What exercises can I do after a tummy tuck?

Most patients will be placed in an abdominal binder, which they will wear the first week. There is usually a fair amount of swelling and the binder should be opened several times a day so that there are no pressure points. After the first 7 to 10 days the patient is placed in an elastic garment for compression over the next six weeks.



Swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and penis area for men can become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.



Although this swelling and other certain issues may persist for months, you can still return to full activity without restrictions at 6 weeks. This would include all of your exercises. If you find that at this six week period you are still worried about returning to full workout activity you should be able to have another post-op check up with your surgeon to make sure that everything is good to go. 

Following an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) I advise patinets to refrain from lifting, pushing, pulling, or straining anything over 5-8lbs for a total of 6 weeks. At their 3-4 week mark patients can slowly start aerobic activity but still no weight lifting or dedicated abdominal work.  I encourage you to speak with your board certified plastic surgeon to verify that you are adhering to his/her post-opertaive instructions. 

Thank you for your question.  



For the first 4 weeks following a tummy tuck procedure, I request that my patients refrain from any exercising and/or heavy lifting.  With that said, patients are encouraged to walk slowly (not for exercise) after surgery to help promote good circulation.  During these first 4 weeks I also ask that my patients wear a light weight compression garment as close to 24 hours/day as possible for comfort and to help reduce swelling.  Depending upon how a patient is progressing, most patients can begin some form of light exercise beginning week 6.  



I do caution patients that once they are cleared to begin exercising again that they are not at the same strength and/or stamina level as they had been pre-operatively.  I recommend that patients ease back into their normal exercise routine once they have been cleared by their operating surgeon but that they forego super strenuous exercise until at least the 8 week mark.



Please discuss exercise restrictions with your operating surgeon who is most familiar with your case, as he/she is most qualified to advise.