How soon can you return to combat sports such as MMA and Muay Thai after tummy tuck surgery?

Question

So when I was 16-17, I lost 45 KGs, 96-51. though I gained to 63 lately because I quit smoking smoking due to pneumothorax, I thought its a great time to get rid of the excess skin since I can't smoke, exert myself anyway. I want to know how long will it take before I can resume Mixed Martial Arts, Combat Sports, Skydiving, Paragliding, these things I love way too much and want to return to soon, I am 25, athletic male, very good technically so give me advice to recover faster too, thank you

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

The general recommendation is six weeks, give or take depending not the exercise and you post-operative healing. Best advice is discuss your exercise goals and set a plan with your surgeon.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In order to answer your question it partially depends on the type of tummy tuck needed, and the extent of muscle repair (if any) that needs to be performed.  If you were to only require skin  removal, you could resume your activities by 6-8 weeks.  If your stomach needed muscle tightening, it would likely take 3-4 months to resume paragliding and skydiving, while MMA and combat sports may require closer to 6 months, to get back to your preoperative levels.   See a board certified plastic surgeon for an in-person consultation.

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your process.When doing contact sports or high adrenaline activities, you need to think worse case scenario. What if something goes wrong and your injured body doesn't respond the way it should. Imagine that you have a broken bone.  Would you do anything if you had the risk to prolong your recovery?Skin is non different. usually back to normal in 6 weeks. Your type of activities 8 to 10 weeks.However, your body will tell you the best timing for every activity.Make sure to check with your plastic surgeon.Best wishes.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I generally recommend no heavy lifting or strenuous activity (no 
exercise) for 4 to 6 weeks after tummy tuck. After six weeks, I 
encourage patients to slowly resume exercise routines *gradually*. 
Remember, during the six week postoperative period - you will be 
deconditioned. I do prepare patients do notice some increased swelling 
once exercise is resumed. Over the next several weeks, this 
post-exercise edema will no longer manifest.  If swelling manifests 
during your workout routine, you may benefit from use of compression 
garments.  But please check with your surgeon with respect to his/her 
specific recommendations.

Dr. Basu

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

You can gradually begin to resume physical activity one month after tummy tuck.  However it will take at least 2 more months before you can resume unrestricted exertion and physical challenges of the sort that you have described..

How soon can you return to combat sports such as MMA and Muay Thai after tummy tuck surgery?

Answers (5)

Answer: Recovery and Exercise

Answer: Recovery and Exercise

Answer: 3 months

Answer: 3 months

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How soon can you return to combat sports such as MMA and Muay Thai after tummy tuck surgery?

Answers (5)

Answer: Recovery and Exercise

Answer: Recovery and Exercise

Answer: 3 months

Answer: 3 months

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Everything you need to know about Male Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.