Is the Stair Stepper OK at 2 weeks post op?

Question

Hi! Had tummybtuck with abdominal tightening as well as breast implant revision and mastopexy , going from saline over the muscle to silicone under the muscle. I was told I can do light cardio post op. Of course I don't want to overdo it, but I am anxious to get back to an exercise routine. Would 20 minutes on the stair stepper be acceptable, providing I keep the settings low or would incline walking on treadmill be better?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Short answer: NO!Ask your surgeon first, but if I were your doctor, I would say that light cardio STARTS at 2 weeks, but stair stepper or incline walking is too much. You had lots of surgery in two anatomic areas, and lots of potential for bleeding or seroma in any of these locations. In my practice, most post-op bleeding occurs between day 10 and 27, and is usually related to too much activity too soon. Why chance it?]Your weight is up because of fluid retention, so don't even begin to use the scale as a reason to feel you have to exercise. Furthermore, your body is using lots of calories in the healing process, so exercising your muscles is not essential to keep them from turning to mush. I know that is how you feel, but tone can be maintained by walking ONLY, and I would allow light toning and movement, but nothing extreme. In 2-4 more weeks you could do more vigorous activities, but I would defer abdominal or chest exercises for a full 6 weeks, and then start gradually after that.Again, why chance your results? There are plenty of enough areas things could still have problems or issues without you adding to the potential list of problems. You won't get fat OR flabby! I promise! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your TT and breast implant revision.  This is a question best asked of your surgeon as they know the full details of your procedure.  In my practice I allow patients to resume light cardio at two weeks, assuming no wound healing issues, with a slow walk on a treadmill.  They can then gradually increase either their incline or mph on a weekly basis.  Hope this helps.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hi JRNCM.Congratulations on your tummy tuck! I can't believe you feel ready to go on a stair stepper after only 2 weeks. I would not be comfortable with this exercise until 4 to 6 weeks out from surgery. Your plastic surgeon might feel different - so use them as a resource. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO :)

David Rosenstein, MD · Answer

That is a very good question. Unfortunately I don't think you'll like my answer. I recommend that you do not use the stair mill or any form of exercise post operative tummy tuck for at least 4-6 weeks. I understand it is hard to not work out, but it is even harder to not heal properly because of raising blood pressure and having bleeding issues. Please listen to your surgeon.

Anne Taylor, MD · Answer

Hello- the challenge with this type of question is that everyone has their own way of exercising-- so for example-- some times I do the elliptical for 20 minutes and do not even sweat! But then I go to a Yoga class and WORK IT -- so this takes a lot of YOU listening to your body and understanding that it is healing from a big ordeal.... a few days now off will probably yield dividends in the end.... I try not to give my patients exact lists of things they cannot do, but ask them to be a partner with me in the proper healing process! Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I usually allow patients to go back to light aerobics after about 3-4 weeks if they are healing well. More vigorous activity often needs to wait until about 6-8 weeks.

Steven Schmidt, MD · Answer

I think walking on a flat treadmill below 4 mph is probably ok after tummy tuck and major breast revision.  I would wait for walking on incline or stair master until at least a month.  Brisk exercise may increase drain outputs and increase the time they need to stay in or require needle aspiration following their removal

Ian Lonergan, DO - Account Suspended · Answer

Your motivation is admirable, but it's important not to overdo it at this early stage after surgery.  Of course you should ask your plastic surgeon for specific advice about exercising.  I caution my patients that any exercise that increases the heart rate too much can increase risk of bleeding in the early post op period.  Also, if you have had muscle repair, you would not want to risk compromising your repair.  I typically allow my patients to do slow, low to no incline treadmill at 2 weeks after a tummy tuck and breast lift, but I think this is less strenuous than a stair stepper.  Keep up the good work, but only after talking with your own doctor!

Is the Stair Stepper OK at 2 weeks post op?

Answers (8)

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