Ab workouts never again after tummy tuck?

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

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

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