Should I wear my compression garment when exercising?

Question

How long after a tummy tuck and lipo to flanks can I start some physical activities? What type? Sit-ups? Running? Yoga?

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. After 4-6 weeks your surgery area will healed and yes you can doing yoga and also do other activities. I wish you all the best.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! For my patients having a tummy tuck, I recommend they wear the surgical garment we provide for the first 3 weeks, 24/7, then an additional 3 weeks at night only. For exercise, I recommend they wait 3 weeks post surgery before resuming any cardio (jogging, seated bike, elliptical), and 6 weeks from resuming any weight lifting, yoga, and vigorous exercises. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Ask your plastic surgeon about garments and the duration of wear, because each plastic surgeon will a different protocol.   My patients typically wear the garment as much as possible for six weeks.  Should the swelling resolve faster than usual, they will opt for a smaller size garment.  I have received no complaints about wearing the garment other than its itchy quality.  Wearing a soft t-shirt under it resolves this issue.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Robert J. Paresi Jr., MD, MPH · Answer

Thanks for the question.  I do recommend wearing a compression garment with exercise after a tummy tuck and liposuction of the waist.  It is very common for patients to develop some transient swelling with resumption of exercise after a tummy tuck procedure.  The compression garment will help reduce some of the swelling.  I typically recommend a patient can resume mild to moderate aerobic activity within a week of a tummy tuck procedure but avoid any activities that specifically engage their core muscles until six weeks after surgery.  This is especially true if they have had a rectus muscle plication as part of their tummy tuck.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. Every surgeon has a different protocol for recovery from surgery. The fact that you are asking on here and your surgeon did not review that protocol with you tells me that you did not have your procedure by a reputable, board-certified, plastic surgeon. So I suggest you find one in your area who can help you or call your surgeon for instructions.Best of luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Lori94893,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Always best to ask your surgeon their recommendations as they know the full details of your procedure and can offer you the best advice. In general most patients are able to return to light cardio work 3-4 weeks after surgery and should keep compression on as it will limit the additional swelling that exercise can create.  Each week thereafter patients can increase their cardio intensity until running at 5-7 weeks.  Core work is typically limited until weeks 6-8 when the majority of muscle pain and spasming has resolved, while yoga may take several months to have the elasticity in the skin to assume many of its positions.  Hope this helps.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Lori. I appreciate your dedication! I usually recommend resumption of light exercise no sooner than four weeks after Tummytuck with liposuction and I recommend that they wear their elastic garment when exercising. After 6 to 8 weeks patients can return to full and strenuous workouts. Confirm my advice with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Generally my patients can return to work and non strenuous activities after two weeks.  Low impact exercise can begin after four weeks and strenuous activities can resume after six weeks.  It is always best to check with your surgeon on post op activity as opinions may vary.

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

This is a question best answered by your own board certified plastic surgeon! I discuss this with my patients prior to surgery, so they have a good understanding of what to expect after surgery. You can get into trouble if you resume too early. Best of luck to you!

Should I wear my compression garment when exercising?

Answers (15)

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