It’s important to know that the length of time it takes to fully recover from a tummy tuck depends on how much surgery you have. If you had a long procedure, it will take your body longer to heal than if you had a short one. A mini tummy tuck is the most common procedure. It can be done in about two hours.
Also, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t start exercising until all the swelling has gone down and your doctor says it’s okay. This is usually at least four weeks after your surgery, but it can be sooner or later depending on how big your surgery was. When you do decide to start working out again, it’s best to start with slow-paced walking or jogging. As your body gets better, gradually make your workouts harder and longer until you’re back to where you were before surgery.
Read on to learn more about How Long After Tummy Tuck Can I Exercise, How Long After Tummy Tuck Can I Take A Bath and When Can I Start Doing Squats After Tummy Tuck
How Long After Tummy Tuck Can I Exercise
Anyone who has undergone major surgery knows that the body needs some time to recover before you exercise again. Resuming exercise too soon after surgery can lead to injuries, infections, or worse. After tummy tuck surgery, it is important that you follow Dr. Agullo’s directions and exercise safely so that your body heals properly.
HOW TO EXERCISE DURING RECOVERY
During the first few weeks after tummy tuck surgery, you will be in recovery. It is likely that you will experience pain, soreness, and fatigue that will deter you from wanting to exercise. While it is important to rest during this time, you should get up, walk around, and keep mobile within the first 24 hours after treatment. Do not do anything too strenuous; rather, limit your physical activity to light walking around the block or house. This light cardiovascular exercise will help your circulation and help you avoid blood clots as your body heals. Avoid abdominal exercises, weight lifting, and intense cardio during this time. Gradually increase the length of time you walk or the frequency of times that you go walking to increase your body’s endurance.
WHEN TO REINTRODUCE MORE ACTIVE EXERCISES
After four to six weeks, much of your soreness and fatigue will be gone. Most patients at this point are ready to pursue more active and strenuous activities. Depending on how your recovery is going, Dr. Agullo may recommend that you wait longer. It is most important that you follow Dr. Agullo’s instructions for your recovery, as they will be tailored to your needs. Do not push yourself too soon. Even if you were very healthy and active before your surgery, your body will not be able to immediately resume the same activities you could do before surgery. It will need to be gradually eased into your former exercises. If Dr. Agullo has approved that your body is ready for more active exercises, slowly introduce more physical activities like jogging, swimming, cycling, or yoga. Beginning with general cardio activities is best; still, continue to avoid abdominal exercises and heavy weight lifting.
WHEN TO REINTRODUCE ABDOMINAL EXERCISES AND INTENSE WEIGHT TRAINING
After about 12 weeks, most patients are ready to reintroduce abdominal exercises and intense weight training. The reason that patients must wait so long is due to the intense trauma of tightening the stomach muscles. Your stomach muscles will not be ready for crunches, sit-ups, or core exercises until at least 12 weeks after your tummy tuck procedure. Intense weight lifting can also put undue pressure on your core muscles, which is why it is important to put off weight training until 12 weeks after surgery. When you reintroduce these activities, do so gradually, and listen to your body. You will feel it if you are pushing yourself too hard. Gradually building your endurance will safely reintroduce your body to the appropriate exercises to keep your newly trimmed waistline looking fit and toned.
How Long After Tummy Tuck Can I Take A Bath
A tummy tuck (also called an abdominoplasty) focuses on reducing loose skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the underlying muscles, making the waistline slimmer and more contoured. When combined with liposuction, tummy tucks provide women with the confidence they need to wear well-fitted outfits and feel their best in all kinds of social situations in New Orleans, LA.
While tummy tuck surgery does produce gorgeous body contouring results, many people are concerned about recovery. During this time, it’s important to be extremely careful with your body. One of the questions we get at New Orleans Plastic Surgery is when patients can take a bath after the surgery. Plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Michelle Eagan addresses this concern below and encourages patients to get an assessment to learn more about post-operative care.
How is a tummy tuck done?
A tummy tuck procedure is done using general anesthesia. Dr. Eagan begins by placing a thin incision along the lower abdomen just above the pubic hairline. However, some patients may require a less invasive technique based on their needs. Once the loose skin is removed, we may employ a liposuction technique to remove small fat pockets. Finally, Dr. Eagan will tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall, creating a firmer midsection and flatter stomach.
What is involved with tummy tuck recovery?
All patients are informed about post-operative care before their procedure. This includes instructions about side effects, medications, and wearing a compression garment to reduce swelling. Patients should take time off from work after body contouring and avoid strenuous activities. Having a friend or loved one to assist with daily tasks will be extremely helpful, especially in the beginning when discomfort prevents you from standing upright or walking.
When can I take baths again?
Patients should not submerge their abdomen in water for up to six weeks after tummy tuck surgery and liposuction. This includes baths, swimming pools, and other bodies of water. Instead, take showers to wash the area with lukewarm water. We can provide information about gentle soaps and products you can use. When you’re not in the shower, keep the incision site clean and covered with a sterile bandage. This prevents complications, like infection.
A few tips about caring for incision site in the days and weeks after surgery in New Orleans:
- Check the site daily for signs of infection, like redness and swelling
- Avoid applying lotions or ointments to the wound unless directed by Dr. Eagan or the staff
- Do not stretch out the skin
- Avoid wearing constrictive clothing over the incision site
- Light, gentle massaging when cleared by Dr. Eagan can help improve swelling
How can I speed the healing process?
New Orleans Plastic Surgery can recommend several ways to make recovery easier. For example, nutritious meals are essential during recovery. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains will keep your body nourished and encourage wound healing. Taking a multivitamin pill and vitamin C will aid in recover. Decreasing salty and processed foods will also improve the way you feel. When it comes to workouts, we recommend avoiding intense or athletic activities that damage the skin. Instead, go for gentle walks. This will keep you active without stressing the tummy tuck incision site. –
When Can I Start Doing Squats After Tummy Tuck
After your tummy tuck surgery is done and your doctor gives you the okay, you can start working out. Remember that you need to wait until the right time to start working out after a tummy tuck.
Let’s talk about the rectus abdominis, internal oblique, external oblique, and transversus abdominis. These are the muscle groups that affect how your stomach looks. If you work on these muscles, your stomach will look tight and toned. At first, you can target these muscles with three to four different types of core exercises. You can do three sets of ten to twelve reps each. There’s no need to do all four exercises at once. If you need a break in between sets, do so. I’ll give you some examples:
- Crunch in the Old Way
Nothing works as well as a simple crunch. It doesn’t require much movement and doesn’t leave much room for mistake when it comes to form. For the most impact, move slowly and deliberately. Use a good yoga mat to make it more comfortable. Don’t tuck your chin into your chest. Instead, look at the ceiling. Don’t pull on your neck and keep your hands behind your head. You can do different variations:
Change up the crunch by lifting one shoulder at a time. It will also work your side muscles.
Sitting on the chair is another way to do a v-crunch. Make sure your back is straight, that you lean 45 degrees, that your stomach is tight, and that your legs are up. For the most impact, try to keep your lower body straight.
- Leg Lifts
Doing leg lifts on the floor is another great thing you can do to make your stomach look better. Just lie flat on your back on the floor. Your arms should be at your sides. Raise your legs about an inch off the ground. Make sure to tighten your stomach muscles at the same time. Slowly put your legs on the ground. It should be said at least ten times.
- Plank
Plank works on your whole body, not just your stomach. Hold a push-up pose for at least a minute by putting your hands under your shoulders. Keep your body straight, and don’t let your hips drop. Depending on how fit you are, you can hold this pose for 30 seconds to five minutes. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
- Exercises for balance
All of the stability ball exercises work out more than one group of muscles at once. When you do exercises to tighten your abs, try not to move around too much.
- Different Ways
There are other ways to strengthen and tone your ab muscles besides doing ab exercises. You can also do side balance crunches, sliding pikes, knee fold tucks, oblique reach, Pilates, and yoga.