Can I ever play soccer after a tummy tuck?

Question

I am 4 wks PO now & in 7 wks soccer season starts & I'd like to play. My brother in law is a nurse & he says I should never play soccer again because I will rip all the muscle repair. He says he knows a lady who had breast augmentation & a year after her surgery, she turned to pick up her child & her implant popped out. (Really? hmm) Now my husband is all worried & doesn't want me to play even though my PS says I'm clear to do anything (gradually) after 6 weeks. What's your advice?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I think most plastic surgeons would agree that 6 weeks after tummy tuck in cases of uncomplicated wound healing is a reasonable length of time to wait until resuming exercise.  Obviously, patients should ease back into exercise to assess tolerance.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

I normally clear my patients to resume any activity they want, soccer included, 6 weeks post tummy tuck.  I would not think twice about it after your surgeon clears you.

Gregory Sexton, MD · Answer

Once you have waited 6 weeks, the scar has healed to full strength, and will not get any stronger. You should be able to play soccer at 6 weeks.

	Also, implants are difficult to get in or out through small incisions, and will not "fall out", even if the incision is opened surgically.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

You should contact your plastic surgeon and obtain his/her recommendations regarding this issue of when to play soccer as he/she operated on you. The recommendation that I give my patients is to wait 8 weeks before engaging in fully unrestricted activities which would include soccer. By that time, there should be the most infinitesimal risk of any breakage of the muscle - and you are considering engaging in this after three additional weeks. 

	I would say: "Go enjoy yourself!"

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

By six weeks of wound healing, all sutured areas will have reached 90% of the strength that will be attained. That is the reason why most patients are permitted to resume full activities by 6 weeks. If your surgeon is satisfied with your wound healing and has released you to play, I would take his advice over the suggestions of someone who has not examined you and didn't do your surgery.

	Thanks, best wishes for a good season.

Can I ever play soccer after a tummy tuck?

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Answer: Concerns about playing soccer 11 weeks after a tummy tuck

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Answer: Soccer After Tummy Tuck?

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Can I ever play soccer after a tummy tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Concerns about playing soccer 11 weeks after a tummy tuck

Answer: Concerns about playing soccer 11 weeks after a tummy tuck

Answer: Soccer After Tummy Tuck?

Answer: Soccer After 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.