Can I play golf 6 weeks after the surgery?

Dear Leonard64,

Given your avid interest in golfing, it's understandable to plan ahead for your recovery timeline post-tummy tuck surgery. Generally, at six weeks post-surgery, many patients have sufficiently healed to resume light physical activities and sports, including golf.

However, it's crucial to approach your return to golf gradually and with caution to avoid any potential strain or injury to the healing tissues. While golfing is typically considered a low-impact activity, the twisting motions and physical exertion involved may still put some strain on your abdomen.

Before resuming golfing, I strongly recommend consulting with your plastic surgeon for personalized guidance based on your specific healing progress and individual circumstances. They can assess your recovery and provide tailored recommendations regarding the timing and intensity of your return to physical activities, including golf.

In many cases, if your recovery progresses smoothly and there are no complications, you should be fine to enjoy several rounds of golf at the six-week mark. However, it's essential to listen to your body, avoid overexertion, and stop immediately if you experience any discomfort or strain during play.

Remember to stay hydrated, protect your incision site from direct sunlight, and consider using supportive garments or compression wear to provide additional comfort and support while golfing.

Ultimately, with careful planning and consideration, you can likely enjoy your golf trip without undue risk to your recovery. Wishing you a smooth and successful surgery, followed by a safe return to your favorite activities.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen
Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your question! For my patients having a tummy tuck procedure, I advise that they take 10-14 days off of work, 3 weeks off of the gym from cardio, and 6 weeks for weights and yoga. At 6 weeks post surgery, you should be clear to resume physical activities that you performed prior to the surgery. I recommend discussing specific restrictions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

It is usually best to wait at least 6 weeks before performing core exercises of twisting intensity as several rounds of golf would require.  Ask your PS for his advice as he/she will know how you are healing.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Yes. Most procedures require a recovery of 6 weeks prior to engaging in any activity that could be considered strenuous. Always be sure to discuss with your surgeon, at your post operative appointments, to make sure you are healing well, with no complications that would prolong activity.

Although patients are encouraged to get
up and moving and not remain in bed following surgery, they are advised to abstain
from heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for approximately 6 weeks following a
tummy tuck. During this time patients wear a special surgical compression garment
for additional support.
Patients returning to an exercise regiment
should start off slowing and gradually work their way back up to what they were
accustomed to prior to surgery. Activities requiring a lot of work from the
abdominal or core muscles take a little longer to adjust to and patients should
take care not to over work that area and risk injury.  A full round of golf might be a little too strenuous
of activity 6 weeks after surgery.
Speak to your surgeon regarding what
activities you should avoid.

Thank you for your questions. I usually tell my patients that after 6 weeks, they can start gradually adding back activity so that by 8 weeks, they are doing whatever they want. That being said, if at six weeks you go out and play a few rounds of golf, you are likely going to be quite sore. I would discuss this with your surgeon and get his or her take on your recovery and activity restrictions.Good luck!

Dear leonard64,Recovery time is approximately 2 weeks. Vigorous activities should be limited for at least six weeks.But every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I do clear all my patients after six weeks, but you will likely be sore still six weeks after surgery. I would recommend discussing this with your surgeon and following their instructions closely. 

Every patient is different but there is a general time line of returning to activity with normal healing. After two to three weeks patients are able to return to work and non strenuous activities. After four weeks light exercise can resume. After six weeks patients are cleared to resume strenuous activities. So you should be able to play golf, however since it is a trip and you'll be playing several rounds you may swell more and tire more easily. Speak with your surgeon about potentially wearing compression while you play for a little more support.

Hello and thank you for your question.   Yes, you should be fine to play golf at that time, especially since you won't need muscle work.  My patient's are released from lifting restrictions after 3 weeks , however, I do remind them that they still will be sore when going back to regular activity but will not hurt anything surgically.