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

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.

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.