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

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.

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

Ab workouts never again after tummy tuck?

Answers (9)

Answer: Returning to activity

Answer: Returning to activity

Answer: Workout after tummy tuck

Answer: Workout after tummy tuck

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.

Ab workouts never again after tummy tuck?

Answers (9)

Answer: Returning to activity

Answer: Returning to activity

Answer: Workout after tummy tuck

Answer: Workout after tummy tuck

Browse related questions

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.