Can I Jog 4 Weeks After Tummy Tuck and Muscle Repair?

Hi Dharma. The reason surgeons give different advice is that there are different patients, and each patient may heal at different rates. Then, of course, there are patients like you who are champing at the bits to get back to exercise, wait appropriately (thank you for following advice) for the OK to resume exercise, and then take off like a rocket with "boxing bag, press ups, sit ups, star jumps, skipping, triceps dips, planks, squats, lunges, etc."  Whoa, tiger lady!

Other patients need pointy-toed boots in the rear to get going, and recommendations are different for each type of patient, and can be altered to take into account areas of delayed healing or other concerns such as seroma (fluid) build-up.

In general (subject to the variations and reasons listed above), I recommend nothing that raises the blood pressure or pulse for 2 weeks after surgery. At 3-4 weeks light exercise (cycling, power walking, upper body toning, etc.) is allowed, and after 4 weeks (all things healed well and no fluid beneath the abdominal flap) the patient can resume all exercise except sit ups, crunches, or abdominal muscle work. Jogging is fine at this point, but not marathon training! At 6 weeks, I recommend starting abdominal exercise or the most vigorous activities gradually until back to full intensity. No sun (or tanning booths) for 6-12 months until scars fade. Spray tan OK!

That's MY plan. But follow your doctor's advice first! And understand that each of us adjusts our advice based on individual patient needs, which is impossible for online, never-met-you interactions! Best wishes!

Thank you for your question! For my patients having a tummy tuck procedure, I recommend that they take 3 weeks off of cardio, which would include jogging and cycling, and 6 weeks off of weight training, yoga, and vigorous exercises, which would include playing tennis, boxing, boot camps, and any abdominal work outs. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

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.

You can start doing cardio at 3-4 weeks after surgery, but wait 6 weeks before you do anything more strenuous, like lifting weights and sit-ups. Although you are 4 weeks post-op and can start exercising again, you should begin very slowly and build up to your former intensity. Doing too much too soon can compromise your recovery and can even cause complications. Having said this, however, it is important you follow your surgeon's post-op instructions as they may have different guidelines.

I would strongly advise you against exercise 4 weeks after a tummy tuck. If you had muscle tightening performed, you are risking that you may tear the repair. You've spent a lot of money, don't endanger it by being impatient.

Sincerely,

Martin Jugenburg, MD