I was wondering: once I get the stitches out, can I start running and working out soon?

Question

I had a mole removed and they also put stitches in, I'm getting the stitches out in two weeks. The mole was above my butt and on my waist line.The mole was not that big maybe a size of small eraser . The plastic surgeon made a football incision and sewed it up with stitches. I had a mole their before and the doctor before that shaved off the mole and it came back so that's why I had a surgeon take it out completely .

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You can exercise after stitches are removed if there were deep sutures placed. I suggest skin glue and steri-strips after the stitches come out to help keep it together.  Slow movements and not major extension so you limit any pulling and stretching of the stitch line.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. At two weeks I allow patients to resume light cardio activity with a 3-4 mph pace on the treadmill, increasing intensity each week by one mph.  This will allow sufficient time for your incision to fully heal without suffering from separation as a result of exercise.  Talk to your surgeon about their activity restrictions, they are in the best position to offer you advice for your particular excision.

Lisa Zaleski-Larsen, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Walking is always a good and safe exercise to complete.  It is best to avoid any exercise that pulls on the surgical site for the next 2-4 weeks.  Your muscles are much stronger than the sutures and the wound could reopen if too much stress is placed at the excision site.  It is recommended to avoid underwater activities (hot tub, swimming) until the sutures have been removed to lower your risk of infection.  When the sutures are removed in 2 weeks you are 10% healed.  If you stretch the excision site too much the wound could reopen.  However, at 1 month you are 50% healed and it is okay to resume all activities.  It is a good idea to confirm the list of activities you would like to complete with your surgeon at your suture removal appointment.

I was wondering: once I get the stitches out, can I start running and working out soon?

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