How long should I wait to play tennis after a tummy tuck?

Question

I am planning to have a tummy tuck in which I know the recovery time is long. I play tennis and am wondering how long after the procedure should it be safe to play again?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question about when it’s safe to return to playing tennis after a tummy tuck.

Tennis is a physically demanding sport that involves twisting, core engagement, quick pivots, and high-impact movement—all of which place significant stress on the abdominal area. After a tummy tuck, especially if muscle repair (rectus plication) is performed, it's important to allow the tissues and internal sutures adequate time to fully heal and strengthen before returning to such activities.

Most board-certified plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least 8 to 12 weeks before resuming sports like tennis. Even if your skin appears healed on the outside, the internal muscle repair and deep layers continue healing for several months. Returning to high-intensity exercise too soon can lead to swelling, pain, scar stretching, or even damage to the muscle repair, which could compromise your long-term results.

Here’s a general guideline:

At 2–4 weeks, you can resume light walking.

At 6 weeks, low-impact activities may be allowed if cleared by your surgeon.

At 8–12 weeks, sports involving core strength and twisting, like tennis, may be reintroduced gradually, depending on your progress and your surgeon’s advice.

If you're an avid tennis player, make sure to discuss your routine with your plastic surgeon in advance so they can tailor your recovery plan accordingly. A slow and careful return—starting with light swings and drills before full matches—will help you protect your results and avoid setbacks.

Wishing you a smooth recovery and a strong return to the court!

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS
(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons; Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame)

Be sure to attend all follow-up visits and let your surgeon know as you prepare to reintroduce athletic activity—staying patient will pay off in long-lasting results.

Fouad V. Atalla, MD · Answer

Recovery time after an abdominoplasty can vary from patient to patient. Typically, there will be activity restrictions for at least a month following the procedure. Once those restrictions are lifted, patients are advised to ease back into strenuous activities gradually. It's important to keep in mind that recovery also depends on the surgeon's specific preferences and the individual patient's healing ability. Everyone heals at their own pace, so following your surgeon's post-op guidance closely is key to ensuring a smooth recovery.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

If you had muscle tightening, you would want to go gentle on that for a while.  I would tell most patients that after 6 or 8 weeks they could return to the court with fairly mild activity which could build up to your normal game according to what your body tell you feels okay.  Good luck with your surgery!

Danielle Dumestre, MD · Answer

Hello! 
While every surgeons activity restrictions vary depending on the surgeon, I would say typically about 8 weeks post op to play tennis!

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Recovery time is 6 weeks following an abdominoplasty procedure. You would be evaluated at a 6 week follow-up appointment and be able to resume tennis at that time.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Each surgeon has their own post-surgery instructions. It would be better to ask your surgeon what they advise. However, generally speaking you should expect to wait at least 6 to 8 weeks or more depending on the extent of correction involved. And when you do start playing again, please get back into it gradually.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Abdominoplasty recovery can be intense (often compared to C-section recovery for a more familiar comparison).

The worst of recovery is the first couple of weeks (during which drains may be present).

Typically patient will require 6-8 weeks for complete healing and a return to full activity. Most will begin light activity at 4 weeks and ramp up to no restrictions by 6-8 weeks.

With regards to your specific question, I would defer a return to tennis for 6 weeks.

As always, defer to your operating/board certified (ABPS) surgeon for the most appropriate recommendations.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

I need to draw a distinction between just having a skin only tummy tuck, where the loose skin of the abdomen is removed, or having a tummy tuck where the muscle separation is repaired in addition to the skin being removed. For a skin only tummy tuck, I allow my patients to return to full activity at four weeks. If a muscle repair has been performed, I have my patients wait until six weeks after surgery for the fascia to gain additional strength prior to returning to full activities. Your surgeon may have a specific timeline that they follow and so you should discuss this with them.

Erman Ak, MD · Answer

It's excellent that you're thinking ahead about your recovery and return to activity.
After a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), it’s generally recommended to avoid strenuous activities, including sports like tennis, for at least 6 to 8 weeks. This gives your abdominal muscles and incision site adequate time to heal, and it reduces the risk of complications such as wound separation or fluid accumulation.
While light walking is encouraged early in your recovery, activities that involve core engagement and twisting like tennis should only be resumed with your surgeon’s approval. 
For most patients, it’s safe to gradually return to tennis around the 8–12 week mark, starting with light play and increasing intensity as your body allows. Keep in mind, every person heals differently.
Be sure to attend your follow-up appointments and follow your surgeon’s specific guidance throughout the recovery process. Wishing you a smooth and successful recovery!
-Erman AK, Dr. MD, Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Every surgeon has their own recovery protocol. In my practice I generally allow patients to go back to full activity without any restrictions at 6 weeks. I do obviously have them start slow and build up to it.

Hope that helps.

Hope that helps.

How long should I wait to play tennis after a tummy tuck?

Answers (15)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Loose skin around belly 2.5 years after last child was born. Is this worth a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Is a FDL Scar Worth It For Me?

Extended TT or 360 TT after 115lb weight loss? (photo)

What surgery would smooth my back and remove my loose skin? (photo)

FDL tuck or lower body lift? (photo)

Finding a doctor that's performed tummy tuck on large amount of male patients?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS