Extended tummy tuck & lipo 360 - when is it safe to resume ab exercise?

Question

I'll be getting an extended tummy tuck & lipo 360. I currently work out 5 days a week and am in good physical shape (getting procedure to fix diastasis recti from 3 kids). I know I'm able to resume exercise after about 6 weeks post op, but was unsure about any exercises that are ab-focused. I typically do more intense bootcamp style workouts and it seems like everything involves some level of ab work, but since I'm having muscle repair I don't want to damage anything!

Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS · Answer

After an extended tummy tuck and Lipo 360, it's important to follow a careful progression before resuming abdominal-focused exercises. Typically, you can start with light exercises, such as walking, within the first few weeks, but for more intense abdominal work, you should wait at least 6 to 8 weeks post-op. Given that you're also having muscle repair for diastasis recti, it's crucial to ease back into core exercises slowly to avoid straining the repaired muscles. By around 3-6 months, you should be able to gradually return to your regular, more intense workouts, but always listen to your body and consult your surgeon for personalized guidance.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about resuming exercise after a tummy tuck and Lipo 360. In general, you can expect to start some forms of exercise, like workouts for your upper and lower extremities, after about six weeks. For core exercises, you'd want to ease back into it slowly, gradually increasing intensity after about six months. I hope this provides a good guideline, and I wish you all the best in your post-operative journey.
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Yes, you will be able to resume your intense abdominal workout.  I always tell my patients 4-6 weeks after surgery they can resume but they have to start slow.  I typically find by 8 weeks patients are more or less back to their normal exercise routine.  I would speak with your Surgeon to discuss their recommendations.  Best of luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Awesome85986,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

Hi dear @Awesome85986. Thank you for your question. My recommendation is to way at least 3 months PO that will guarantee your muscle and complete heal for the type of exercises you do. But also I recommend you to talk with your surgeon about it. The best of luck!

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

The typical answer of waiting six to eight weeks before resuming exercise only applies to light workouts.  Bone heals slower than muscle repair, and muscle repair heals slower than skin repair.  I highly recommend waiting at least three months before resuming 'intense core' exercise.  I have seen recurrent diastasis recti otherwise.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would ask your surgeon this question, but in general, you need to wait 8 weeks before doing much abdominal work. Do what your surgeon recommends.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Typically patients can begin light exercise (walking) after a few weeks and gradually work up to more intense exercise after about six to eight weeks.  As opinions vary, your surgeon is the best one to answer when you can begin ab focused exercise.  When you do return to dedicated core work it is important to go gradually and listen to your body.

Sejal M. Patel, MD · Answer

Hi there I typically recommended by Patient Eunice perform any strenuous exercise which increases the intro domino pressure for at least three months postoperatively I also have my patience wear a Velcro binder to protect the muscle repair for those three months while the muscle Playcation heels after that time the patient can slowly increase their activity to resume their normal exercise regimen

Guru Karna Vemula, MBBS · Answer

hai,  yha that is the standard procedure for loosing Mummy tummy. As we are repairing muscle diastesis, better avoid exercises which involves abdominal muscles for 90 days. But remaining physical activities like running, after one month.

Extended tummy tuck & lipo 360 - when is it safe to resume ab exercise?

Answers (11)

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