Exercise After Tummy Tuck with Only Skin Removal and Lipo

Question

I had a Tummy Tuck a few weeks ago, but as my abdominal muscles were in good shape, they did only Liposuction and skin removal.  I also had my belly button moved so it was a full tummy tuck minus the muscle tightening. My incision is fully closed and scabbed over, and I feel pretty good.  Is it possible I can start exercising earlier without doing any damage or do I still need to wait 6 weeks?  It seems that 6 weeks is a standard recommendation for a normal tummy tuck.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It is best to follow your surgeon's advice. While it is theoretically possible to exercise at an earlier date such as 2 weeks, it is possible to increase the risks of seroma or hematoma or wound separation, in which case you will require treatment by you surgeon. Therefore, discuss this with him/her prior to intiating this on your own.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your great question about returning to exercise after a tummy tuck with only skin removal and liposuction, without muscle repair.

It’s excellent that you’re healing well and feeling good — that’s a great sign! However, even though your tummy tuck didn’t involve tightening the abdominal muscles, you still underwent major surgery involving skin removal, liposuction, tissue repositioning, and the creation of a new belly button. All of these steps require your body to heal internally, even if the surface skin appears fully closed.

Most plastic surgeons, myself included, still recommend waiting the full 6 weeks before resuming exercise, even if no muscle plication was done. Early on, even gentle workouts can stress the healing tissues, increase swelling, stretch your incision, or disrupt internal scarring that needs time to strengthen. Especially with liposuction involved, your lymphatic system and tissues are still adjusting, and overdoing it too soon could potentially compromise your final contour or prolong your recovery.

Once you hit the 6-week mark (and your surgeon gives you the green light), you can usually gradually return to low-impact activities first, such as brisk walking, light stationary biking, or light weights. Heavy lifting, high-intensity cardio, or core exercises should be reintroduced carefully over time. Always listen to your body — any sharp pain, unusual swelling, or pulling sensation is a sign to slow down.

It’s wonderful that you’re motivated to get back to exercising, but allowing your body the full time to heal will protect your surgical results and set you up for the best long-term outcome.

Wishing you continued smooth healing and a safe return to your fitness routine!

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS
(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons; Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame)

Please continue to follow your surgeon’s personalized advice, attend all follow-up appointments, and prioritize healing first — your long-term results will be worth the wait.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I always recommend to my patients to start exercises tend six weeks after PO, gradually: first, gentle walks without sweating, then, you can go to the gym to do aerobics, and, after four months you can stats with machines exercise and start with light weights, and, if there are no problems, only six months after PO may charge "free weights".
Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

My patients are allowed to return to athletic activity in about 2 weeks after a tummy tuck if the fascial repair was not part of the operation.   These are "my" patients and their specific issues are dealt with by my judgment.  I would be very upset if they followed the advice of another plastic surgeon because it sounded better than mine.

Sam Jejurikar, MD · Answer

Your surgeon, by far, is the best judge of when you should return to a strenuous exercise regimen.  He or she performed every aspect of the procedure and made recommendations regarding your return to an exercise regimen based on his or her clinical judgment.  If your surgeon wants you to wait, then you should wait.
That being said, most of us restrict patients from returning to an exercise regimen for 6-8 weeks to protect the muscle plication (tightening).  If you haven't yet asked your surgeon if you can exercise, it would certainly reasonable to ask him or her given that you didn't have the rectus abdominus muscles tightened.
Best of luck!

Exercise After Tummy Tuck with Only Skin Removal and Lipo

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Answer: After a tummy tuck, when it comes to resuming activity, listen to your surgeon.

Answer: After a tummy tuck, when it comes to resuming activity, listen to your surgeon.

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Exercise After Tummy Tuck with Only Skin Removal and Lipo

Answers (10)

Answer: After a tummy tuck, when it comes to resuming activity, listen to your surgeon.

Answer: After a tummy tuck, when it comes to resuming activity, listen to your surgeon.

Answer: Patience required after surgery

Answer: Patience required after surgery

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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