Can I Exercise 6 Weeks After Tummy Tuck?

Question

I Will Be 6 Weeks Post Op (FTT, Lipo of the Flanks, BA, BL) Next Week What Excercise Are Recommended? I use to go to the gym 5-6 times a week & would run 3-5 miles. Can I do squats, lunges, lift weights if so how much. I would love to run again.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

You can start doing cardio at 3-4 weeks after surgery, but wait 6 weeks before you do anything more strenuous, like lifting weights and sit-ups. Although you are 6 weeks post-op and can start exercising again, you should begin very slowly and build up to your former intensity. Doing too much too soon can compromise your recovery and can even cause complications.Having said this, however, it is important you follow your surgeon's post-op instructions as they may have different guidelines.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. After 4-6 month operation area is totally healed and yes you can exercising and also do other sport activities. I wish you all the best.

Germán Newall, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Core exercises can be started at 3 months post-op. I do not recommend abdominal crunches for up to 8 months post-op. Please talk to your plastic surgeon, they will be able to provide you with a better answer since they know your particular case. Hope this helps,Dr. German NewallHouston Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

This is something you should discuss with your surgeon who knows you best. For my patients, I recommend walking a little bit each day and increasing when comfortable. At 6 weeks my patients can resume their exercise routines but add slowly, do not over do it or you will see some swelling return. Good luck.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Normal activity may be resumed at 3-6 weeks post operation to tolerance and that would include elliptical and light cardio. After the operation, basic exercises are recommended, such as walking immediately and progressive activities beginning on the third week. At 6 weeks core exercises especially crunches (starting slowly and building each week to tolerance) is particularly helpful to show your results following a tummy tuck. You should start off easy and not jump right back into your old routine before the procedure. Swelling may indicate too much activity. Let your body and your Plastic Surgeon tell you what it can do. Specific time periods for resumption of daily activities, work, and exercise with be further discussed by your surgeon post op.

Geoffrey E. Leber, MD · Answer

I advise my patient to perform only lite activity for the first 3 weeks after an abdominoplasty. If there is no seroma and no other complications, I allow my patients to gradually increase activity as tolerated. Usually this means low impact aerobic exercise such as an elliptical bike after 3 weeks, high impact aerobic exercises by 4-6 weeks and potentially light weight training after 6 weeks. I always inform my patients to listen to their own bodies. If they hurt or swell after exercise, I inform them too take it slower, and gradually increase activities as tolerated. Geoffrey Leber, MD

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Assuming you have had an uneventful recovery, and that your surgeon approves, exercise at 6 weeks is not only possible but recommended!

	BUT, you should start gradually so you do not injure areas that have not fully matured in the 6-12 month long healing process!

	Also, keep your scars out of the sun (or tanning booth) as long as they are pink (6-12 months). Permanent ultraviolet avoidance is actually good, since you can obtain Vitamin D from fortified milk or oral vitamin supplements. Ultraviolet not only hyperpigments scars, but also cause skin cancers, wrinkles, and loss of collagen and elastic fibers over time. Spray tan or use self-tanning lotions! Cheers!

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

You really need to consult with your surgeon for recommendations for exercise after your procedures.  I like to see my patients in post-op to ensure that they are healing properly before advising on resumption of exercise.  However, in most cases six weeks is enough time for recovery.  Just make sure that you do not push your body too much.  

	 

	Good Luck.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Ask your surgeon.

	Only they know what they did in surgery and what their protocol is for surgery limitations.

	We generally allow patients to resume full exercise, at their tolerance, at 6 weeks time.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Questions like this should be addressed to your operating surgeon who knows your situation the best. Sometimes return to exercise may need to be delayed if the patient is  experiencing complications.  Generally speaking,  many patients are able to return to lower extremity work out,  without heavy lifting at the 6 week postop mark. 

	I hope this helps.

Can I Exercise 6 Weeks After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (16)

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