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

Question

I am almost at the 4 week mark. Lots of conflicting answers to this question online. Is it safe to start jogging, playing tennis, cycling at 4 weeks? When is it safe to start boxercise and bootcamp (exercises include boxing bag, press ups, sit ups, star jumps, skipping, tricep dips, planks, squats, lunges etc)? Thanks very much for the answers to my previous question - extremely helpful.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

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!

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

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!

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.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

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.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

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

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

While everyone heals at a different rate, I usually advice patients to only perform low-impact exercise activities until 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.  I encourage patients to do stretching and low setting on the treadmill or walking around their neighborhood, etc during the initial post-operative time.

	 

	Good Luck.

Scott E. Newman, MD, FACS · Answer

I think 4 weeks is a bit early to exercise after abdominoplasty (tummy-tuck).  That's not to say that if you do begin exercising now that something will happen to you...but why push it?  It took a lot to get you to where you are at the four week point. At this point you have a lot to lose and very little to gain by getting too aggressive.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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.

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

I would strongly recommend avoiding jogging or heavy exercise until 6 weeks.   

	At this point, it is critical to start gradually and listen to your body.   If you feel pulling, tearing, stretching sensations, then back off because you are pushing too much.    If you do not feel these sensations, then gradually progress your activity level until you are back to normal activities.   

	At this point, there is no magic recipe, other than you must listen to your body and progress slowly.   A few weeks more of conservative recovery will go a long way in a great lasting result!!

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

After tummy tuck with muscle repair, most will allow exercise to resume with caution. Jogging after four weeks, maybe, but we suggest low impact aerobic activity to start such as recumbent bike, elliptical, even swimming. Boxing, lunges, and the rest should wait six to eight weeks, or after you have returned to a decent level of aerobic fitness. Remember after four weeks you are starting over, and an injury could be in the making.
	Best of luck,
	peterejohnsonmd

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

Answers (14)

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