Running a Marathon After Tummy Tuck?

Hi there,

There are many different variations on the tummy tuck, but if your planned procedure will involve tightening of your abdominal muscles, I would personally not want you running (not even lightly) until the 6 week point. Human scars do not gain in strength in a linear fashion after surgery, but rather exponentially for the first 6 weeks, and it is only at that point that your muscle repair will be at 90% of it's eventual strength.

Running is obviously very taxing to the body core (the very muscles repaired in surgery) and may cause a separation of the recently repaired muscles. This would lead to a less than ideal outcome, and the need for a revision in order to achieve your desired appearance. Talk to your surgeon about their comfort level with this activity, and follow their advice carefully. You're making a significant investment in your appearance and you'll want to protect it.

Thank you for your question regarding the feasibility of beginning marathon training just three weeks after undergoing a tummy tuck. It's great to hear about your dedication to running; however, it's important to approach recovery from surgery with caution to ensure optimal healing and avoid complications.

Three weeks is generally not sufficient time for recovery after a tummy tuck. This type of surgery involves significant changes to the abdominal area, including the removal of excess skin and fat, and often tightening of the abdominal muscles. The recovery process can be quite extensive, requiring several weeks to even months before engaging in strenuous activities like running.

Key Points to Consider:

Physical Impact: Running exerts considerable force on the abdominal area, which can disrupt healing, exacerbate swelling, and potentially lead to complications such as wound separation or hernias.
Risk of Complications: Engaging in high-impact activities too soon increases the risk of seromas (fluid collections), bleeding, and delayed wound healing.
Surgeon’s Guidelines: Most plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least 6-8 weeks before resuming any vigorous exercise, including running. The exact time frame can vary based on individual factors such as the extent of surgery, your general health, and how well you are healing.
Gradual Return to Activity: When you do start running again, it should be a gradual process. Starting with light walking and slowly building up intensity as tolerated, and only with your surgeon’s approval, is advised.
Given your schedule, I strongly recommend discussing your plans and expectations with your plastic surgeon. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and help you understand the risks involved with resuming marathon training too soon. It might be necessary to adjust your training schedule or postpone your surgery to accommodate safe recovery timelines.

Your health and safety should be the priority, and allowing adequate time for recovery will ultimately lead to better outcomes and a safer return to the activities you enjoy.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

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.

Recovery
varies from patient to patient following abdominoplasty surgery.We generally recommend that patients avoid
strenuous activity including running for at least 6 to 8 weeks following
surgery.Running
in the immediate post-operative period has the potential to cause wound
breakdown.The constant jolting of the
incision which occurs with running can lead to a variety of complications.It’s
therefore important to go slow at first, and gradually resume your normal
exercise program.This process may take
several months.Make sure you listen to
your body.If you’re not ready for a
specific activity your body will let you know.

Three weeks is probably not enough time to recover properly enough, particularly for a marathon. I usually recommend waiting for at least 6 weeks until beginning strenuous physical exercise.

Our office will guide you through the process.  At each visit, we will tell you your limits.  We usually don't have tummy tuck patients run until about 6 weeks after surgery.  We will have you walking, doing the recumbent bike etc to get your heart rate up and then work up to running.  

It may be pushing it a bit to begin that type of training after 3 weeks, but do what your plastic surgeon advises. I tell my patients that within 3 weeks they can begin some light cardio such as fast walking on a treadmill and work up gradually from there.

Every patient and every surgeon is different, but we do not recommend light running after TT until 4 weeks postop.

The dangers in exercising too early are swelling or fluid formation. Often the lower abdomen gets very firm if the patient "overdoes it", and then subsides as they take it easy.

Exercise right after surgery is especially bad since the "flaps" (surgical areas) cannot stick to their new homes if they are moved too much.

Many of our patients are eager to resume their normal exercise routines. I usually advise patients that the day of full activity is near, and not to overdo it. Often your surgeon will allow you to walk long distances on a flat surface. This preserves your fitness level without straining the surgery. We typically allow our patients to walk long distances by 2 weeks after surgery.

After any surgery, patients should have an amazing diet with minimal carbohydrates and saturated fats and high in fruits, vegetables and antioxidants. Since the patient is generally sedentary after surgery, there is a risk of weight gain.

Also a soft risk factor for problems after surgery is stress. Where ever possible, patients should maximize their support systems and minimize stress, easier said than done I know.

Absolutely not.  6 weeks to even think about doing anything strenuous, and then best to start slowly and listen to your body.   Best of luck, Dr. Michael OmidiAn in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess your needs and provide true medical advice.

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.