“When can I resume exercise after abdominoplasty?” This is one of the most frequent questions patients ask before undergoing a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.
It’s important to remember that a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a complex surgical procedure involving reconstruction of the abdominal wall, including removal of excess skin and fat and tightening of the abdominal wall muscles, with the goal of reshaping the abdomen, waist, and body contour.
While its effectiveness in body shaping is proven, a tummy tuck is not intended for weight loss as a substitute for diet or physical exercise; therefore, this surgical intervention should only be performed when the patient has experienced a significant weight loss.
Likewise, to achieve lasting results, patients are recommended to maintain a healthy diet and incorporate a regular exercise routine after abdominoplasty surgery.
The tummy tuck provides the patient with a flatter and firmer abdominal contour in proportion to their body type and body weight. Final results will be seen around two weeks later as swelling subsides.
After surgery, the treated area is damaged and swollen. Engaging in exercise will greatly help in having a satisfactory recovery process, although the patient should always respect the doctor’s instructions to achieve the desired results.
The first thing to consider is that the intensity of exercise should be gradually increased. After the intervention, moderate exercise can be started gradually.
In any case, it is necessary to wait about two weeks to start with short walks. After this period, you can go for a walk or do some stationary cycling. Stretching and toning exercises are highly recommended because they help speed up recovery, reduce inflammation, and tone muscles, although they should be performed gradually and safely, always following the specialist’s recommendations.
After approximately 6 weeks, when the sutures have been removed, the patient can start practicing sports. It should be noted that this should be done gradually so that the body can adapt again to the usual rhythm, especially after undergoing a surgical procedure. In any case, it will be your doctor who will determine whether you can exercise and what type and intensity are appropriate.
At My Cosmetic Surgery, the tummy tuck is performed by board-certified plastic surgeons Jeffrey LaGrasso, Ravinder Jarial, David Globerman, Luke Gutwein, and William Scott McDonald, all of whom have extensive experience in this type of procedure.