At what week can I resume lifting heavy weights after tummy tuck with muscle repair without compromising the sutures?

Question

I don't want to lose enough muscle following the recovery.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Healing after a  #tummy tuck will require time. Some patients are out of bed and walking the night of surgery and every hour while awake. I allow my patients to return to work at one to two weeks with 14 days preferred.  However, no lifting or straining.  At three weeks, increased level of activity and full with no restrictions, at 6 weeks. 
As I advise my patients, if your work keeps you sedentary, you may return whenever you feel up to it. If your work is strenuous, wait until your work activity does not cause any superficial pain. Some employers will modify a person’s job duties so they can back sooner, but without physical activity. Our office can provide our patients with a note stating they are not to engage in strenuous activity for a specified period of time. The note will not disclose what procedure they have underwent. Therefore, you may have to request a similar note from your surgeon if you are not independently employed. I recommend avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous #activity for six weeks following your surgery. With that said, it may help you plan your return to work accordingly.
As for heavy lifting and other #strenuous #activities, it should be avoided for until you have clearance from your surgeon. You may, however, do normal activities at any time if they cause no pain or #discomfort. Let your body tell you what you can or cannot do. Aerobic exercise will raise your blood pressure, which could cause late bleeding and harm your result. Once you begin exercising again, start gently and let your body tell you what it can tolerate. Don’t rush!!  If you have concerns about your healing, or pain that you question to be unusual, it is important to call your plastic surgeon to discuss these further asked to be examined.

Itzhak Nir, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a variety of factors that go into answering that question. You should ask your surgeon what he likes to do. I personally tell my patients to wait at least 3 months before doing any exercise that involves strongly engaging the core. I hope this has helped.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

You need to check with your surgeon about this. For my patients, I want them to wait 6 weeks before resuming any type of formal exercise, and then build up gradually as it feels comfortable. Good luck.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Each surgeon has his/her guidelines for postoperative care. In most cases, patients will ramp up their physical activity between 4 - 6 weeks post surgery. Consult with your surgeon as he/she knows the scope of the surgery and the specifics about you.

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

Your board certified plastic surgeon likely has a very specific plan for your recovery. It is best to follow your surgeon's advice. If you are not sure, a quick call to the office should get you the answer you need. My patients resume full activity after about 6 weeks, but continue to avoid dedicated abdominal exercise for another 6 weeks for comfort reasons. If you have had any complications or problems after your surgery, your timeline may be different. Best of luck to you!

Jeffrey K. Scott, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There is really only one answer to the question of timing for heavy lifting after a tummy tuck when a rectus muscle plication has been performed. That answer is simply only when your surgeon gives you as an individual the clearance to do so. Your surgeon is the only one who knows the nuances of what was seen and done in the OR and therefore what is best for your own unique situation.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I will often allow patients to perform vigorous activity by about 6-8 weeks. Best to ask your surgeon.

Mohamad H. Bazzi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! 
There are several factors that can go into answering your question.  Assuming there are no complications, waiting 6-8 weeks post tummy tuck to resume lifting weights/engaging the core muscles is recommended.  When starting to work out again post surgery starting off slow is always better. I would recommend asking your surgeon what his recommendation would be for you before resuming exercise.  Best of luck!

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  This very important question must be answered by your plastic surgeon who is performing the operation.  In my practice aspirations to avoid significant lifting and exercise for at least 6 weeks after tummy tuck however this timing will be different for different patient depending on how well they recover.

Laura A. Sudarsky, MD (retired) · Answer

Post op instructions regarding weight lifting after tummy tuck should have been given to you by your plastic surgeon. Follow those instructions very carefully. Most plastic surgeons make you wait a minimum of 2 months before resuming sports.

At what week can I resume lifting heavy weights after tummy tuck with muscle repair without compromising the sutures?

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