How soon can I exercise after having a mini tummy tuck?

Question

I enjoy running and wondered how long I'd have to wait to return to this. What exercises can I do and when?

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

With a mini-tuck, most patients can get back to light exercise at the one to two week mark. This would include walking on a treadmill, etc. However, I would avoid any high-impact ativities for one month. At that point, you should be ok to resume all activities as long as you are cleared by your surgeon. I hope this helps.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

It really depends if you had any muscle plication.  If you did, then full activity at 6 weeks, if not then 2 weeks is sufficient.

	You would need to find out if any muscle repair was performed for your mini tummy tuck.

	Good luck.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

In most instances, following a mini-tummy tuck, you can resume normal daily acitivties with compression garments begining 5 days after surgery. Low-impact, non-resistance exercise may begin at two weeks and more strenuous activities may begin at 3 weeks with gradual increase in resistance by 6 weeks.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

For a tummy tuck I advise patients they can return to light activities after two weeks.  Low impact exercise can be resumed after four weeks, and strenuous exercise after six weeks.  This can vary by surgeon and patient circumstance.  I encourage you to discuss your situation with your surgeon.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

It is commendable that you wish to return to exercise as soon as possible after surgery. Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to determining the return to specific activities after the specific procedures performed. He/she will know exactly how you are progressing and whether or not you have experienced any complications. Remember, that he/she is ultimately responsible for your care.  Having said that, I ask my tummy tuck patients to start walking ASAP after surgery but refrain from any heavy-lifting or strenuous exercise for 6-8 weeks to prevent complications and ensure proper healing. It may be 4-6 months before you reach your full energy and strength levels. Best to “go slow” and listen to your body as you gradually increase or activity level. Best wishes.

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

In the performance of a mini tummy tuck, liposuction
of the entire abdominal wall is normally performed first.Following that, an incision is made in the
lower part of the abdomen.This incision
goes through the skin and fat layer but does not penetrate the muscle
layer.The skin and fat layer is then
elevated off of the muscle layer up to the bellybutton.The skin and fat layer is then pulled snugly
downward and the excess skin and fat are removed and the wound is closed.This leaves a significant raw surface between
the muscle layer and the fat layer between the pubic bone and the bellybutton
across the entire lower abdomen.It is
very important that this space heal.It
would normally be expected to take 10 to 14 days for this space to be healed
and closed.During that time, it is very
important to limit your activity.Even
after it is closed, the healing process is not complete.The entire healing process could take six to
eight weeks.If you have a mini abdominoplasty, it is probably best
to not plan on returning to driving for 10 to 14 days. After that, you should
wait six to eight weeks before you resume exercise and strenuous activity.Watch my tummy tuck video for a simple and illustrated explanation of tummy tuck and body contouring procedures.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

In general, I allow patients to go back to aerobic work-outs in about 3-4 weeks and heavy lifting by about 6-8 weeks. But, you should speak to your surgeon first and see what he recommends for yoyu.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

In our practice, we encourage patients to return to life aerobic activity as soon as possible after a mini tummy tuck. This includes walking with their compression garment on. Patients may return to the gym and weights at approximate six weeks after their surgery.

Michael A. Jazayeri, MD · Answer

My concern is tension in the incision area potentially causing widening of the scar.

	My recommendation is to start walking on a flat surface at a moderate pace 2 weeks after surgery and start running 4 weeks after surgery.

Brian Windle, MD (retired) · Answer

Many patients think that the
recovery from a mini tummy tuck will be a prolonged, painful and arduous, but
if a rapid recovery, NO Drain protocol is used, the recovery from a mini tummy
tuck or a full tummy tuck is usually about the same, 24 to 36 hours.  For exercising after a mini tummy tuck or
abdominoplasty in which a rapid recovery protocol is used, we like to get
patients started back to light exercise within a week and then start moving the
exercise up in terms of amount and time after that depending upon how you
feel.  The one thing we restrict is
abdominal work outs.

I hope that helps.

Best regards.

How soon can I exercise after having a mini tummy tuck?

Answers (12)

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