You can go swimming again in just a few weeks after your tummy tuck. Swimming is a great way to stay in shape and keep the weight off, but it’s important to take it slow and listen to your doctor. You should start with easy exercises in the water, like swimming laps or walking in the shallow end of the pool. This should be possible about a week after surgery.
You might also want to try some light yoga or Pilates around this time. This will help increase flexibility, which is important after a tummy tuck. You should wait two weeks before doing things like running or aerobics classes that are harder on your body. Most of the time, you shouldn’t do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable after two weeks from surgery.
Read on to learn more information about How Long After Tummy Tuck Can I Swim, Sleep Position After Tummy Tuck and How Long After Tummy Tuck Can I Drive
How Long After Tummy Tuck Can I Swim
As summer approaches, more people are asking the same thing of their cosmetic surgeons: When can I swim after my tummy tuck? Here are a few things to know as you look to schedule a surgery date that also works with your vacation plans.
Wading In
Although there are steps you can take to speed up your tummy tuck recovery, your body will need time to heal. Most people can return to work within a couple weeks, and light walking is recommended during the initial recovery period. You’ll be able to gradually ramp up your activity level as you heal. However, your cosmetic surgeon may restrict you from strenuous exercise for around 6 weeks.
Immediately following your tummy tuck, you may also need to wear a compression garment to promote blood flow and encourage healing.
Going for a Dip
There isn’t a hard and fast rule about when you can swim after a tummy tuck. It may be 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your body and your cosmetic surgeon’s assessment. To avoid risking infection, you need to wait until the drains have been removed and your incision and drain sites are completely sealed. You’ll also want to protect your incisions from sun exposure to prevent the scars from darkening.
Your skin forms an important barrier against any bacteria that may be in the water. A cut or wound can compromise your skin’s defense, allowing potentially harmful things into your body.
Testing the Waters
Depending on how quickly your body heals, you may be ready for light, short swims 4 to 6 weeks after your tummy tuck. People who’ve had muscle repair will need to avoid any strenuous swimming that puts strain on their abdominal muscles. Consult with your cosmetic surgeon and follow their recommendations in order to avoid complications.
Sleep Position After Tummy Tuck
An abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck, removes excess skin and flattens your abdomen. This can be especially helpful after weight loss or pregnancy. Being prepared for the recovery process can help you heal as quickly as possible and is important to preserve your results. One of the things to consider is how you will sleep after your tummy tuck, since some sleeping positions can be more painful or affect your healing in the first several weeks after your surgery.
WHY YOU CAN’T SLEEP ON YOUR STOMACH OR SIDE AFTER A TUMMY TUCK
After a tummy tuck, you will have an incision across your lower abdomen. This means that you can’t sleep on your stomach during the early stages of the healing process. Doing so will put too much pressure on the incision. This is not only painful. but also dangerous and can compromise your results.
Sleeping on your side may seem better than sleeping on your stomach, but it still pulls on the incisions. There’s also a possibility of rolling onto your stomach during the night.
BEST SLEEPING POSITION AFTER AN ABDOMINOPLASTY
The best way to sleep after a tummy tuck is to stay on your back. This avoids putting too much pressure on the incision.
To further reduce pressure and promote healing, elevate your upper body so you are slightly bent. One way to do this more easily is to sleep in a recliner if you have one.
To help you get used to sleeping this way, it’s a good idea to start a few weeks before your surgery. Getting enough rest is essential to your healing and it will be easier if you know you can fall asleep in the correct position. This may be especially helpful if you always sleep on your stomach or on your side. However, you may find that sleeping on your back is easier than you expect. During recovery, it is naturally the most comfortable position for many patients.
WHEN CAN YOU RETURN TO SLEEPING NORMALLY?
The timeline for recovering from any plastic surgery is highly individual and will depend on a variety of factors. You should follow the specific instructions your surgeon gives you, and always ask them before you make any changes to your routine.
In general, most patients will need to sleep on their backs and at an elevated angle for four to six weeks after the procedure. In the case of a mini tummy tuck, the timeline is typically shorter and patients may be able to return to their normal sleeping position after one to three weeks.
How Long After Tummy Tuck Can I Drive
Atlanta plastic surgeon Marcus Crawford offers a breakdown of what our patients can expect during the tummy tuck recovery period.
WEEK 1 AFTER SURGERY
Diet: Patients should maintain a diet that is low in sodium for the first week after surgery to reduce swelling.
Side Effects: Patients experience some pain, bruising, swelling, and tightness the first week after surgery.
Drains: Most patients will require the use of a drain for the first few days after surgery; the drain directs excess fluid away from the incision and out of the body. In most cases, the drain can be removed in three to seven days.
Bandages: Tummy tuck bandages may be replaced, and the area around the incision gently cleaned, every other day after surgery.
Compression Garment: Patients should wear a compression garment at all times in the week after surgery. The compression garment will aid in healing and help patients achieve their desired contour.
Showering: In many cases, patients can take a shower a day or two after surgery. However, if you are feeling lightheaded, it is a good idea to wait. Patients with drains may find it easier to sponge bathe for a few days after surgery.
Off Limits: A number of activities are off limits the first week after tummy tuck surgery. These include: driving, exercise, work, chores, smoking, and drinking alcohol.
Week One Recovery Tips:
- Take pain medication as directed
- Wear a compression garment
- Use an ice compress to minimize pain and swelling
- Limit movement
- Stay slightly bent at the waist
- Have 24-hour care and assistance for the first three days after surgery
- Stay hydrated
- Stay in bed and rest
WEEK 2 AFTER SURGERY
Diet: Patients will be ready to go back to their regular diet the second week after surgery, but it is a good idea to continue to limit sodium this week.
Side Effects: At this point, there is still swelling in the treatment area. However, the pain, bruising, and feeling of tightness are beginning to fade.
Massage: The second week after surgery, patients can begin to lightly massage to treatment area to promote healing.
Scar treatments: Patients can usually begin treatment to minimize scarring the second week after surgery. Scar minimizing techniques may include the application of vitamin E or silicone sheets to the incision.
Compression Garment: To achieve the best possible results, patients should continue to wear a compression garment two weeks after surgery.
Work: Patients may feel ready to return to work and other obligations 10 to 14 days after surgery. Patients that undergo tummy tuck in combination with another treatment, such as liposuction, butt lift, breast augmentation, arm lift, or thigh lift, may need an extra few days to recover.
Off Limits: A number of activities remain off limits the second week after tummy tuck surgery. These include: exercise, smoking, and drinking alcohol.
Week Two Recovery Tips:
- Drink plenty of water
- Wear a compression garment
- Start taking brief walks a few times throughout the day to get your blood flowing
WEEKS 3 AND 4 AFTER SURGERY
Diet: Many patients return to their normal diet by the third and fourth week after surgery. However, it is important to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet to stay at your ideal weight range.
Exercise: Patients can usually engage in light exercise four weeks after surgery. However, more strenuous moves such as sit-ups and weight lifting should be avoided until six weeks after surgery.