How long does it take for muscles to completely heal after Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 6 weeks ago. I was told that I can resume my normal exercise and swimming activities after 6 weeks, but I can't. I can't run, barely can walk fast - my upper abdomen hurts. I can't swim either - I can't stretch backwards to keep my head above the water, and again sharp pain in the upper abdomen muscles. When can I feel normal again?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your photos and question. It is safe to exercise after 6 weeks, however that doesn't mean you are ready to resume back into your normal exercise routine. I would suggest you exercise based on what you can handle/tolerate. Everyone's recovery time is different, you will return to your normal exercise regime eventually, take your time. Best Regards

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question and congratulations on your #TummyTuck! In my practice, most patients will be
placed in an abdominal binder, which they will wear the first week. There is
usually a fair amount of swelling and the binder should be opened several times
a day so that there are no pressure points. After the first 7 to 10 days the
patient is placed in an elastic garment for #compression over the next six
weeks.

#Swelling can persist for
several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months,
six months, and even one year.

You can return to full activity without restrictions at 6 weeks. But, you need to listen to your body! Sometimes all you can do are stretches and slowly move into more exercise as your body allows. Be sure to follow your #postop #recommendations from your PS and obtain his release before you begin. Best wishes!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you follow up with your surgeon to discuss this as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for their patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanks for your question and provided picture as well. Following surgery, you walk in a bent-over position to keep tension off 
the newly tightened skin incision site. Although strenuous activity, and
 lifting more than ten pounds, must be avoided for 6 weeks, some people 
can return to work and daily activities as soon as 2 weeks after 
surgery. Softening of the surgical scars, return of sensation, and 
loosening of the tight sensation may take several months to a year or more.Abdominoplasty
 involves a recovery period of 10 to 14 days longer than most plastic 
surgical procedures. Initial discomfort and decreased mobility is 
typical. 3-5 days or more of assistance at home is usually indicated. 
Light activity is comfortable in 10-20 days. No sports or heavy lifting 
for 6 weeks or more. Excess swelling may indicate too much activity. Do 
not plan on resuming aerobic or strenuous exercise for about 6 weeks 
after surgery. Your surgeon will guide you as to the specific time to 
resume key physical activities and sports.Good luck :)

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi YuliyacatThank you for your question.  Typically most patients are cleared to return to normal activity after 6 weeks depending on the healing.  Its always best to resume back to normal at a slow pace.  You don't want to do something that is to strenuous on your body when you are cleared.  Ease back into it.  Every surgeons protocol is different so make sure you discuss your concerns with your ps.  Best of luck

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. I find that many  patients ( and their plastic surgeons) underestimate the actual recovery time associated with extensive operations such as tummy tuck surgery. The operation is associated with a very significant physical, and often "emotional", recovery period.I ask my tummy tuck patients to refrain from any heavy-lifting or strenuous exercise for 6-8 weeks to prevent any complications and ensure proper healing.  Even at 2 months post op patients will report that they have not reached full strength/stamina. It may be 4-6 months before patients reach full strength.   Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to returning to specific activities. My best suggestion: start slow,  gradually ease back into activities, and listen to her body as you do so.   Best wishes.

Trenton C. Jones, MD · Answer

Everyone is different and heals at their own pace. The discomfort you are experiencing may be due to the muscle tightening that typically comes with a tummy tuck. Allowing you to resume normal activity at six weeks does not, unfortunately, imply that you will enjoy it. I typically recommend gentle stretching exercises and deep massage to my patients before they get back into their typical exercise routine. Start slow and let pain be your guide. If it hurts, don't do it. Back off a little and approach from a different angle. For example, perhaps you can backstroke comfortably even though the butterfly is still too rigorous. Be patient. You'll get there!

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Yuliyacat,

In general, the skin incision, belly button reconstruction,
tummy muscles need to heal.  Complete
healing of the tummy muscles is usually apparent at 6-8 weeks.  Most patients are allowed back to the chair
to perform rectus abdominis muscle exercises at 6 weeks and gradually increase
their strength and their core rectus muscles by 3 months or completely
unrestricted.

Of course, it’s very important you check with your operative
plastic surgeon as to when complete healing will occur and return to activities
allowed as they are in the best position to answer you.

I hope this information is of some assistance and best of
luck.

To find out more, please visit the link below.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

How long does it take for muscles to completely heal after Tummy Tuck? (photo)

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