This blog discusses the importance of exercise during your tummy tuck recovery. Even gentle movement, such as walking, can increase blood flow to help you heal faster, reduce swelling, and avoid complications. It also addresses what activities to avoid and how to ease back into your exercise routine after your tummy tuck surgery.
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Returning to Exercise After a Tummy Tuck
Getting back into an exercise routine after a tummy tuck can be challenging because you have to be extra gentle with your abdominal muscles. While you shouldn’t engage in strenuous exercise after a tummy tuck, it’s important to incorporate some gentle movement into your recovery.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure in which excess fat and skin are removed, and abdominal muscles are tightened and repositioned for a thinner silhouette. Dr. Bridges offers both a full and a mini tummy tuck, and liposuction is included in both.
A tummy tuck can significantly improve the contours of your abdomen and address issues—such as stubborn fat, loose skin, and weakened muscles—that persist despite a person’s efforts to exercise and eat well. However, a tummy tuck is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, and it is important to maintain a nutritious diet and exercise habits after surgery. In fact, it is recommended that abdominoplasty patients begin an exercise routine in the months leading to surgery if they don’t already have one.
Why Is Exercise Important After a Tummy Tuck Procedure?
Recovery time varies because every body heals differently. With proper care and adherence to the surgeon’s post-operative instructions, most patients can return to work after 10 days. However, because of the transformative nature of the tummy tuck procedure, it will take several weeks to fully heal. Therefore, it is important to maintain healthy habits after your tummy tuck, especially during the months when healing takes place.
While rest is a huge part of recovery, Dr. Bridges recommends moving around to maintain blood circulation. Gentle movement, such as walking, aids the healing process, reduces swelling, and can help minimize complications, such as blood clots.
How Soon After a Tummy Tuck Can I Exercise?
Movement is critical to healing and easing you back into your exercise routine after your tummy tuck surgery. Here is a general tummy tuck recovery timeline regarding the level of activity you can expect as you heal.
Week 1
Generally, the first few days after surgery will be spent resting, but movement should gradually increase over time—even isolated ankle, leg, arm, and hand movements. Remember to take it easy in the beginning to allow the incision to heal. During this time, avoid bending over and standing for long periods of time.
Weeks 2–4
During the first few weeks, physical activity should be light and gentle. Short walks around the house can help with healing, but it is important to avoid stretching, bending, lifting heavy objects, and tensing the abdominal muscles. Resting is still crucial at this stage, and walking will be your go-to form of exercise.
Weeks 5–6
At this point, exercise can gradually increase to low-intensity arm and leg workouts, and you can go on longer walks.
Weeks 7–8
Many forms of moderate exercise can be resumed with approval from your surgeon, including returning to the gym and running on a treadmill. You should continue to avoid lifting heavy weights and get clearance from your surgeon before swimming.
Three Months and Beyond
By three months after surgery, you should be clear to resume most physical activities, including lifting heavier weights. Always follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions.
At Bridges to Beauty, you are in excellent hands. Dr. Bridges will provide you with all the information you need to know before and after surgery and answer any questions you have.
Interested in Learning More About Tummy Tuck in Shreveport, LA?
If a healthy diet and exercise are not giving you the results you desire, a tummy tuck can greatly improve your confidence and quality of life. Call us today at (318) 219-8555 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
