Can I ruin the muscle repair done with tummy tuck 7 weeks ago due to exercise on an elliptical?

Question

I've been exercising daily on my elliptical for the last 3 wks. I work out about 45 mins daily and have turned up the resistance slightly, nothing close to what I was doing pre-op. However, I feel a lot of soreness in my abs, especially first thing in the morning. I just want to be sure that I'm not hurting or ruining my muscle repair somehow?? Is it normal and ok to feel such soreness from simply exercising on an elliptical?

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

At 6 weeks you should be healed enough to put a little bit of stress on the muscles, but it is normal to have some soreness. Exercise will be an important part of maintaining the results of a tummy tuck.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Exercise is normally fine 6 weeks after a tummy tuck, however, every surgeon has their own protocols. I would recommend speaking to your plastic surgeon about your concerns. An in-person assessment is always best. Regards,

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In most cases of uncomplicated healing following a tummy tuck a patient can return to their previous physical activities at 6 weeks after surgery as the muscle repair should have healed.  If you have not seen a significant change in your stomach's appearance, all is probably well, and your soreness is the result of increasing your activity.  Be sure to voice your concerns to your surgeon for the best advice.

Arun Rao, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. At seven weeks out after surgery you should be good to increase your activity level as long as your plastic surgeon is ok with it. At 6 weeks out from surgery your wounds have 80% of their strength.back. I would listen to your body as you slowly increase your activity. If it hurts after working out then you may have to dial it down to an intensity level that you body can handle. Best of luck.

Jamie Moenster, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I have patients start back with light exercise at 4 weeks and can move to heavy exercise after 8 weeks.  You typically can't "ruin" a muscle repair with cardio exercise, but the area is still healing and may be more sore or swollen after exercise.  If the soreness is too much back off from working out for a little while or turn down the resistance and decrease the time of exercise.  As always, refer to the plastic surgeon who did your surgery for advice and physical exam with concerns.Best Wishes!

Hector Milla, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. I usually recommend my patients to wait 6 weeks before going back to exercise after tummy tuck, specially if they like heavy work out and tell them to start walking and progressively do the rest. It is difficult to ruin the muscle repair but there could be pain or swelling.Regards.Dr. Milla

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to an accurate assessment, advice, and/or meaningful reassurance. Having said that, in general, it would take a significant amount of pressure to “ruin" the muscle repair after tummy tuck surgery. This event would likely be associated with significant discomfort. A change in your physical examination, such as increased swelling, bleeding, a new onset "bulge" would also be likely.Generally speaking, abdominal wall muscle plication performed during tummy tuck surgery is quite secure; disruption is very unusual. Best to “go slow” and listen to your body as you gradually increase your activity level. Best wishes.

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

Soreness 7 weeks following tummy tuck should be ok when working out; let the pain dictate how much and how soon you can do whatever it is that you like doing. Once the muscles heal, they fuse and are very stable in general. Please see link below for your free cheat sheet on "7 keys to a great tummy tuck".

Can I ruin the muscle repair done with tummy tuck 7 weeks ago due to exercise on an elliptical?

Answers (8)

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