When Can I Start Exercising Again After A Tummy Tuck That Developed A Fluid Collection?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had a tummy tuck three weeks. I had my drained pulled after 8 days and I developed a fluid collection right after. My doctor removed the fluid by needle twice and the third time today there was no longer any fluid. Since I had no fluid today and I don't have to come see my doctor until another six weeks can I go ahead and start exercising?

A: Given that you have an abdominal seroma after your tummy tuck, I would wait another week before you should start exercising again. Even though your recent tap was negative (empty), that does not mean you may still not build up a little fluid. The most assured way to make that happen is get very active. Strenuous activity increases lymphatic flow to the tummy tuck area which could cause more fluid to build up again. Give your body another week to heal and not show any evidence of further fluid buildup before ‘stressing’ the competency of the sealed lymphatics at the surgery site.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana