224,Thank you for your question. Every surgeon has their own recovery protocol regarding when to resume exercise. It is best to follow what your operating surgeon suggested. Best of luck!

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is always best to follow your specific surgeon's instruction as every surgeon will have his/her own preferences as to recovery for specific procedures. Healing after liposuction is usually pretty straight forward.  There is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery. Patients can return to light activities almost immediately after surgery, normal activities 2 weeks after surgery, and vigorous exercise 4 weeks after surgery. We usually experience a slow steady improvement for 3 months or so after surgery.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor about their protocol regarding exercise after liposuction. After hi definition liposuction, I recommend waiting 3-4 weeks before beginning to exercise and to stop if there is any discomfort. For liposuction after care, I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. Best, Dr. Emer

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals. Depending on the extent of your abdominoplasty and your general physical condition, you may be able to return to non-strenuous work anywhere from one to three weeks after surgery. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, after a few weeks. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort and swelling during this time, but such feelings are normal. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your surgery. Most patients are cleared to exercise, including core workouts, by six weeks.  It is best to have an in-person follow up examination with your plastic surgeon for recommendations regarding what you should and should not be doing at this time. Good luck in your recovery.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Depending on the amount of swelling present in your stomach I would avoid exercise for at least 4 weeks.  Abdominal exercises can create shear force between your stomach muscles and overlying skin, increasing your risk of a possible seroma formation.  Hope this helps.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Most plastic surgeons recommend patients to avoid strenuous exercise for a period of 4-6 weeks. Of course, this is dependent upon the type of procedure you have. Best to ask your operating surgeon this question, however, because every doctor's postop protocol may slightly differ. Good luck!

Raymond A. Capone, Jr., MD · Answer

The answer varies by the extent of liposuction done in your particular case, and, while you should always ask your surgeon, I generally allow such activities after 2 to 3 weeks of healing.

Asaf Yalif, MD, FACS · Answer

Please contact your surgeon. They will have a regimen that they suggest for optimal recovery and optimal results. It is always best to follow their particular regimen.

Exercise after abdominal/waist lipo, how soon can I start?

Answers (11)

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