Involuntary Stretching After Tummy Tuck
Having surgery to remove fat, skin and excess tissue from your stomach area is a great way to get rid of that stubborn extra weight.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Involuntary Stretching After Tummy Tuck, when can i stretch after a tummy tuck, how long do muscle spasms last after tummy tuck, and how to relieve tightness after tummy tuck.
Stretching can be a normal part of your workout routine, but why do we stretch first thing in the morning or after sitting at our desk for hours at a time? This is actually a regulatory response initiated by our nervous systems, telling us either to wake up, or calm down.
Involuntary, or subconscious stretching is called pandiculation. It’s a behavior seen in most mammals and is often associated with yawning and the sleep-wake cycle (think: the cartoon characters that wake up, stretch and yawn in bed).
Pandiculation is your body’s way of releasing tension in your fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles, organs and blood vessels. Stretching is one of the ways that our body keeps fascia flexible and full of oxygen. Sometimes, your body will stretch involuntarily to achieve this result.
Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers in Bradenton and Sarasota share benefits of stretching, whether involuntary or voluntary, and Sarasota’s Your Place Physical Therapy offer types of stretches we can do to relieve tension.
According to Fyzical, stretching and other manipulations like massage can help improve circulation to the limbs. As blood circulation improves, the nervous system calms, heart rate is lowered and blood pressure is reduced.
Other benefits of stretching include reduced chronic back pain, improved posture when sitting down, increased range of motion and less risk of injury. If you are an athlete, or someone engaged in a regular exercise routine, stretching can help lengthen and repair muscles.
An article by the American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that static stretching—or stretching a muscle group to its furthest point—activates your parasympathetic nervous system and is responsible for inducing feelings of calm.
Stretching at night can also promote feelings of relaxation and help improve sleep quality. This is also when the parasympathetic system, also known as the “rest and digest” part of the nervous system, activates.
So, if you’ve been sitting at your desk for hours at a time, go to stand up and find your body taking you into a stretch involuntarily, it is most likely it needs some blood flow, a dose of relaxation and a pump of endorphins, which are also released when stretching. These endorphins can help to relieve pain and stiffness.
Here are some stretches from Your Place Physical Therapy that you can do beyond subconscious stretching, to relieve daily tension and improve posture.
Involuntary Stretching After Tummy Tuck
When it comes to tummy tucks, not all procedures are alike. The extent of the surgery can vary from person to person, leading to differences in the recovery process. The main goal of a tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is to trim and tighten the waist for a more flattering and youthful silhouette. However, the specific surgical techniques used can impact the overall outcome and post-operative experience.
One of the key factors that can influence recovery from a tummy tuck is whether or not a muscle repair is included in the procedure. If the abdominal muscles have become stretched or separated due to factors such as pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations, a muscle repair may be necessary to achieve optimal results. This additional step can increase the complexity of the surgery and lead to a longer recovery time.
In addition to muscle repair, the length and placement of the incisions can also vary depending on the amount of excess skin and fat that needs to be removed. Some tummy tucks involve shorter incisions that are easily hidden beneath clothing, while others may require more extensive incisions, including the repositioning of the belly button. The size and location of the incisions can impact scarring and the overall aesthetic outcome of the procedure.
During the recovery period following a tummy tuck, patients can expect to experience some degree of discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Pain medications and compression garments are typically recommended to help manage these symptoms and promote healing. It is important for patients to follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to minimize complications and achieve the best possible results.
When it comes to shopping for products to aid in the recovery process, there are several options available on Amazon that can be helpful for tummy tuck patients. From post-operative compression garments to scar care products, there are various items that can support healing and promote a smooth recovery. Some popular products include:
- ScarAway Silicone Scar Sheets
- Post-Surgical Abdominal Binder
- Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
- Arnica Montana Homeopathic Tablets
- Healing Solutions Lavender Essential Oil
Overall, the recovery process following a tummy tuck can vary depending on the specifics of the procedure, such as the inclusion of muscle repair and the extent of the incisions. By following post-operative instructions and utilizing supportive products, patients can navigate the recovery period with greater ease and achieve the waistline of their dreams.
Why the muscle sometimes needs a repair
If you have seen the abs on even one superhero you will know the muscle we are talking about. It is called the rectus abdominis and it runs vertically from your sternum to your pubic bone. It has a left and right side separated down the middle by a band of tissue called the linea alba.
The linea alba can become over stretched, usually during pregnancy but also due to extreme weight gain or a lifting injury. When this happens the two sides of the muscle move further apart, resulting in an outward bulging of the belly that doesn’t go away, even when weight (baby or otherwise) is gone. This condition is called diastasis recti.
Besides being a cosmetic issue for some people, this condition can affect posture and trunk strength. It can cause pain in the abdomen, hips, and back, as well as bowel and bladder issues, all of which can have a huge impact on quality of life.
Why the muscle sometimes doesn’t need a repair
Not all tummy tucks include a muscle repair because not all bellies that can benefit from a tummy tuck have a diastasis recti. Diastasis recti is a condition where the linea alba, the tissue that connects the right and left rectus abdominis muscles, becomes stretched out, resulting in a separation of the muscles. However, even when the linea alba is stretched out, it can sometimes return to its normal size on its own without the need for surgical intervention. This means that not every patient undergoing a tummy tuck will require a muscle repair.
For women who have given birth via cesarean section, it’s important to note that a muscle repair may have already been completed at the time of the c-section. During a cesarean section, the surgeon may repair any diastasis recti that is present in order to improve the strength and function of the abdominal muscles. In these cases, a separate muscle repair during a tummy tuck procedure may not be necessary.
While some may assume that a muscle repair is a standard part of a tummy tuck procedure, it is important for patients to consult with their plastic surgeon to determine if they would benefit from this additional step. Each patient’s anatomy and individual needs are unique, so it is essential to have a thorough evaluation by a qualified plastic surgeon before undergoing any surgical procedure.
For those who are considering a tummy tuck and are concerned about diastasis recti or muscle laxity, there are products available on Amazon that may help with strengthening the abdominal muscles and improving core stability. From abdominal binders to resistance bands, these products can be used either before or after a tummy tuck procedure to help improve muscle tone and support.
Overall, the decision to include a muscle repair as part of a tummy tuck procedure will depend on the individual patient and their specific needs. By working closely with a board-certified plastic surgeon and discussing all options available, patients can achieve the best possible results from their tummy tuck surgery.
How the muscle is repaired
Diastasis recti, also known as abdominal separation, is a common condition among men and women, especially after pregnancy. It occurs when the tissue that connects the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscle stretches and separates, causing the muscles to become weak and the belly to protrude. While this condition can be corrected by a general surgeon, plastic surgeons often include diastasis recti repair as part of their tummy tuck procedures.
During the surgery, the plastic surgeon folds over the stretched tissue of the linea alba and sutures the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscle together. This involves suturing up and down the entire length of the abdomen, although the incisions are typically made below the bikini line, so the scars are not easily visible. By suturing the muscles back together, the abdomen becomes stronger and flatter, helping to improve the overall appearance of the midsection.
There are several products available on Amazon that can help with post-surgery recovery and support. Some popular products include:
1. Abdominal binders: These are compression garments designed to support the abdominal muscles and help them heal faster after surgery. They provide stability to the midsection and can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
2. Scar creams: After surgery, it is common to have scars along the incision sites. Scar creams can help fade these scars and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
3. Protein supplements: Protein is essential for muscle recovery and repair. Taking protein supplements can help support the healing process and promote muscle growth after surgery.
In conclusion, diastasis recti can be corrected by plastic surgeons as part of a tummy tuck procedure. By suturing the weakened muscles back together, the abdomen can become stronger and flatter, improving the overall appearance of the midsection. With the right products and support, patients can make a full recovery and achieve their desired results.
Why a muscle repair impacts tummy tuck recovery
The difference in recovery between a tummy tuck with muscle repair versus one without has to do with the fact that muscles contract. Unlike the skin and fatty tissue that cover the abdomen, the muscles underneath (and the rectus abdominis is a big one) are prime movers and stabilizers of the whole trunk. This means that they contract nearly any time you move your body. Even simple movements like lifting your arms when sitting upright or rolling over in bed can engage these muscles — and then there’s coughing and sneezing.
When the muscle is repaired it needs time to rest so that it can heal up. Over exerting yourself too early can compromise your results and will certainly be painful.
How a muscle repair impacts recovery
When a muscle repair is included with your tummy tuck, you will be required to be more careful and your recovery will take a bit longer — from three to four weeks longer.
Symptoms After a muscle repair patients often experience feeling more full quickly when eating and the sensation of not being able to take as deep a breath as they used to. This is due to a decrease in the amount of room inside the abdominal cavity caused by tightening the muscles. The stomach has less room to expand and the diaphragm meets more resistance as it moves down to allow you to take a breath. Both of these issues, if they occur, typically resolve within four to six weeks.
Abdominal Binder Shortly after surgery you will be given an abdominal binder to help support the repaired muscle and to reduce overall swelling. You will be given instructions on how to put it on and will be told to wear it regularly. You will probably need help putting it on and taking it off in the first few days.
Lifting restrictions After surgery, your doctor will restrict you to lifting no more than about 10-15 pounds. You will be prohibited from lifting anything heavier for a full six to eight weeks after surgery. You will also not be allowed to do any core strengthening exercises, such as sit-ups, to avoid stressing and potentially tearing the repair.
Posture It is typical of all patients after a tummy tuck to have slightly hunched over posture. This is normal and it is important not to force an upright position and put undue strain while your incision heals. This becomes even more important after a muscle repair. You may even be given a walker to get around the first week after surgery.
You still have to get out of bed Even with a muscle repair, your surgeon will require that you begin moving about within a day of your surgery. This includes getting up to go to the bathroom and with some restrictions, taking a shower. This is important for your overall health and healing and the prevention of blood clots. Many patients opt to sleep in a recliner to make these movements easier. Have someone at home to help you, especially during the first couple of weeks.
Though the muscle repair does add some challenges to your recovery, the long term benefits can far outweigh them. A study published last fall (2019), showed postpartum women who underwent a rectus abdominis repair had significant improvements in trunk function, urinary incontinence, and overall quality of life.
when can i stretch after a tummy tuck
An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a procedure that reduces and removes unwanted fat and skin in the abdominal area. It also tightens the abdominal muscles when necessary. Getting a tummy tuck is an exciting process, but what should you expect post-op? After the surgery and throughout the first few weeks of recovery, you will likely see a tremendous difference in your body and will probably be excited to resume your regular activities and workouts. But, before you jump on the treadmill or pick up a kettlebell and start lifting, it is important to follow these six steps to working out after a tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck Guide
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1. Listen to Your Doctor
Before you do ANY physical activity, talk to your doctor about what you should expect from exercise after an abdominoplasty surgery and how long you should wait to get started after your procedure. Your surgeon’s response will depend upon your condition prior to surgery, your personal surgical experience and how your body is recovering. If you were a marathon runner before your procedure, you will most likely return to your active lifestyle more quickly than someone who spent more time on the couch. The doctors at Belcara Health will recommend an exercise schedule that aligns with your fitness level and recovery needs. The physical demands of your job will also influence your surgeon’s advice on when you should return to work; those with sedentary jobs usually return to work more quickly than those with jobs that require vigorous physical exertion.
2. Sit Up and Get Up
Immediately following a tummy tuck procedure, even the most physically fit people may need support with seemingly simple tasks like sitting up and down. It is important to move around a bit in the first 24 hours following your abdominoplasty surgery to help promote blood circulation. But, make sure to have someone present when you first begin, because you may be unsteady. Walking after tummy tuck surgery is important; each day following your procedure, you should walk a little bit longer and a bit farther, to increase your strength and facilitate healing.
3.Perform Light Cardiovascular Activity Soon After Surgery
Should your tummy tuck require tightening the abdominal muscles, as in most cases, it usually takes about 2 weeks before you will be able to begin light cardiovascular exercise. Again, it is important to consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise after plastic surgery. Once you receive approval, you can begin with light exercise activities that raise your heart rate without directly engaging your abdominal or core muscles, such as walking, elliptical or stationary cycling. If your tummy tuck is “skin-only,” meaning only the skin is excised and tightened but no tightening of the muscles is necessary, then recovery is quicker and you will be able to return to pre–surgery exercise levels sooner.
4. Strengthen Your Upper Body and Legs, but Avoid Your Abdominals
Once you are comfortable with light cardiovascular activity, most patients can begin performing light weight lifting activities about 3 weeks after a tummy tuck procedure. These should be exercises that strengthen your arms, chest, shoulders, and legs – in addition to light cardio activities. Again, it is important to avoid heavy weight lifting during this time. You will want to avoid pull ups, power lifting, planking, sit-ups or other abdominal or lifting exercises. (Who doesn’t love an excuse to avoid burpees?) This is a time when having a personal trainer is crucial to your recovery. They can provide you with targeted exercises that do not put undue stress on the abdominals, ensuring your tummy tuck recovery timeline remains as short as possible.
5. Start Working Out Those Abs
After about 5-6 weeks following your tummy tuck procedure, and once your surgeon has given you approval, you can gradually start to expand your exercise program, including pilates and yoga. Again, a personal trainer is an invaluable resource during this time. They can coach you on form, duration, and even progression of exercises as you regain strength in your abdominal muscles. You should still avoid any heavy weight lifting or exercises that target the abdominal muscles until your physician permits it. This is because ab toning exercises after a tummy tuck only lead to stress in the region, which can adversely affect your recovery.
6. Resume Your Normal Workout Routine
Congratulations! At around 7-10 weeks after your tummy tuck procedure, you should be cleared to ease into your normal exercise routine. You can begin doing crunches, sit ups, and planks, as long as you progressively increase your repetitions. We recommend focusing on performing these exercises with impeccable form. Be sure to pay attention to your body as you resume your routine. Start slow, set reasonable goals, trust your body, and listen to what it needs.
Every patient is unique and every recovery process is personal; your recovery will not be the same as your sister’s or your friend’s. Your genetic makeup, pre-surgery fitness level, nutrition habits, environment, and support structure all play a part in your recovery time – and your surgeon’s advice takes these and many other factors into account. In order to achieve the results you desire, it is critical to follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions for care after a tummy tuck with precision. Trying to skip recovery steps or pushing through the recovery process too hard not only yields frustration, it can undo the results you have already achieved.
how long do muscle spasms last after tummy tuck
Tummy tuck surgery – also known as abdominoplasty – is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat and strengthens weakened abdominal muscles to create a firmer and smoother abdominal profile. Abdominoplasty is one of the more popular cosmetic surgeries. In 2019, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that there were more than 123,000 of these procedures in the US.
If you have had a tummy tuck – or are considering getting one, it is very important that you understand the side effects that are involved, risks of the procedure, as well as what outcome to expect. Your plastic surgeon will give you most of the information you need during the initial consultation visit, but it is your responsibility to learn as much as you can about what a tummy tuck entails. This article explores the tummy tuck recovery journey and explains the common complaint of having a hard stomach after a tummy tuck.
Overview of the tummy tuck surgery
Abdominoplasty surgery is designed to tighten up loose skin, tissues, and muscles in the belly region, particularly for patients who are not getting the desired benefit from diet and exercise. Whether you are looking to alleviate a sagging belly pooch or have a plus size tummy tuck, Dr. LaBarbera has 3 different procedure types to suit the varying needs of his patients. These include:
The incision pattern used by your surgeon during surgery will depend on the type of procedure being performed. Plastic surgeons usually keep incisions to a minimum and make sure to conceal them along the natural folds of the skin. Once the incisions are created, the surgeon will lift up and tighten the skin and underlying tissue before suturing them into place. For patients who have excess fat in the belly area, the surgeon may also use liposuction in order to achieve the desired procedure outcome. Since tummy tuck is an outpatient plastic surgery procedure, patients are allowed to go home on the same day as the surgery.
Tummy tuck recovery timeline
Immediately after the surgery, tummy tuck patients are taken into the surgeon’s recovery room for further monitoring before they are allowed to go home. It is important to have someone to drive you home and help out with basic chores while you recover from the surgery.
Abdominoplasty patients often have drainage tubes that are used to relieve excess fluid from the treatment area. These need to be emptied, and the amount of fluid drained from the wound each day should be recorded. Your mobility will be limited during the first few days. Dr. LaBarbera recommends that you take a light walk as soon as you are able to in order to improve blood flow.
Many patients experience tightness around their belly and you will have to walk while hunched over for a week or two. Your incisions will likely feel sore over the first week. You may need to lie in bed at an angle, and you likely will have problems with standing, lifting things, and general movements.
Tuck tuck patients are able to resume work after about a month, particularly if they have a physically demanding job. However, you will be able to engage in routine daily activities within 1-2 weeks. Scarring is usually a major concern for patients who have just had a tummy tuck, but fades with time. Your surgeon may also recommend scar care ointments to help improve the appearance of your surgical scars.
What causes a pulling feeling after a tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty – just like any other surgical procedure – entails cutting into the body. This naturally leads to some nerve damage. Many abdominoplasty patients experience numbness over the lower abdominal area after tummy tuck due to the damaged nerves in the area. With time – as the nerves start to regenerate their proper pathways – the patient will start to experience gradual return of sensation.
Tummy tuck patients may also experience a tight feeling in their belly because the skin has been cut and put back together. More so, muscle tightening during the surgery can lead to a hardened tissue sensation during recovery.
Although you may feel worried about this tightness and pulling sensation, keep in mind that it is a normal part of the healing process. The majority of people who had an abdominoplasty can experience these side effects for up to 12 weeks post-op. In some cases, it takes up to 12 months for the nerves in the abdominal area to properly heal. Once the nerves regain their usual sensory function, it is highly unlikely that this kind of discomfort will return.
What is the treatment for hardened tissue after tummy tuck?
Nerve regeneration is a natural process that follows its own natural timeline. However, you may be able to quicken this process by taking part in the retraining process. Dr. LaBarbera recommends that you gently rub items of different textures across your abdomen. This may include such things as loofahs, washcloths, lotion, and cotton. The goal is to stimulate the nerves to find their proper pathways and heal much quicker. For patients with severe cases of nerve discomfort, the surgeon may recommend medications such as Neurontin. Make sure that you have explicit instructions and a prescription from your doctor before using medication to treat discomfort and a pulling sensation after abdominoplasty.
how to relieve tightness after tummy tuck
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedures were the sixth most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed in 2012. A total of 106,628 procedures were performed that year. Furthermore, there was a 70 percent increase in tummy tuck procedures between 2000 and 2012.
Given all of these patients who choose to undergo a tummy tuck procedure in an effort to improve the contour of their abdominal region, Drs. Marcus Crawford and Steven Bailey feel it is of utmost importance for patients to understand some of the side effects that may occur as a result of a tummy tuck procedure. A feeling of tightness in the abdominal region is one of the most common side effects following the procedure. Although this is a natural part of the healing process, it is important to be aware of its causes and what can be done to alleviate it.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
A tummy tuck procedure is designed to tighten up excess, loose skin, tissue, and muscles following weight loss. In a mini tummy tuck, which only tightens up the lower abdomen, a shorter horizontal incision is made across the lower part of the abdomen. A full tummy tuck, which tightens up both the upper and lower abdomen, will involve a longer incision, and an addition incision at the belly button. The skin and underlying tissue are then lifted up, tightened, and sutured back into place. In the case of a full tummy tuck, the underlying abdominal muscles will also be pulled tight and sutured together. A tummy tuck procedure can be done by itself or in conjunction with a liposuction procedure to remove excess fat.
Causes of Tightness after a Tummy Tuck Procedure
In any surgical procedure, there will be some nerve damage caused by cutting into the body. This cannot be avoided. In the case of tummy tuck procedures, the abdominal tightness that patients may experience is a result of damage to the nerves. As the nerves re-establish their proper pathways, patients may begin to feel itching, burning, or occasional sharp pains.
Patients may also experience tightness as a result of the skin being removed and stitched back together. In addition, muscle tightening can cause tightness following the procedure.
Although the tight feeling seem alarming, it is a natural part of the healing process. Patients should expect this to last anywhere from six to 12 weeks following their tummy tuck procedure, but it may take up to a year to regain normal sensory function in the abdominal area. It is very rare for this sensation to return once the nerves have fully healed.
Treatments
As the nerves heal, they may need to be retrained to re-establish the proper pathways. Drs. Crawford and Bailey recommend patients do this by gently rubbing different textured items across the abdomen, including lotion, cotton sheets, washcloths, or loofahs. This helps stimulate the nerves to heal. In severe cases, medications such as Neurontin, which is normally prescribed for nerve pain, may be useful.
However, patients should try to remember that tightness or numbness of the abdomen is a natural part of the healing process following a tummy tuck procedure. With a bit of patience and time, these sensations should fade, and patients will be able to fully enjoy their new, sleek body contour.