When can I get back to working out after my Tummy Tuck without muscle repair or lipo?

Question

I'm 24 years old, I had excess skin after significant weight loss. I'm 12 days out from having a tummy tuck without lipo or muscle repair. I've been off my pain meds for about a week now and my energy level is almost back to normal! The only slow part about my recovery has been getting my drains out. I've been feeling so great I forgot to take it easy! Hopefully they'll be out in the next few days though. When is the soonest I can get back to long distance running/aerobic/strength training?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

It is commendable that you wish to return to exercise as soon as possible after surgery. Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to determining the return to specific activities after the specific procedures performed. He/she will know exactly how you are progressing and whether or not you have experienced any complications. Remember, that he/she is ultimately responsible for your care.Having said that, I ask my tummy tuck patients to start walking ASAP after surgery but refrain from any heavy-lifting or strenuous exercise for 6-8 weeks to prevent complications and ensure proper healing. It may be several months before you reach your full energy and strength levels. Best to “go slow” and listen to your body as you gradually increase or activity level. Best wishes.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is important that your body has been through a major surgery and you don't want to push yourself too soon after surgery.  With a tummy tuck it is best to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks before resuming exercise, I recommend waiting 6 weeks for long distance running and weight lifting.  Getting your heart rate too high too soon after surgery and increase your risk for internal bleeding which you definitely want to avoid.  I would highly recommend talking with your PS and finding out exactly what they recommend, every patient is different and their recovery is different, you will want to check with them before resuming exercise.Best of luck to you.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

I let my patients resume exercise 1-2 weeks afterward, but I would check with your plastic surgeon for the exact answer.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Without repair of the abdominal wall I would encourage patients to start walking immediately. Full athletic activity would be permitted in about 46 weeks. However you should follow the recommendations of your surgeon.

Ira H. Rex lll, MD · Answer

Time to returning to normal activities after a tummy tuck is highly variable and depends on the particulars of the case. Your plastic surgeon can best determine how the healing is proceeding and how active you should be. In your instance, most patients can return to work at about two weeks and slowly increase their activity to full workouts and even running in about six weeks. As long as you have drains in though, any increase in activity can delay the healing progress and give rise to other problems as a persistent collection, or seroma.

When can I get back to working out after my Tummy Tuck without muscle repair or lipo?

Answers (8)

Answer: Returning to activity after and abdominoplasty is at the behest of your own surgeon.

Answer: Returning to activity after and abdominoplasty is at the behest of your own surgeon.

Answer: Returning to activity after a tummy tuck

Answer: Returning to activity after a tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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When can I get back to working out after my Tummy Tuck without muscle repair or lipo?

Answers (8)

Answer: Returning to activity after and abdominoplasty is at the behest of your own surgeon.

Answer: Returning to activity after and abdominoplasty is at the behest of your own surgeon.

Answer: Returning to activity after a tummy tuck

Answer: Returning to activity after a tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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