Cosmetic Surgery Tips

4 weeks post tummy tuck exercise

For someone who had a tummy tuck 4 weeks ago, there are many benefits to exercising. It will help you recover more quickly and will help you heal better. This is because exercise helps boost your immune system; it improves blood flow to your abdominal area and increases the amount of oxygen available to your muscles. This improved blood flow has the additional benefit of flushing out toxins that can be released during surgery while helping to reduce swelling.

Exercising after a tummy tuck is also a good way to get back into shape. Because liposuction removes fat from the abdomen, it can leave excess skin that needs to be tightened. Performing exercises that target the muscles in this area may help strengthen them and make them look better. In this guide, we review the aspects of 4 Weeks Post Tummy Tuck Exercise, when can i walk on treadmill after tummy tuck, post tummy tuck exercise plan, and Can you have stomach problems after a tummy tuck?

Please note that not all patients are able to exercise right away; it is important for you to check with your doctor before engaging in any kind of physical activity post-surgery

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 weeks post tummy tuck exercise, 4 weeks after tummy tuck photos. Read on to learn more. We at collegelearners have all the information that you need about what happens if you lift too much after tummy tuck. Read on to learn more.

4 weeks post tummy tuck exercise

If you are used to exercising regularly, the prospect of being unable to indulge in your favorite sport can be daunting. Many active men and women opt for a tummy tuck to fix excess skin or weakened abdominal muscles, and a common question at tummy tuck consultations includes how soon exercise can be resumed.

1 Week after Tummy Tuck

For the first week after your procedure, you should still be avoiding exercise. During this early healing phase, you’ll still be experiencing some pain or discomfort, as well as swelling and post-op fatigue, so it is important to allow your body sufficient time to recover.

2 Weeks after Tummy Tuck

By now, your recovery may be sufficient that you can return to work, depending on what you do for a living. Your compression garments should still be worn and, while you may now take short walks to aid recovery, your tummy tuck is still too recent for exercise to be allowed.

3 to 4 Weeks after Tummy Tuck

If your recovery is all going according to plan, you may be able to resume light exercise after 3 to 4 weeks post tummy tuck. You should still avoid any particularly strenuous workouts, as well as exercises targeting the abdominal area, such as sits ups or weight lifting.

Walking or stationary cycling can be a good place to start, with more vigorous exercise not recommended until the 6-week mark.

6 Weeks after Tummy Tuck

Normal exercise routines should now be possible, although you should be vigilant for any signs that you are pushing your body too far. Start slowly and work your way back to your previous activity level, rather than launching yourself into strenuous activities too soon.

What happens if you lift too much after tummy tuck

If you’ve recently had a tummy tuck, you will likely want to know when it is safe to resume exercise and sexual activities. Also known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a surgery to remove excess skin and fat from the belly.1

Starting exercise too soon after a tummy tuck can lead to complications such as poor wound healing, scarring, or a need for follow-up surgery.2

Senior woman stretching in a group exercise class
Jon Feingersh / Getty Images

This article offers advice on when you can safely return to physical activity as well as ways to modify your daily activities so that you can heal properly.

Immediately After Surgery

When you awaken from surgery, your abdomen will be covered with a sterile dressing, and you may have tiny tubes to help drain fluid from the wound. This is common and should not cause any concern.1

On the day of your surgery, you will be directed to walk a bit to promote blood circulation and healing.2 Don’t do this alone—you could be at risk of falling because your balance and strength might be impaired due to postoperative pain or the effects of anesthesia.

Once home, you will likely have trouble with bending, reaching, or standing for long periods of time. If you live alone, it helps to have someone stay with you for at least a couple of days until you are able to take care of everyday tasks.

Most surgeons recommend waiting at least two to three days after surgery before showering.3

Light cardio activity, such as walking, is started immediately after surgery and continued until your doctor clears you for more. You can walk a bit longer and farther each day to help build your strength.3

However, you have to avoid squatting and lifting heavy objects for the first few weeks. This includes lifting groceries and small children.3Tummy Tuck Recovery

Returning to Exercise

People who have had a tummy tuck are sometimes a bit too eager to return to exercise given their trim, new physique. This is something you need to avoid. Depending on the extent of your surgery, your surgeon may tell you to wait four to 10 weeks after your tummy tuck.2

When you do begin, start slowly with only a few repetitions, paying extra-close attention to form. If you have not exercised before, ask your surgeon for a referral to a personal trainer experienced in tummy tuck recovery. This helps ensure you proceed smartly and safely.

There are no standard guidelines on how to exercise after a tummy tuck, but most surgeons agree that you should avoid stressing the stomach muscles until the tissues are fully healed.

Start with light weights to slowly build strength and tone to the upper body. You can also perform exercises that strengthen the legs, such as calf raises, step-ups, and thigh exercises with resistance bands.

Until you are fully healed, avoid planks, squats, lunges, pull-ups, sit-ups, or any lifting exercises.

Once your surgeon gives you the OK, you can begin to do crunches, sit-ups, and planks as long as you start slowly and progress gradually. Pay attention to form, set reasonable goals, and listen to your body. If you experience any pain or something doesn’t feel right, ease back. Do not rush things.

Recap

Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may need to wait between four to 10 weeks before returning to exercise. Start with upper body and leg exercises, and only start abdominal exercises when your doctor gives you the OK.

Modifying Daily Activities

As for daily activity, you need to avoid lifting objects that weigh more than 5 pounds for six weeks because this can cause harm to the incision site, potentially leading to bleeding and scarring.4 Driving, cooking, or shopping is usually OK after the first week or two.3

Ask your surgeon how long you need to stay home after the surgery. This can vary based on the type of tummy tuck you’ve had. For more extensive procedures, expect to take off work for around four weeks.4

It’s generally advised to avoid bathing and swimming for the first month. Showering is fine, but avoid soaking the incision site or drying the skin vigorously.3

Most doctors will instruct you to wear a special compression bandage for the first month, ideally for 23 hours a day. Doing so helps the treated area heal evenly and prevents blood clots. After the first month, you may be given a different compression bandage to wear during active days.2

Recap

Avoid lifting objects that weigh more than 5 pounds for six weeks. For the first month, it is important to wear a compression bandage for around 23 hours a day.

Sleeping Position

Do not sleep on your stomach until you are no longer sore. You may find that sleeping with pillows under your back and head and/or under your knees may reduce discomfort.2

This is known as the semi-Fowler’s position and should be used for two weeks following surgery to avoid straining the incision site. Sleeping in a recliner is also often recommended since it puts less stress on the belly.1

Resuming Sex

Most surgeons recommend that you wait at least two weeks (and up to four weeks) after a tummy tuck before having sex.5

When engaging in sex, it may be best to stand straight or lie flat on your back rather than squatting, lifting your legs, or being on top. Even lying on your side may pose problems as it can cause you to arch your back, which extends and stretches the abdominal muscles.

Don’t be embarrassed to speak with your surgeon about when it is safe to have sex again. And remember that sex is not just about intercourse. Until you are fully healed, mutual masturbation and oral sex may provide just as much pleasure.

Recap

Depending on the extent of your surgery, you should avoid sex for at least two weeks after a tummy tuck and up to four. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor when it is safe to resume sex.

Summary

It takes time and rest to properly heal after tummy tuck surgery. While you heal, you need to avoid squatting, lifting, or any action that places stress on the surgical area. Doing so may interfere with healing and cause scarring.

Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may need to wait between four to 10 weeks before returning to routine exercise. Start with strength training exercises for the upper body and legs, and don’t start abdominal exercises until your doctor gives you the OK. If an exercise causes pain, ease back to avoid hurting yourself.

when can i walk on treadmill after tummy tuck

 As of May 11, 2020, we have re-opened our office to regular in-person appointments. We are operating at a lower-than-normal capacity in order to respect social distancing advisories and best protect the health of our patients. We are still offering telemedicine as an option. For more information please call us at (314) 996-8800.

How do you stay fit after a tummy tuck?

At West County Plastic Surgeons, we encourage all of our abdominoplasty patients to exercise regularly to keep their abdominal muscles toned and tight. Doing so can help maintain surgical results, provided patients do not gain excess weight. If they do, the extra weight can stretch the skin and tissues that have been repaired, possibly causing damage and new stretch marks. Regular exercise can burn calories and boost a person’s metabolism, which is why we encourage our patients to stay fit after a tummy tuck.

That said, it is important to remember that abdominoplasty is major surgery, so patients will be unable to return to their normal activity level for many weeks. The following general schedule can guide those who are interested in staying fit after a tummy tuck:

Dr. Terry Myckatyn and Dr. Marissa Tenenbaum:

Trusted. Experienced. Committed.

Remember that the above schedule is just an estimate.  Because each patient heals at a different rate, it is important to attend each follow-up appointment and carefully heed your surgeon’s instructions and recommendations.

If you are considering abdominoplasty, it is important to consult with a licensed, board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure safe and outstanding outcomes. During your initial consultation with Dr. Terry Myckatyn and Dr. Marissa Tenenbaum, we will be happy to show you before-and-after photos of prior tummy tuck patients and answer any questions you might have about the procedure—or about strategies for staying fit after a tummy tuck. To schedule your consultation, contact our St. Louis office by phoning (314) 996-8800, requesting your consultation online, or emailing us today.

post tummy tuck exercise plan

The abdominoplasty — more commonly known as the tummy tuck — is a cosmetic surgery procedure that eliminates excess fat and skin from the abdominal region in order to make an individual look more trim and fit. It is a very popular plastic surgery procedure, largely because it allows people to achieve a desired look that they can easily maintain.

The key to maintaining those incredible results is to exercise after you’re healed from a tummy tuck and your doctor clears you for exercise. While you will have to wait until the initial tummy tuck recovery period is over, you should resume a light exercise routine consisting of specific, targeted exercises in order to improve and prolong your results. When you combine a post tummy tuck exercise plan with the best targeted compression garments, you’ll feel confident knowing that your results are going to last for months and years to come.

Best Exercises After a Tummy Tuck

You should always get clearance from your surgeon before you begin exercising after your tummy tuck procedure. However, when you do begin your exercise regimen again, you will want to make sure that it incorporates specific movements and techniques that are designed to enhance the abdominal area. These are the best exercises to do in the months following your tummy tuck procedure.

Abdominal Exercises for Core Strengthening

Given the fact that the tummy tuck surgery focuses solely on the core, abdominal exercises will play a pivotal role in maintaining the benefits of your surgery. You will want to work closely with your surgeon and evaluate which exercises will best complement your personal goals as well as your current health.

These are a few abdominal exercises for core strengthening that you can consider after healing from your tummy tuck surgery:

Cardio & Aerobics to Keep Your Body Lean

Cardio and aerobic exercises are an important part of exercise after tummy tuck. Not only will these exercise routines help to keep you lean and prevent the build-up of fat in your abdominal area, but they also will provide you with a natural boost of energy and happiness. This is particularly important when you are learning to love your new body and adjust to life after surgery.

These are some of the best cardio and aerobics exercises to enjoy after your tummy tuck procedure has been performed:

Weight Training to Keep Toned

In the weeks following your tummy tuck procedure, you will be able to see a visible difference in your abdominal area. One of the best parts about this surgery is feeling fit and toned once again. However, in order to maintain your new look and to continue improving your results, you will want to consider weight training to keep toned after your doctor approves.

These are some weight training exercises that you could benefit from in the months following your tummy tuck:

Best Compression Garments After a Tummy Tuck

You should make sure that you wear the best compression garments after a tummy tuck in addition to implementing a new post tummy tuck exercise plan. Compression garments work to preserve your new physique and can help make your fresh results permanent.

It is important to invest in compression garments that are specifically designed for post-surgical patients. Flexible yet firm compression garments will help to reduce the initial swelling following the procedure and can even help with pain management. A compression garment after tummy tuck procedure will help throughout every stage of your recovery:

By creating a comprehensive tummy tuck recovery plan with your surgeon that includes light, targeted exercise as well as a compression garment schedule, you will be able to maximize your results following this cosmetic surgery procedure. Your tummy tuck will allow you to feel fit, fresh, and beautiful once again, and your new regimen will ensure that you enjoy a healthy, balanced lifestyle for the years to come.

Can you have stomach problems after a tummy tuck

Do you feel self-conscious about your tummy? Sometimes, no matter how much effort we put into working our core, it’s not enough to achieve the results we want. This can cause frustration and prevent individuals from showing off their body confidently. Tummy tuck surgery can be a great solution for both men and women who want to gain more definition to their midsection. If you are considering a tummy tuck and have questions about recovery time and side effects, call Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ. Leading plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao will be happy to discuss your unique goals and whether tummy tuck surgery is right for you.

How does a tummy tuck work?

A tummy tuck is an outpatient surgery that uses general anesthesia and takes about 1 – 5 hours, depending on the case. First, Dr. Rao will use specialized techniques to surgically remove excess skin and small pockets of fat. Then, the remaining tissue will be pulled taut to achieve a tighter appearance. The incisions will be closed and dressed. From there, patients will be monitored before they are released to go home.

Tightness after a tummy tuck

After a tummy tuck, it’s normal to experience abdominal tightness. When any type of incision is created, the nerves are severed. This is unavoidable. In regard to a tummy tuck, abdominal tightness is the result of nerve damage. But, as you heal, this sensation will dissipate. Patients can expect to feel abdominal tightness for 6 – 12 weeks. In some cases, it can take up to a year to regain normal nerve function. While this can seem alarming, it’s a natural part of the healing process. Other factors that can contribute to abdominal tightness include muscle tightening and the skin being pulled tight and stitched together. Again, as the body recovers, these sensations should improve.

Treatments to ease tightness

There are several treatments that can help ease abdominal tightness after tummy tuck surgery. This generally involves at-home care, like dry brushing and massaging. Both of these methods help increase blood circulation and prompts lymph drainage for natural detoxification. The physical contact will also help stimulate the nervous system and make you feel more relaxed. If these methods aren’t providing the relief you need, Dr. Rao may recommend prescription medication. During your follow-up exams, let Dr. Rao know how you are feeling so he can determine which therapies may provide you with the most benefits.

Tummy tuck recovery: factors to consider

Each patient is different, which means recovery will vary for everyone. There are several things to consider:

At Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery, we recommend that patients make it their top goal to rest and recover after surgery. Allowing your body optimal time to heal will actually help speed up your recovery. If you have any questions regarding your progress, do not hesitate to call our office in Tucson, AZ. Our team will be happy to assist you.

Discover all you need to know prior to undergoing a tummy tuck by scheduling a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao. Dr. Rao and our team at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery are dedicated to educating our clients so they can make well-informed decisions regarding their cosmetic goals. Call our office in Tucson, AZ today.

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