Within a few weeks of your tummy tuck, you will be able to go back to your regular workouts. It’s important to pay attention to what your body tells you and go slowly. As long as you don’t feel any pain or discomfort, it’s best to wait 8 weeks before doing hard workouts.
At the six-week mark, you can start doing light cardio like walking or jogging. At 8 weeks, you can start lifting weights again and increase the intensity of your workouts. Make sure to talk to your surgeon before starting a hard workout plan that includes cardio or weight training.
Read on to learn more about How Long After A Tummy Tuck Can You Workout, How Many Sizes Can You Lose With a Tummy Tuck and Why Do People Get Abdominoplasty Surgery
How Long After A Tummy Tuck Can You Workout
Many of the men and women considering tummy tuck surgery who come to us from Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins are ideal candidates because they’re in great overall health thanks to their demanding exercise regimens. For people dedicated to intense workouts, such as distance running or CrossFit® training, recovery after a tummy tuck makes them a bit antsy, and they want to know when they can resume high levels of exercise.
HOW LONG DOES A TUMMY TUCK TAKE TO HEAL?
To help patients plan their workout schedules, we always provide a general timeline that explains when it’s safe to resume certain types of activities after plastic surgery. In an earlier blog post, we described the steps that patients should follow during recovery from a Mommy Makeover procedure (which typically includes tummy tuck surgery). When it comes to factoring in levels of physical activity, however, intensity varies dramatically from person to person. Therefore, pinpointing when it’s okay to return to the gym depends on your exercise habits.
WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK? HOW PAINFUL IS A TUMMY TUCK?
Of the most common plastic surgery procedures, tummy tuck recovery is probably the least comfortable. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, involves removing excess fat and skin from your abdomen below the bellybutton. In doing so, the surgeon tightens the connective tissue in that area and re-creates an aesthetically attractive belly button. The result is a flatter, smoother tummy.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT TUMMY TUCK? DR. STEVEN VATH PROVIDES EXPERT INSIGHT
In this blog post, we’ll look at the unique situations of our abdominoplasty patients in Denver who participate in more strenuous exercises. The particulars of when to resume each type of activity vary because, for example, the strain on abdominal muscles from distance running is different than from swimming.
DISTANCE RUNNING
After a tummy tuck, people who are used to logging mile after mile while training for marathons or triathlons will need to ease back into their running routines. Distance running taxes the abdominal muscles, and these muscles require time to heal before they can endure the stress associated with distance running. Plan to wait at least 6 weeks following a tummy tuck before you begin running again. Start slowly and increase the distance and intensity gradually. Listen to your body and don’t push too hard.
As the old saying goes, you need to walk before you can run. At about 3 weeks post-op you can begin walking longer distances, which will give you a base of endurance before you begin running again.
LAP AND OPEN-WATER SWIMMING
Swimming in a pool or lake poses unique restrictions that don’t have anything to do with the physical stress of an intense workout. Tummy tuck patients should avoid getting in the water (even a pool) for at least 6 weeks because the incisions need to heal completely to avoid the risk of infection.
Most swimming strokes used in strenuous swim workouts engage the abdominal muscles in ways that could cause complications if you’re not fully healed internally. Using a kickboard is one way to resume part of your workouts once your incisions are healed. As with running, ease back into workouts gradually and stop if you begin to feel uncomfortable.
WEIGHTLIFTING/CROSSFIT TRAINING
CrossFit training and other weightlifting that relies mostly on abdominal muscles should be avoided for at least 6 weeks after a tummy tuck. Patients can resume workouts focused on the arms, but with lighter weights than they’re accustomed to because heavier weights can still engage abdominal muscles. When you do return to the gym, especially for patients who participate in CrossFit, it’s important to not overdo your workouts. Being patient and stopping if you feel any discomfort or pain is essential for a successful recovery.
Whether you’re a runner, swimmer, or weightlifter (or combine all activities), every person’s recovery is unique. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to how your body feels and remember this rule of thumb: “If it hurts, stop.”
How Many Sizes Can You Lose With a Tummy Tuck?
This tummy tummy tuck cost is highly successful and does result in the removal of roughly 10 pounds of fat as well as inches from your abdominal area. You will be able to visibly see your weight drop as your body becomes slimmer and more streamlined. In most cases, you will also begin to notice that you are able to wear smaller clothing.
How many sizes you go down depends on where you started and how your body changes after the procedure. Most women lose between 2 and 3 pants sizes after a tuck, but there are patients who lose even more. If you had a lot of loose skin before the procedure, for example, you could go down 4 more pants sizes.
Other Results
Flatter Stomach
In addition to losing pounds and pants sizes, another physical benefit of this procedure is that your abdomen will become flat and harder than it was before. Once those muscles have been tightened and the skin pulled back into place, you will no longer see the sagging you may have had previously. The line of your body will become smoother with fewer bumps or bulges
Most women find that their clothing fits better after the tuck, and they feel more comfortable in tight clothing or an outfit that shows the stomach. You may be comfortable wearing a bikini or a cropped shirt after the procedure even if you haven’t worn those styles in many years.
Better Bladder Control
Some women experience a lack of bladder control after pregnancy or simply because of aging. When the abdominal muscles are stretched, as they are during pregnancy, they can become weak. The tissue that supports other body parts in the area can become weak as well. This includes the tissues around the pelvic floor and vaginal region.
Tightening the muscles and tissue around this area helps to control a condition called stress urinary incontinence. That’s when your bladder leaks from a small amount of pressure caused by activities like exercise, coughing, sneezing, or even laughing. When the area around your bladder and pelvic floor are frightened, you get more control over the activity there.
Better Posture
The abdominal muscles are partially responsible for helping you stand up straight and tall. Sometimes weak muscles in the stomach can cause the back to bend forward. You may be regularly walking with a slight hunch to your posture and not even know it. Once those muscles are strong again, you will have the support to hold yourself more upright. This can even make you appear taller.
Higher Self-Esteem
The results in your appearance after this procedure may lead to a boost in confidence and self-image, especially if you have been feeling self-conscious about your weak abdominal muscles or the excess skin on your stomach. When you look amazing in tight clothing and are standing straighter and taller, you are naturally going to feel better about yourself.
Other people will not know that you’ve had the procedure unless you tell them. They may just think you’ve lost some weight. But they will notice your confidence and the change in the way you carry yourself. They will see that you are happy with yourself which will help lead to happiness in other parts of your life. Some people lose even more weight after the procedure because they are motivated to get healthier.
Why Do People Get Abdominoplasty Surgery
Pregnancy
One major reason for this procedure is that women’s bodies change after pregnancy. The stomach muscles must stretch and grow in order to accommodate the child getting larger inside the womb, and that causes a lot of damage to the body. Some women’s bodies bounce quickly after pregnancy, and some are never the same.
Many women find it impossible to return their pre-pregnancy body shape even with extreme dieting and consistent exercise. That’s because some of the effects of pregnancy simply cannot be reversed through lifestyle changes. The skin in that area must be surgically tightened to see a difference.
Loose Skin From Weight Loss
Sometimes when people lose large amounts of fat, they leave behind loose pockets of skin. When an extreme amount of weight has been lost, there can be a great deal of skin left behind. The skin can be on any part of the body, but most of it tends to occur in the abdominal area.
Unfortunately, when people experience this issue, they are sometimes forced back into the same emotional problems they had before their weight loss. They may feel insecure about the way their bodies look, and they may be afraid to wear certain clothing or show skin. An abdominoplasty can bring people to a place where they can truly celebrate and show off their weight loss efforts.
Back Pain
Weak abdominal muscles often cause back pain. The back needs the muscles of the abdomen to support the entire upper body. When those muscles are weak, it causes strain to the back. Chronic pain can often be the result.
A tummy tuck kansas cost procedure will pull those muscles tighter and pressure will be relieved from the back. This can drastically reduce or even eliminate the back pain that resulted from a weak abdomen.
Scarring
People who have scarring from a previous medical procedure, particularly if the scar is vertical. Many women have found that the procedure successfully removed the scar from a Cesarean section birth. The abdominoplasty can also remove some other marks on the stomach like stretch marks, especially if they are below the belly button.
Ventral Hernia
A ventral hernia occurs when tissue is pushed through the abdominal muscles and can usually be detected went the muscles are strained such as during a cough. These hernias can be repaired, but they will often return. A tuck can be used to keep that from reoccurring by tightening the area so that the tissues cannot come through between the muscles.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty
Most healthy people can successfully have the procedure. Men do sometimes have a tummy tuck cost, but patients are usually women.
Before the Procedure
Consultation
The first step in the procedure is to have a consultation. We invite you to schedule a time to come into our office and talk with us about whether abdominoplasty is a good option for meeting your goals. We will talk to you about the procedure and answer any questions you might have. We will also make sure that you have realistic expectations and fully understand what the results will be.
We will also use the consultation to ask you some questions about yourself and your background. We will want to know if you exercise and whether or not you smoke. We will also ask about any previous surgeries you have had done, especially if they were in the abdominal area. We will ask you to list all of the medications you are taking and let us know if you have any kind of chronic or recurring illnesses.
Preparation
Before it is time for your tummy tuck cost procedure, you will have some tasks to complete. We will ask you to refrain from smoking if that is something you do. We may also ask you to stop taking certain types of medication for a period of time before the day of the surgery.
You will also need to prepare for your recovery. This will mean making arrangements for someone to drive you home after the procedure and stay with you during the first part of your recovery. You will need to take time off from work and be sure that all other responsibilities are met so you can focus completely on healing once the procedure is over.
The Procedure
You will come to our comfortable office where we will make sure you are ready for your abdominoplasty. We will give you a general anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the procedure. When you are ready, you will have several incisions made to remove the skin between your belly button and pubic hair in an elliptical shape. The fat underneath the skin will then be removed, revealing the abdominal muscle area.
The tissue over the abdominal muscles will be pulled tight with a series of sutures that will hold it into place. Then the skin around your belly button will be replaced, and your belly button will be put back into its original position with sutures. Any incisions will then be closed with sutures. This can take about 2 to 3 hours depending on how much work needs to be done.
Recovery
We will help make your recovery as quick and comfortable as possible. We may prescribe antibiotics to guard against infection. We will also provide you with an abdominal binder and show you how to wear it. This garment will support your abdominal area as it heals from the surgery. We will schedule you for several additional office visits to see how you are doing and to answer any questions that come up.
It will take several weeks before you can go back to all of your daily activities, but most people go back to office jobs after about 2 weeks. As your incisions heal, you will begin to see rapid changes in your body. After about 6 to 8 weeks, you will see excellent results.
What Should I Wear After Abdominoplasty
Immediately after your tummy tuck, your abdomen will be wrapped in bandages. You may also need to wear a prescription-strength compression garment to mitigate swelling. On the way to your procedure, wear loose, baggy clothing.
Rather than your cutest pair of jeans, we recommend a loose pair of drawstring pants. You should also wear a button-up or zip-up shirt that is large enough to wear easily over the bandages and possible compression garment. We strongly recommend against wearing a top that requires you to reach over your head.
First Week Post-Op
For the first week post-op, you should continue to wear loose-fitting, soft, comfy clothes. Some women prefer to wear a soft, loose dress rather than a baggy shirt and sweatpants. Whether you prefer pants or a dress, we strongly recommend investing in a soft bathrobe.
Depending on the extent of your procedure, you may need to wear a medical-grade compression garment or regular Spanx garment for up to six weeks or longer. This should be worn at all times except for when you bathe.
Six to Eight Weeks Post-Op
After your post-tummy tuck recovery, your wardrobe will fit differently. Depending on how much fat and excess skin was removed, you may find that you go down a pants size or two. Unless you already have a sewing machine, you may find it is easier and more affordable to go on a shopping spree than tailor your own clothes down to two sizes.
If you didn’t have much fat and excess skin removed, your clothes might not go down a size. However, your waist will look flatter and leaner without a soft tummy hanging out over your pants. You can still go on a shopping spree, too! Find a bold belt in your favorite color to accentuate your new tight, trim tummy. And don’t forget a little black wrap dress to highlight your new hourglass figure.