What is a realistic timeframe to return to Brazilian Jiu-jitsu after a tummy tuck?

Question

Jiu-jitsu is a full body workout. I realize it will depend on complexity/extend of the surgery and assuming everything goes well, is six weeks realistic? Or would it be more like 3-4 months?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It really depends on how your recovery goes. If all goes well, you can expect to return gradually, taking it easy at first, within 2-3 months or so. However, it’s best to ask your surgeon for their opinion, as they may have different recommendations on post-op care.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. It usually takes a minimum of six weeks to heal enough for full body workout, although this varies from person to person. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Fellowship-trained plastic surgeon.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

For strenuous exercise, 6 weeks is usually recommended following a TT. As you stated, recovery will depend upon the extent of the surgery and how you heal. It make take two to three months before you gradually return to your pre-surgery physical condition. Your body will let you know when you feel ready for competition again.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear katj3250,
every patient is different but you can expect to return to work within about two weeks (if your job is not overly taxing) and vigorous activities within about six weeks. You should discuss this with your plastic surgeon. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A typical time frame in order to return to vigorous activity is six weeks.  It is best if you return to exercise at a gradual pace.  Your surgeon will advise you of any restrictions as you progress through recovery.

David Janssen, MD, FACS · Answer

You ask an interesting question and the answer is really highly variable.  Part of it is determined by the procedure and essentially who is doing it.  When your abdominal fascia is tightened with sutures,  there can be sutures that grab some of the nerves the come out of the abdominal wall into the skin which has been removed.  The stitches can lead to long-term discomfort.  I answered several of these types of questions (chronic pain after TT) on this blog over the years.  With the extreme exercises, it could easily be 3 months before you will be able to be back to Brazilian jujitsu.  Another alternative is to remove the skin and fat without tightening the muscle which I referred to as moderate abdominoplasty and have a movie on which will be attached to the site.  Patient's don't have their fascia tightened which in some situations means  less of an hourglass figure but in many of my patients this is less of a concern to them than the potential for long-term pain and/or inability to lift.  It's not for everybody,  but if you're abdominal wall was not terribly loose it might be a better answer for you.  People can resume full lifting and exercise by about 10 days with that operation. It would be 4 weeks to your level of activity.