What exercise/stretching can you do 4 weeks after tummy tuck? (Photo)

After tummy tuck surgery, I advise the patients to take two weeks off from work. The patients may return to work, but may not engage in any strenuous activity. At two months, the patients start low impact cardio. At three months they can engage in more strenuous physical activity. If anything hurts or causes swelling, we ask them to back off somewhat. If you exercise or do some particular activity that results in pain or swelling you are doing too much for your personal recovery at that time.  Not everyone heals the same.  You need to make sure that you don’t cause more swelling.  Fighting the swelling or working through the pain will certainly backfire. I prefer the patients to stay in town for two weeks if they from more than 2-3 hours away.  I do not allow patients to fly before 2 to 3 weeks at the very minimum.

Good morning!congrats on your abdominoplasty!  im sure you will be happy.  postoperative activity/exercise levels has to be dictated by your surgeon- only he/she knows what your tissues are like and what type of procedures were performed.Get clear activity level guidelines from your PS.I hope this helps

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your tummy tuck surgery. Most patients are cleared to exercise, including core workouts, by six weeks.  It is best to have an in-person follow up examination with your plastic surgeon for recommendations regarding what you should and should not be doing at this time. Good luck in your recovery.

Congratulation on your recent tummy tuck.I allow my patients do light cardio work-out after 4 weeks and full exercise (lifting/stretching) after 6 weeks after I have seen and cleared them.Each plastic surgeon has different post-op protocol/instruction.  Please visit your plastic surgeon so that he/she can examine you in-person and give you the clearance.Best regards.

It is always best to ask your PS what they allow/recommend as we all do things a little different. I tell my patients they can start working out again at 4 weeks, but to take it slow. stretching is difficult in the core region as things feel tight for months. Don't over do anything. If it hurts then stop.

With regard to exercise, stretching, and activity, I would emphasize that your own surgeon is your best authority for these questions, as they know the details of your procedure.  I would encourage you to contact them to discuss your concerns.  Many plastic surgeons allow their patients to begin to return to physical activity 4-6 weeks after surgery.  I often emphasize to my patients to "listen to their body" and be conservative.  The advice is simply to make certain that their recovery continues to progress comfortably.  You may want to resume light aerobic activity such as a treadmill before considering any lifting or circuit training, and certainly when you do resume weights, you will want to start with your extremities before considering any exercise for your core.  It may take a few months before your are comfortable with abdominal exercises.  Congratulations on your body contouring!  Your early photo looks like you are going to have a great result.  

Thank you for your question. By 4 weeks, I generally let patients ease back into just about any activity or exercise that they prefer. You will have lost strength and stamina, so go slow with it and do not get discouraged. If you have pain, then you should back off. Make sure you ask your surgeon before doing anything overly straining. Best wishes.