Ab workouts never again after tummy tuck?

Question

After my tummy tuck my doctor told me I could start ab workouts 6-12 months after my procedure, but then proceeded to say she knows a plastic surgeon who never allows their patients to do them again, I felt, hinting I shouldn’t. Is there a reason that would be the case? Is this common or sometimes the case? I did ab workouts regularly before.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

thanks so much for your question,

After undergoing a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), your surgeon will provide specific guidelines for your recovery period, including instructions on when and how to resume physical activities, including abdominal exercises. In the immediate postoperative period, it's typical for patients to avoid strenuous activities, including traditional abdominal workouts, to allow for proper healing and to minimize the risk of complications.

As you progress through the recovery process and your surgeon gives you the green light, you can gradually reintroduce physical activity, including gentle abdominal exercises. However, it's crucial to start slowly and listen to your body to avoid overexertion and potential complications.

by working closely with your surgeon, you can safely incorporate abdominal workouts into your post-tummy tuck recovery routine.

Sincerely,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS · Answer

After a tummy tuck, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s specific guidelines for when you can resume abdominal workouts. The main concern initially is to allow your body enough time to heal, particularly the muscles that were repaired during the procedure. You can usually start light abdominal exercises about 8 weeks after an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck. You should wait at least 12 weeks before doing more intense abdominal exercises to ensure that the muscles, particularly those that were sutured together to correct diastasis recti, fully heal and strengthen.
While some surgeons may be more conservative and advise waiting longer, the general principle is that early engagement in intense abdominal workouts may risk compromising the muscle repair and cause potential complications. That said, once you’ve healed sufficiently, many patients are able to gradually reintroduce ab exercises and other physical activities into their routine, under the guidance of their surgeon. Every patient’s recovery timeline is different, so it’s always best to consult with your surgeon to create a plan tailored to your healing progress.
It is important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can customize your surgical plan and determine the best technique for you based on your individual anatomy and goals.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out with your question about engaging in abdominal workouts following a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). It's great to hear that you are considering how to resume your fitness routine after surgery safely.
The timeline for safely performing abdominal exercises, such as sit-ups or core work, varies depending on individual healing processes and the specific techniques used during surgery. Typically, during a tummy tuck, the rectus abdominis muscles are sutured together if there's a diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles), a procedure known as rectus diastasis plication. This process is critical for flattening and strengthening the core.
Most plastic surgeons recommend waiting approximately 6 to 12 months post-surgery before resuming intense abdominal exercises. This waiting period allows the muscles to heal properly and the sutures to fully integrate into the tissue, reducing the risk of tearing or damaging the muscle repair. The sutures used are generally heavy-duty and permanent, providing a robust repair that is unlikely to be compromised by exercise once fully healed.
However, approaches can vary among surgeons, with some being more conservative in their recommendations. It’s essential to follow the specific advice of your plastic surgeon, as they understand the details of your surgery and healing process.
Remember, the key is to allow adequate healing time and to reintroduce exercises gradually. Starting with lighter exercises and slowly increasing intensity under the guidance of your surgeon will ensure the best and safest outcomes.
Good luck with your recovery and eventual return to your fitness routine!
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Happy,
   Critical part of tummy tuck surgery is the abdominal muscles plication or tightening. In order to protect that muscles repair, which initially is being held only  by the non absorbing sutures,  you have to allow time for  scar to form and strengthen, so it holds the muscles together. That is why you have to avoid any strenuous activity of the abdomen for a certain time. In my practice, patients are prohibited from exercising at all for 8 weeks followed by light exercise for one month. They can return to normal activity after 3 months.  Additional protection is provided by wearing abdominal Velcro binder for 3 months.
    Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with flat stomach, nice belly button and narrower waists, improved body posture and low scar.
              All the best,
                                 Dr Widder
                        widderplasticsurgery.com

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

It is best to avoid abdominal workouts in the initial months to not interfere with the healing of your repaired muscles. However, once healed, you can go back and do what you like.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You can return to regular exercise, including abdominal work, after a tummy tuck.  The key is to wait until your surgeon clears you to do so and then return to your previous activity level gradually.  Listen to your body and build your strength back up slowly.

Pierre Lapaine, MD · Answer

Typically I tell me patients to avoid ab exercises for ~2 months after a tummy tuck but I think those that get back to abs/pilates, etc.. end up with the best long term results so I'm all for gettin back to it.The concern from your surgeon would be that the muscle repair would either loosen or let go but after a certain amount of time, your body should have formed enough scar tissue hold everything in place on its own. While there are a variety of techniques for repairing the muscle separation, a well done repair should stand the test of time, including in patients that want to get back to a full exercise routine.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I think you’re reading far too much into what the doctor told you.
Plastic surgeons will have different protocols in regards to when it’s appropriate to begin exercise after this procedure.
I’ve never heard of somebody ripping their stitches or losing their results due to exercise after a tummy tuck.It comes up now and then from patients asking questions.
The most common context, when patients bring this up is when they have a bulging abdomen after long-term outcome and the reason for that is almost always due to access, visceral, fat, and not because of exercise.
 in my opinion, you can begin exercising whenever you feel comfortable doing so.
Most people would be inherently cautious and limited exercise for the first couple of months anyway.
I don’t think you’ll be able to tolerate doing strong abdominal exercises until your body has healed sufficiently to do so.
There’s no need to push the envelope, but by six weeks I think patients should be able to engage in whatever level activity they are capable of.
I would not let fear of some bizarre theoretical risk the way of doing exactly what you want.Go hit the gym and hit it hard.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Mehmet Arif Karagoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Dear Happy2324,Resuming exercise after a tummy tuck ia a common concern for many. Depending on the type and length of the surgery, you may need to wait between 3-6 months before returning to exercise. Start with light training exercises for body and legs, do not start abdominal exercises until your Dr gives you ok. We understand the importance of getting back to your routine safely. Generally, my patients can start doing ab workouts about 8 months after a tummy tuck.

Ab workouts never again after tummy tuck?

Answers (9)

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