How to Exercise Safely After a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a procedure that many women undergo each year in order to remove excess skin that results from either pregnancy, insufficient elasticity of skin, or a substantial weight gain. While your doctor will recommend that you avoid any sort of strenuous activity after your procedure, there are some light exercises you can do that can provide significant benefits. Make sure that you talk to your physician before performing any sort of exercise program after surgery.

The tummy tuck procedure will involve taking out most of the skin and fat between your pubic area and your navel. Your doctor will reposition your belly button and tighten the connective tissue in your abdomen. There are some post-surgery exercises that can help speed your recovery by increasing blood flow to your abdomen and also help you maintain a healthy weight while you are recuperating.

Many women can put on pounds after this sort of procedure because they cannot take part in strenuous activities when they return home. If you push yourself too hard, you run the risk of damaging the incisions and suffering serious health complications as a result. However, certain light exercises can help tone your muscles and increase your metabolism. They can also help ensure that your figure will remain proportional.

You should limit yourself to walking periodically in the first few days you are at home after your tummy tuck. Walking can reduce the chances of blood clots developing and a amount of discomfort is to be expected. It is extremely important that you only walk if you are comfortable doing so.

More than likely, you will be able to graduate to other light exercises within a month after your tummy tuck. As long as your physician approves, you may be able to lightly jog on a treadmill or pedal on a stationary bike. You may also be able to perform some gentle stretching exercises to help improve your flexibility. However, you should only do so after all of your sutures have been removed.

You will probably be out of all your bandages within six to eight weeks and be able to exercise more comfortably as a result. However, avoid any sort of heavy lifting as well as any more strenuous exercises involving your abdominal area during this time. These activities could stress the abdomen and lengthen your recovery time. As you get more comfortable with your exercises, you should be able to gradually increase their intensity. By the two-month period you will likely be able to return to your normal fitness regimen.