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If you’ve had an abdominoplasty, congratulations!
You’ve made a major commitment to improving your health and your appearance.
Now it’s time to make the most of your investment by following a carefully designed exercise program.
Doing exercise after tummy tuck surgery is an effective way to assist in the healing process.
Here are ten of the best exercises for recovering from your procedure.
Consult with your doctor and surgeon before starting any new exercise routine.
Table of Contents
10 Best Exercises for Tummy Tuck Recovery
For the first few weeks after a tummy tuck procedure, it’s important to do light exercise that will promote blood circulation.
However, high-strain activities such as weight-lifting exercises should be avoided for at least six weeks.
1. Walking
Light walking is the most common physical activity that tummy tuck patients can resume doing two weeks after surgery.
It is an excellent way to promote blood flow and avoid stressing your abdominal wall.
When walking, try to stand tall, but if there’s a slight hunch in your upper body at first, that is normal.
2. Stationary Cycling
Using a stationary bike is another way to stay active during your recovery period.
This is a good one to implement at about two to four weeks post-surgery.
3. Dead Bugs
Many plastic surgeons suggest doing exercises to regain strength in your abdominal area after about 2-3 months of recovery time for men and women.
These might include things like crunches, sit-ups, dead bugs, or other body-weight exercises for your abdominal muscles.
4. Pelvic Tilts
5. Sit-ups
6. Leg Raises
7. Wall Sits
8. Rowing Machine
Using a rowing machine will help strengthen your back muscles to help you get rid of that hunched-forward posture.
9. Jogging
Depending on how you feel, and what your doctor says, jogging can be added into your routine at about 6 weeks after surgery.
10. Squats
Squats are a great weight training exercise to start out with.
Not only does it strengthen your core muscles, but your entire body will benefit from this movement.
Be sure to use light weights at first and aim to do more repetitions over time.
Remember, to be patient with yourself, as many patients don’t start using weights for about 6-12 weeks after surgery.
What Is an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a plastic surgery procedure that promotes muscle tightening and removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal region.
It can improve the appearance of a “pooch” or “spare tire”.
It is often recommended for people who have gone through extreme weight loss or have had children.
And while it’s not recommended as an alternative to regular exercise, it might be just the thing you need if your abs have seen better days.
The Benefits of Exercising After an Abdominoplasty
After getting an abdominoplasty, it is important to be active.
This will help you heal faster and have better tummy tuck results.
It will also help you build regular exercise habits.
It is important to start slowly, but as soon as you feel comfortable and ready, gradually increase the intensity of your workouts.
Exercising after an abdominoplasty can provide a number of benefits which:
- Prevent Blood Clots
- Strengthen the muscle around your abdomen
- Reduce swelling
- Relieving tension
- Increase heart rate to a healthy level
- Improve posture and balance
- Increase energy levels
- Prevent the return of loose skin
Exercising can also be a great way to stay motivated, keep your body healthy, reduce stress, and even help you sleep better at night!
So if you recently had an abdominoplasty, get up and get moving!
Your body and mind will thank you for it.
Who knows, your tummy may even thank you too!
Tips for Your Post-Op Tummy Tuck Exercise Program
After your cosmetic surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for recovering.
This might include a specific exercise program to help you heal and reduce the risk of complications.
Here are some tips for creating a post-op tummy tuck exercise program:
1. Start slowly and build up over time.
Ask your doctor about how many repetitions and sets you can do, and how long you should wait before increasing them.
2. Make sure you are properly warmed up before starting your exercises.
This will help prevent injuries.
3. Use proper form when exercising.
This will help protect your incision site and ensure that you are getting the most out of your exercises.
4. Take breaks as needed.
Don’t push your physical limitations, especially in the early stages of your recovery.
5. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
6. Consult with your doctor before starting any new exercises or modifying your current program.
What To Expect During and After Surgery
During your surgery, the surgeon may make a horizontal incision below your navel and a vertical incision in the center of your abdomen.
The skin will be separated from the underlying tissues and muscles, and the surgeon will tighten the underlying muscles and remove excess fat and skin.
Sutures will be used to close the incisions.
You will likely experience some pain and swelling after surgery.
You may also experience nausea and vomiting.
The pain can be controlled with medication, but you should avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen, which can increase the risk of bleeding.
You will need to wear a compression garment for the first week or longer to help reduce swelling and promote healing.
You should expect to take approximately two weeks off from work.
You should avoid strenuous activity for six weeks.
You may gradually begin reintroducing physical activity as you feel comfortable, but you should avoid any activity that causes pain or discomfort.
Tips for a Successful Recovery
1. Get Adequate Rest
It is important to get plenty of rest after a tummy tuck.
This will help your body heal properly and reduce the risk of complications.
Try to sleep for at least eight hours each night and take naps when possible.
2. Set Reasonable Goals
It is important to be patient during recovery and not push yourself too hard.
Set reasonable goals for yourself and take things one step at a time.
It may take several weeks or even months before you feel like your old self again.
3. Listen to Your Body
Your body will tell you when it is time to push yourself and when it is time to rest.
LISTEN TO IT!
If you are feeling tired, sore, or sick, take a break and let your body recover.
Trying to push through the pain can only make things worse.
4. Hire a Personal Trainer
A personal trainer can help you regain strength and mobility after surgery.
He or she can also help you set goals and track your progress.
This can be an invaluable resource during recovery.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
What Is the Best Exercise After a Tummy Tuck?
The best exercise after a tummy tuck may vary depending on the individual’s specific situation.
However, some basic exercises that can be beneficial for most people after a tummy tuck include walking, light jogging, dead bugs, or leg lifts.
It is important to start slow so you can safely return to higher-intensity workouts.
Once again, consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine post-tummy tuck.
How Do I Get My Stomach Flat After a Tummy Tuck?
The best way to get your stomach flat after a tummy tuck is to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions religiously.
This usually includes wearing a compression garment, avoiding strenuous activity, eating a healthy diet, and drinking plenty of water.
Most importantly, be patient.
It may take several months for your results to fully develop.
What Happens if You Exercise Too Soon After Tummy Tuck?
Some people may find that they experience discomfort or pain if they exercise too soon after their tummy tuck.
This could lead to regressions in recovery.
Can You Tone Your Stomach After a Tummy Tuck?
It’s possible to tone your stomach after a tummy tuck, but you’ll need to be patient and diligent with your exercise program.
You may not see results for several months, but if you stick with it and maintain a healthy diet, you should eventually see a noticeable difference.
How Soon Can You Exercise After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Most patients are able to resume light training two weeks after surgery.
It will take a bit longer (roughly 2-3 months) before you can begin doing strenuous activities again.
It is best to ask your doctor when you can start working out after surgery.
Summarizing Post-Tummy Tuck Exercise Routines
If you’ve just undergone this body contouring surgery to tighten and tone your tummy, congratulations!
You’ve taken a crucial step in getting your body back.
In order to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery, it’s important to follow your doctor’s orders closely as well as commit to some frequent exercise.
I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you on your road to healing.
Remember that everyone recovers differently, so if something doesn’t feel right or you experience any pain, stop immediately and consult your doctor.
How has your post-surgery journey been so far?
What are some of the exercises that work best for you?
Let me know in the comments below!
Sources:
https://www.belcarahealth.com/blog/6-steps-to-working-out-after-a-tummy-tuck/
https://beldholm.com.au/body-contouring/15-exercises-to-get-the-best-body-after-a-tummy-tuck/
https://drturner.com.au/blogs/exercise-after-tummy-tuck/
https://www.plasticsurgerydallas.com/article/vertical-scars-in-tummy-tuck/
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/procedure
https://beverlyhills.timothykatzenmd.com/blog/faqs-tummy-tuck-surgery
