Post-Tummy Tuck: An Exercise Timeline
24 Hours
After you receive your tummy tuck, take a full day to rest. Giving your body 24 hours of rest helps the start of the healing process and makes sure incisions stay closed. Your doctor will let you know if you can go home or if they recommend an overnight stay. Whether in your own home or the hospital, the only exercise you should be doing is sitting and a bit of walking to increase circulation. When you stand up for your walks, do so very slowly and carefully.
1 To 2 Weeks
Within the first few weeks of healing, it’s good to get moving a bit so that you can get better circulation and promote healing. Walk around your house for only a few minutes at a time. Start with only a bit of walking at first and gradually build your walking time over these two weeks. Avoid stretching your abdomen muscles by keeping your hands below your waist.
3 To 5 Weeks
By the time you reach week 3, your swelling should be going down. Try walking for 15 minutes a day, twice a day, increasing this more when you get to week 5. By week 4 you can add some gentle lower body exercise. Do not start running or weight lifting yet, as this can cause strain on your abdominal muscles.
6 To 8 Weeks
If there are no complications in the healing process, you can now begin to exercise a bit more, but still with caution. You can try to increase your range of motion and your strength with some weights, although you should keep weights to about 15lbs maximum. After the 6-week mark, you may be approved to start running, but you should ease into it to ensure everything feels good. You should still avoid core workouts.
9 Weeks And Onward
By this point, you should be ready to get back into your regular workout routine unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. If there are any healing concerns or if you were doing intensive core workouts before your tummy tuck, you need to wait a bit before doing workouts that put a lot of pressure on your abdomen, such as sit-ups. You should be back to your regular workout routine for the most part.
Tummy Tucks In Kelowna
Tummy tucks can help to flatten your stomach, but they can also help repair damaged and weakened abdominal muscles and tighten and sculpt the skin and tissues of your belly. Although they take some healing time, tummy tucks can be very transformative and can help you to feel confident about your body. During a consultation, Dr. Peterson will discuss your desired outcomes and he will explain the results, the risks, and the healing process of a tummy tuck. To explore your options for a tummy tuck or any other surgical and non-surgical options for body contouring, contact our clinic in downtown Kelowna by calling 1-250-868-9099 or by filling out our online contact form.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to recover after a tummy tuck?
A: We advise patients to take at least two weeks off of work after the procedure to allow their bodies to begin the healing process. Every individual's recovery is different. Your surgeon will outline a recovery plan specific to you before you undergo your tummy tuck.
Q: What’s the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?
A: Liposuction creates a small incision for an instrument called a cannula to be inserted into the treatment area and suction out a safe amount of fat. Liposuction can be used on various areas of the body. A tummy tuck is a more intensive plastic surgery that removes excess skin and pulls the remaining skin taut. The abdominal muscles can also be manipulated during a tummy tuck. To learn more, read Liposuction Vs. Tummy Tuck. These procedures can also be combined for optimal results.
Q: How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
A: The results of abdominoplasty are very long-lasting but the exact length will depend on your age at the time of the surgery, your health, and if you undergo weight fluctuation or pregnancy after your cosmetic surgery. Fat and skin cells that are removed during the surgery are permanently gone, although current fat cells can still expand and current skin can stretch. If your weight stays relatively stable and you do not plan on having more children, the results will last for years.
