Are weights or cardio exercises more likely to aggravate or cause a seroma previously had, to come back?

Question

Recently had problem with recurring seromas after TT. Its under control now and haven't had any issues for several weeks. Looking to get back into working out again finally and will start slowly, but I'm wondering if either weight-lifting (no abdominal work just other body parts) or cardio exercise is more likely to cause seroma to come back or more likely to aggravate the area? Thank you so much!

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would encourage you to speak with your operating surgeon directly on this issue.  In general, patients can often begin to gradually ease back into their exercise routine within 4-6 weeks of their tummy tuck surgery.  With that said and when complications arise, patients might be encouraged to wait a little longer so as to not aggravate their healing any further.  If your seroma has been effectively treated with no recent reaccumulations, it is possible that you might obtain clearance, but the safest and wisest thing you could do is to wait until you have clearance from your doctor before partaking in any exercise activity (low or high impact).  I hope that you find this helpful and I wish you all of the best.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Healing and recovery are patient dependent.  During recovery, you do not want to place a strain on your incision.  Most of the time the incision is healed by 4 to 6 weeks.  The muscles have been irritated to a certain extent by plication and the surgery itself.  The abdominal wall may need several months to get accustomed to the changes.  You should not perform exercises for 6 weeks in cases of uncomplicated healing or until instructed by your surgeon.  Do not start with crunches, sit-ups, or core exercises but gradually ease back into your former exercise routine.  After four months, stomach exercises should be okay.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Jason E. Leedy, MD · Answer

All surgeons have specific return to activity instructions for their patients and these instructions may vary depending on a patient's individual circumstances.  When treating a seroma it is always best to limit exercise type activity until the surgeon gives the all clear.  Put simply, I would check with your surgeon before resuming exercise.  That's the safest thing to do.

Jonathan Berman, MD · Answer

Hello,I would recommend speaking to your tummy tuck surgeon about this issue. Following a tummy tuck, patients should wait six weeks before resuming exercise, however, when complications arise this timeline may be longer. Best of luck!

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Corrie,Thanks for the question.  Sorry you had a complication after your abdominoplasty.First, clear everything with your surgeon.  If there has been no re-accumulation of fluid for 2-3 weeks without drainage, you should be fine.Best of luck.Dr T

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Are weights or cardio exercises more likely to aggravate or cause a seroma previously had, to come back?

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy Tuck and Exercise

Answer: Tummy Tuck and Exercise

Answer: Seroma after tummy tuck

Answer: Seroma after tummy tuck

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