I often get asked if it is hard to exercise after a tummy tuck, and the answer is no, it’s not. In fact, I think it’s easier. I had a tummy tuck 4 months ago, and since then I’ve been able to exercise more consistently and with less pain than ever before.
The secret is that my muscles are stronger now than they have ever been in my life. After surgery, your muscles have to re-grow together, and doing so makes them much stronger than before.
I used to have trouble just doing sit-ups because I felt like my stomach was going to split open, but now my core feels much stronger and I can do all sorts of exercises without any pain or discomfort at all.
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on 4 month post op tummy tuck, 3 months after tummy tuck pictures. Read on to learn more. We at collegelearners have all the information that you need about 5 months post op tummy tuck swelling. Read on to learn more.
4 month post op tummy tuck
When considering a tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, you’ll more than likely envision the end result right from the very start. Convey these goals to the board-certified plastic surgeon during your consultation. From there, the two of you can discuss how to effectively achieve them. It’s also essential to understand what recovery will look like, and how long it will take. This helps ensure you’ve set realistic expectations.
The timeline for tummy tuck recovery varies, based on the individual patient and factors such as age, general health, type of tummy tuck (extended or mini), and level of post-surgery care. After the procedure, your surgeon will discuss your specific road to healing, but patients typically see results and feel fully recovered eight weeks later.
Long Island’s premier plastic surgery practice Buglino Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery developed a useful timeline explaining the various stages of recovery following your abdominoplasty. For more specific information, contact your surgeon.
Immediately After Surgery
Your abdomen will be secured with an abdominal binder, which is later exchanged for a compression garment. A mesh strip surgical dressing will be placed along the incisions, and small tubes around these, to drain any built-up fluid.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions to ensure you are adequately prepared for a successful recovery. You’ll be told how to care for your drain tubes. The secured mesh over the incision will not require any daily maintenance. You will be instructed on the types of physical activity to avoid, how long to wear an abdominal pressure garment, and more. You won’t be able to drive yourself home, so make the proper arrangements.
Several Days After Surgery
Because you’ll have limited mobility for a few days following the abdominoplasty, you’ll need to recruit help. You’ll have difficulty bending, lifting, and standing for long periods, so having someone around to provide assistance can be beneficial to your recovery.
You may feel some pain and tenderness at the site for several days. Most surgeons will prescribe antibiotics and anticoagulants for patients to take. An abdominal support garment should also help with swelling and discomfort.
Patients may want to keep their diets light in the days following surgery to ensure they’re not straining their stomach muscles. Try to eat low-sodium foods to reduce inflammation, and increase fiber intake to decrease strain during bowel movements.
Alcohol, smoking, and excessive sun exposure should be avoided for at least three months post-surgery.
One to Three Weeks After Surgery
It’s also essential to understand what recovery will look like, and how long it will take. This helps ensure you’ve set realistic expectations.
During the follow-up visit with your surgeon, he or she will decide if it is the right time to remove your mesh strip bandage. At this time, you should already notice a significant change in your stomach’s contour.
After the checkup, you’ll need to continue wearing your support garment, based on your surgeon’s instructions.
If you have a sedentary job, you can likely return to work. However, if it requires heavy lifting and constant standing or bending, you may not be able to resume work for two to three weeks.
Those looking to jump back on the treadmill or elliptical machine will need to wait about three weeks. Although ultimately determined on a case-by-case basis, it will commonly take approximately six weeks to return to weight training. When you resume either of these activities, keep an eye on your incision. If you notice any swelling, limit your activity and contact your surgeon.
One to Three Months After Surgery
Many will still experience swelling in the months following a tummy tuck. You may also feel a numbness, pulling sensation, or experience bruising in your abdomen area. The incision should be fully healed, but it’s possible your remaining scar will still appear red and raised. This will eventually become flat and fade.
One to two months after surgery, it’s generally safe to resume normal activities, including strength training or a profession that involves physical activity. However, your surgeon will make the ultimate determination.
One Year After Surgery
One year later, your abdominoplasty should be fully healed, and results visible. Your inflammation should be gone, and your scar faded. Although the latter will never completely disappear, it should be nearly invisible, and hidden beneath your underwear line.
Ensure you’re maintaining your results with a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Gaining or losing weight may change the appearance of your abdominal area, and produce sagging skin. This is one of the reasons why patients should wait until they’ve had all their children before undergoing the procedure. If you maintain your weight, the results of an abdominoplasty by a board-certified surgeon will last a lifetime.
3 months after tummy tuck pictures
Age: 33
6-Months Post Op
This patient is shown after a tummy tuck with muscle plication and liposuction of the waist with removal of 3.5 liters of fat. An umbilical hernia was also repaired during this case.View All Images
Age: 26
2-Years Post Op
She was able to lose a commendable amount of weight by diet and exercise but was left with sagging skin and fat that was resistant. She is shown after a tummy tuck with muscle plication and liposuction of the waist with removal of 2 liters of fat.View All Images
Age: 31
3-Months Post Op
Mother of 3 children who wished for a more curvy waist. Shown 3 months after a Tummy Tuck with muscle plication and liposuction of 4.5 L of fat from her abdomen, flanks, and back.View All Images
Age: 59
6-Months Post Op
59 year old who had lost over 100 lbs following a gastric bypass 8 years prior. No matter what she ate or how active she was she could not rid herself of the loose hanging tissue on her lower abdomen. Shown 6 months following a Tummy Tuck with muscle plication and liposuction of 4 L of fat from her waist.View All Images
Age: 39
1-Year Post Op
This is a 39 year old mother that was unable to regain her mid-section following having children. She is shown 1 year after a tummy tuck with muscle repair and liposuction of 1 Liter of fat from her waist and inner thighs. A tummy tuck with muscle repair and liposuction of 1 Liter of fat from her waist and inner thighs.View All Images
Age: 48
1-Year Post Op
Before
After
This 48 year old was concerned with loose skin on her lower abdomen and fatty deposits on her outer thighs that persisted despite diet and exercise. She is shown 1 year after a tummy tuck with muscle repair and liposuction of 3.7 Liters of actual fat from her waist and upper outer thighs.
A tummy tuck with muscle repair and liposuction of 3.7 Liters of actual fat from her waist and upper outer thighs.View All Images
Age: 38
3-Months Post Op
Before
After
Procedure: Tummy Tuck with muscle plication and removal of 3 liters of fat from the abdomen, flanks, and back with liposuctionView All Images
Age: 31
4-Months Post Op
Before
After
This 31 year old came with complaints of severe laxity of her skin and abdominal muscles after having children despite staying very active.
She underwent a tummy tuck with repair of her muscle and liposuction of 500cc of fat from her flanks. She is shown at 4 months after the procedure.View All Images
Age: 54
3-Months Post Op
Before
After
Procedure: Tummy Tuck with muscle plication and liposuction of 1.5 L of fat from the abdomen, flanks, and back.View All Images
Age: 33
3-Months Post Op
Before
After
Procedure: Tummy Tuck with muscle plication and removal of 3 liters of fat from the abdomen, flanks, and back with liposuctio.View All Images
Age: 38
6-Months Post Op
Before
After
38 year old who was concerned about skin and muscle laxity of her lower abdomen following childbirth.
She is shown 6 months after a Tummy Tuck with muscle repair and liposuction of 650cc of fat from her abdomen and flanks.