Working out 11 Weeks Post Op, Full TT with Muscle Repair - Swelling

Question

I went back to the gym at my 11 week mark.I did resume light exercise at 6 weeks however arthritis in my knee put a halt to that.I did 10 sprints at an incline several lunges at an incline,light weights and jogged(went to the gym Mon & Tue). That was two days ago and I feel swollen both in my lower and upper part of my abdomen and have some discomfort(not too painful)I'm worried that I over did it and might have caused some damage. Is that a possibility this far out of my surgery?

David A. Bottger, MD · Answer

The main reason for limiting exercise in the early stages post tummy tuck is to protect the abdominal wall plication. By eight weeks this is usually solidly healed and it is unlikely to be disrupted by exercise. Most likely the swelling you experienced will resolve, although in some cases intermittent swelling can occur with or without exercise. I would suggest scaling back the intensity of your workouts for the time being. If significant swelling and or pain persists have your surgeon take a look.

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.

Richard J. Wassermann, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

When resuming any exercize regimen after a tummy tuck, do so in a graded fashion.  It is unreasonable to expect that when you return to the gym after soft tissue healing is sufficiently mature, that you can begin at the point at which you left off.  At the eleven week mark, soft tissue healing is substantially complete and it is unlikely that you have caused any permanent damage.  I would allow for a period of time for the soreness and swelling to resolve prior to attempting those specific exercizes again.  I might suggest that you return to using a compression garment if one was provided post operatively or ask your surgeon if one can be ordered.  At times, there is increased lymphatic flow in operated tissues with exercize in the post operative period that may last up to six months.  Patients can control this microswelling and the accompanying soreness with use of a compression garment.  If your symptoms don't resolve quickly with rest, I would suggest that you follow up with your surgeon so that he may examine you and give a more definitive opinion.

Marc Schneider, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to develop swelling after straining. I would not expect that you caused any permanent damage but perhaps you should allow the swelling to resolve and start a "lighter" program that slowly progresses.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Anytime exercise is stopped for a period of time, injury, season change, and yes major surgery, you have to begin with a base and a core of fitness. I am surprised that more than your abdomen isn't swollen and sore. Start as though you are new to the gym and build aerobic fitness with low impact; recumbent bike, spin, elliptical, incline treadmill, swim. Low impact is key, and graduate time and intensity (not sprinting). Use support, a weight lift waist wrap, yet no lifting. When you hit 60 minutes of sustained effort, then start sprinting, but that should be three months away.
	Best of luck,
	peterejohnsonmd

Working out 11 Weeks Post Op, Full TT with Muscle Repair - Swelling

Answers (7)

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Excercise after tummy tuck, sprints, lunges, weights?

Answer: Excercise after tummy tuck, sprints, lunges, weights?

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.

Working out 11 Weeks Post Op, Full TT with Muscle Repair - Swelling

Answers (7)

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Excercise after tummy tuck, sprints, lunges, weights?

Answer: Excercise after tummy tuck, sprints, lunges, weights?

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.