Is 7 weeks after a tummy tuck with diastasis recti repair enough time to be able to workout, swim, or scuba dive?

Question

Scuba diving requires me to get in and out of boat, swim against current, and kick underwater.

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.Here are a few thoughts.1) 6 weeks is the time most incisions and muscle repairs have gained strength to begin normal activities.2) If you have no open wounds, than swimming in the ocean will be permissible.3) Even though the muscle repair is intact at 6 weeks, some patients may still not be able to do the activities required to scuba dive.You will have to play it by ear. Snorkeling may be a better option.Good Luck!

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! For my patients having a tummy tuck, I recommend they take 3 weeks off of cardio at the gym, and 6 weeks off of weight training and yoga exercises. At 6 weeks post op, as long as incisions are completely closed and healed, it is ok to scuba dive, swim, and resume all exercises. There are typically no restrictions for patients that are 6 weeks post surgery. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would not allow a patient to be submerged in water until I was absolutely positive that the incision was healed. This will take from 6 weeks to 3 months. This is a question only your PS can answer during follow-up.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

This is something you should check with your surgeon who knows you best. For my patients, after 6 weeks they are allowed to return to full activities, however use good judgement and listen to your body. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear  jennh0179,
Recovery time is approximately 2 weeks. Vigorous activities should be limited for at least six weeks. But every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to 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

At six weeks post op typically all restrictions are lifted and patients are able to resume activities as they wish.  This does not mean they are fully recovered.  Resuming activity is best done gradually.  If you workout, swim and scuba dive all at one time from day one you'll probably be exhausted and will probably swell some.  I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about your progress as you go through recovery.

Oren Paul Mushin, MD · Answer

Every surgeon's protocol is different, but in general many plastic surgeons assign a time of 6-8 weeks before fully returning to work. It is important to note that this does not mean full activity at once, but a gradual increase to your prior level of exertion. As always, be sure to discuss this with your plastic surgeon, as their input should guide your activity level.

Rafi S. Bidros, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Typically clearance is given to patients around 6 weeks following a Tummy Tuck.  Your surgeon will be the best resource to give you a clearance.  He/She will know your history and how your incisions are healing. If you have any open wounds, we suggest you wait until those are closed before getting into public water. Best of luck!

Jack Peterson, MD · Answer

What I tell my patients that after 1 month, you can ease back into activity so that at 2 months, you should be able to be back at a normal activity level. I would however, discuss this with your surgeon, as every plastic surgeon had different protocols that they like to follow.As an avid scuba diver myself, I would suggest you ease into the diving in the same manner. Try to plan your first dive or two to be something that should not be to challenging for you.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Always best to run these types of questions by your plastic surgeon, who knows exactly what was done, how you are progressing, what type of exercise you wish to return to, and is ultimately responsible for your care.
 Keep in mind that it may be several months before you reach your full strength and stamina.
Generally,  I ask my patients to start walking as of one after surgery.  Most patients are able to return to lower body exercises, such as the use of a stationary bike, 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.  I ask my tummy tuck patients to refrain from any heavy-lifting or strenuous exercise for 6-8 weeks to prevent any complications and ensure proper healing.    Abdominal wall workouts can usually begin about 2 to 3 months after surgery, depending on how the patient is progressing etc.I would suggest that you be very careful with returning to potentially "dangerous" strenuous activity such as scuba diving and/or swimming against a current.  For most patients, seven weeks postop would be to soon return to this type of strenuous activity.  Most of my patients will feel comfortable doing so after about three months.   Certainly, start off in a pool and listen to your body as you gradually increase your activity level.
 Best wishes.

Is 7 weeks after a tummy tuck with diastasis recti repair enough time to be able to workout, swim, or scuba dive?

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