How long after just ab etching (no other lipo done) before one can return to the gym and lift heavy weights?

Question

I'm a bodybuilder.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi RJERKS, 
Thank you for your question regarding how long after ab etching can you return to the gym and lift heavy weights.  In general, most patients can return to the gym two to three weeks after ab etching.  Usually, VASER hi def six pack ab etching is performed under general anesthesia.  The ab etching procedure takes about three to four hours to complete.  During ab etching, the VASER melts the fat around the rectus abdominis and oblique muscles.  Liposuction is used to remove the melted fat.  Then, the abdominal skin shrink wraps around your six pack muscle to showcase your underlying athletic abdomen.  Drains are frequently used and only remain in place for one or two weeks.  You will need to wear your compression garment for about six weeks after your VASER Hi Def abs procedure.  I hope i have answered your questions about how long after ab etching can you return to the gym and lift heavy weights.  Good luck with your ab etching.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Ab etching, also known as abdominal etching or six-pack sculpting, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the definition of the abdominal muscles by removing excess fat and sculpting the remaining fat into a more defined shape.

Since ab etching involves surgery, it's crucial to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully. Typically, recovery times can vary depending on individual healing rates and the extent of the procedure. However, here are some general guidelines:

Initial Recovery Period: During the first few days to a week after surgery, you will likely experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the abdominal area. It's essential to rest during this time and avoid strenuous activities, including heavy lifting and intense exercise.

Gradual Return to Activity: Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on when it's safe to gradually resume normal activities. Typically, light activities like walking are encouraged early on to promote blood circulation and aid in the healing process.

Avoid Heavy Lifting: Since heavy lifting puts strain on the abdominal muscles, it's crucial to avoid it for several weeks after ab etching surgery. Lifting heavy weights too soon can increase the risk of complications and compromise your results.

Consultation with Your Surgeon: Before returning to the gym and lifting heavy weights, it's essential to consult with your surgeon. They can evaluate your progress, assess your healing, and provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation.

Listen to Your Body: Even after getting clearance from your surgeon to return to the gym, listen to your body and start slowly. Pay attention to any discomfort or pain, and avoid activities that exacerbate these symptoms.

Follow Gradual Progression: Once you've been cleared for exercise, start with lighter weights and gradually increase the intensity and load over time. This gradual progression will help minimize the risk of injury and allow your body to adapt to the increased demands gradually.

Overall, it's essential to prioritize your recovery and follow your surgeon's recommendations diligently to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications.

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, as soon as you could return to training weights, it's 12 weeks no earlier. It could have a complication if you do it Before that time

Luis Eduardo Guerrero, MD · Answer

Hello, thanks for your question, after a liposuction we want that skin sticks to deeper tissues, this process happen during the first 2 weeks, in my hands I recommend back to gym 3 weeks after your procedure.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Dear Rjerks, thanks for your question, this is something that must to be handle by your surgeon or his/her team, get in touch with them. Every surgeon has his own post and pre op protocol. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Would recommend waiting 4 weeks to work out again after ab etching. Liposuction is done when you etch even though you are not having your entire abdomen liposuctioned. You can lose the effects of definition if you work out too early, or restart too hard when you do resume. I have seen spongy doughy looking results from people who resume too early. If you are going to make the sacrifice to have this procedure and spend the money, and time recovering, please be very diligent about waiting the entire time. Some surgeons recommend waiting 6 weeks. I think 4 weeks is fine. As you resume, pay attention to if you have any swelling starting to come back. If it does, then you'll have to dial back on the intensity or frequency of your workouts. Also, please make sure you visit with someone who specializes in ab etching. Its easy for surgeons to try to do, but requires artistic perfectionism to create the ideal sculpted results that look natural. Good luck!

Marcelo Ghersi, MD · Answer

When minimal liposuction is done with abdominal etching that is performed typically you can go back to exercising in two weeks after the gym. In cases that standard liposuction is performed I rather wait four weeks to start exercising. But ultimately, I would leave the discretion to your surgeon who knows exactly what they did and can give you the best advice. Good Luck!

Parin Tatsanavivat, MD · Answer

Dear Rjerks,I would say two weeks, but everyone is different. You can start with light exercises like 20 minutes walking or light running first, and during the exercise, see if you feel anything in your surgical area. If you feel fine during a workout and the next morning your surgical area feels fine, then that is the right amount of exercise your body can handle for now. Gradually increase the amount and monitor yourself.If you feel pain, tightness, or heaviness during the workout or the next morning, the surgical area swells up, then either the exercise maybe a little bit too much, or maybe it's too soon for your body, wait 2-3 days before trying it again.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

The recommendation is that you take at least a year to lift heavy things after a Abdominal etching, you can start before with cardio.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Great question. It all depends on whether or not you'll need a skin excision as well! If all you need is high definition Vaser assisted liposculpting with or without our skin tightening tool (Renuvion J Plasma)- you'll be able to hit the weights in 2-3 weeks. However, if you need a skin excision as well, you'll have to wait until the incision heals which may take 4-6 weeks.  Hope this helps you in your journey to a 2.0 version of you! Feel free to give me a call and I can help guide you over a virtual consultation. 
-Dr. Mowlavi