How long do I have to wait to exercise after a mini tummy tuck?

Question

Hi, I’m very young (21 years old) however I was left with some loose skin after losing 60lbs 3 years ago My skin improved a lot but it’s still loose and I have some pockets of fat despite being somewhat underweight (115 lbs at 5’7”) planning to lose atleast 5 more lbs before surgery However I’m VERY active(running ,kickboxing 6x a week) and what’s keeping me from surgery is the recovery. I don’t need muscle repair. When Can I return to exercising?

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

The standard answer is 6 weeks until resuming full exercise, though you may be able to start sooner if no muscle repair. While you won't be as sore as someone who did have the muscle repair, you still need to allow the tissue to heal back down to the abdominal wall so you don't end up with a fluid collection that needs to be drained and can prolong your healing. It is hard for active people to wait that long, and you can walk from day 1, just not full exercise. Definitely no running or kickbocking until 6 weeks. Think of the twisting action your core has to handle for kickbocking, and imagine your body trying to heal that area at the same time. If you want the best results, you have to wait. Starting too early will only set back your healing, and potentially risk your results.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Congratulations on your procedure. I will suggest discussing any post op instructions with your surgeon. Every surgeon has their own post op protocol.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Most of my patients return to vigorous exercise about 6 weeks after their surgery but I always assess each person several times before they resume their regular activities.  I'm sure your surgeon will have specific advice about your activity restrictions postop.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

If you do not have a muscle separation then your tummy tuck can be done without muscle repair and you return to exercise will be in 3-4 weeks instead of 6 or more. (You may still not want to be kicked in the abdomen though.) The type of tummy tuck (mini vs full) depends on the degree of skin laxity and after 60 lb weight loss it is less likely that a mini would be ideal. Unfortunately you can't tighten skin or correct muscle separation with exercise.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear modelmefitx,Recovery time is approximately 2 weeks. Vigorous activities should be limited for at least six weeks. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
  Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

At your current height and weight further weight loss is not recommended.  Candidates for a mini tummy tuck can typically begin light exercise after two weeks and return to normal activities after six weeks.  If you are considering having children in your future you may wish to wait until you've completed your family before considering surgery as future pregnancies can impact your results.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You should be back to full activities by 6 weeks.  However, you are young and may have children someday. Pregnancy may undo a tummy tuck. You might want to consider minimally invasive radiofrequency skin tightening like Renuvion which is effective and much less invasive with much less down time.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!

Thanks for the question and provided information as well.

I recommend my patients wait at least 6 weeks to start exercises. Book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the best options for your goals.

Good luck :)

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You need to wasit at leasdt 7-8 weeks after your procedure before returning to your routine of exercise. Best of luck

Manuel Belen, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,Thank you for sharing the information, it is a pleasure for me to answer your question.
The recovery of this procedure without repair of the muscle is approximately 7 to 8 weeks, you should incorporate gentle exercises, such as walking 30 minutes, then increasing the exercises after the total recovery, follow the recommendations of your plastic surgeon for better results.
I hope this answer will help youMy best wishes for you...

How long do I have to wait to exercise after a mini tummy tuck?

Answers (10)

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