2 weeks post-op TT. When do repaired abdominal muscles reach their maximum healed strength, i.e. risk of tear is "0"?

Question

I had tummy tuck two weeks ago. I have been slowly walking around the house, but I get tired quickly and still slightly bent over. I will incorporate longer walk on flat surface (treadmill) this week, but would like to follow a super conservative plan before I start training for half marathon and weight training. I would like to know the best possible slow plan for exercise after a full tummy tuck with muscle repair (5 inch gap).

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Hercules,   Congratulation on your tummy tuck. This is a great procedure and a great investment in yourself. As such, you need to protect your investment and follow strictly your surgeon post operative instruction.    In my practice , most of my patients feel very comfortable after 2 weeks, however, they are instructed to avoid strenuous activity (gym, sex etc) for 8 weeks. After 6 weeks, they may resume light to moderate activity at the gym and after 8 weeks they are off limitation , except for very heavy lifting for additional month.   Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...                  Best of luck,                                  Dr Widder

Sanjay Lalla, MD, FACS · Answer

hello. We inform our patients that they will slowly work their way to full exercise at three months Two weeks is quite early to do too much ( don’t want to rupture muscle stitches ).   Your doctor should advise you how much you can do as each week passes. Good luck

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

At 2 weeks post op it is still very early to start exercising, I usually tell my patients to wait at least 6 weeks before getting back to their regular activities.

Parit A. Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  After an abdominoplasty and repair of rectus diastasis, it is important to limit your activity to avoid postoperative complications.  I recommend waiting at least 6 weeks before you return to normal activity.  I would also recommend that you ease yourself into the running and weight training.  Good luck and I hope this helps.

2 weeks post-op TT. When do repaired abdominal muscles reach their maximum healed strength, i.e. risk of tear is "0"?

Answers (4)

Answer: Returning to normal activity after an abdominoplasty

Answer: Returning to normal activity after an abdominoplasty

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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.

2 weeks post-op TT. When do repaired abdominal muscles reach their maximum healed strength, i.e. risk of tear is "0"?

Answers (4)

Answer: Returning to normal activity after an abdominoplasty

Answer: Returning to normal activity after an abdominoplasty

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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.