Abdominal Crunches After Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair? (photo)

I like the patients to refrain from all exercise for 2 months after surgery, and not to exercise their core for 6 months.  I just don't think there is any benefit.

Hello Angeella, thank you for your question regarding the safety of doing abdominal crunches after a tummy tuck with muscle repair.

At six weeks post-op, your doctor’s recommendation to start light abdominal crunches is meant to help you gradually regain strength in your abdominal muscles. However, it is very important to listen to your body. If the crunches are causing significant pain, it might be your body’s way of telling you to slow down.

The discomfort you’re experiencing could be due to the fact that your muscles are still healing and adjusting to the repair. Light pain or discomfort is common, but sharp or intense pain is not. It’s crucial to ensure that you’re not pushing your body too hard, which could potentially compromise the muscle repair.

In such cases, it might be helpful to start with less intense exercises that target your core, such as gentle pelvic tilts or leg slides. These exercises can help you rebuild strength without putting too much strain on your healing muscles. Gradually, as your strength improves and your discomfort decreases, you can work up to more strenuous exercises like crunches.

Always remember to follow up with your surgeon if you have any concerns or if the pain persists. They can provide personalized advice and adjustments to your recovery plan based on your progress and specific circumstances. It’s better to take things slowly and ensure a full, healthy recovery rather than risk complications by overexerting yourself too soon.

Good luck with your recovery. I hope this helps answer your question regarding starting abdominal crunches after a tummy tuck with muscle repair.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

I advise my patients at 6 weeks post op that they can slowly return to light cardio exercises and some light weights, gradually building up strength. Abdominal workouts such as crunches etc. are something you probably would want to avoid for the first 2 months at least, most people will struggle before the 3 month mark.  Ultimately, there is absolutely no reason why you can’t eventually get back to normal, it just takes time.