A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure that people use to recontour their stomach for a fitter and more attractive look. Excess skin and fat and drooping muscle tissue occur as a result of various factors, include pregnancy, lifestyle factors, environmental factors, sudden weight loss, and poor elasticity as a result of aging.
Patients who are interested in a tummy tuck should first learn more about the recovery process. If you are a professional athlete or just play sports for fun, it will be important to know how soon it may take before you can return to playing sports.
You Need Time to Heal After Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck includes tightening tissues and removing tissues in the abdominal area. Incisions will be used, and sutures will be in place to close these incisions. Because of these factors, it will be incredibly important to rest and heal afterwards. If you do not, it can result in complications, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and a prolonged healing period. It may also negatively affect your results.
Many people want to know when it is safe to start exercising after getting a tummy tuck. Exercising after a tummy tuck is extremely important if you want to keep your muscles looking taut. If you do not exercise, at least in the first few weeks, then there is a strong possibility that your muscles will once again start to sag over a specific period.
However, it is extremely important that you get approval from Dr. Rachel before you begin any form of exercising, as recovery rates differ from person to person.
Beginning with Light Exercise
You should ease into an exercise regimen by starting off slowly and then very gradually increasing the workouts. Depending on the recovery rate of the patient, physical exercises can begin in the second week. This includes light exercises such as walking, spot jogging, or cycling. Low intensity can be maintained on light exercise equipment such as stationary bikes and treadmills.
A few basic exercises will help you to tone and heal your abdominal muscles faster. These include stretching and yoga. One of the main advantages of these exercises is that you can do these activities at home. Light housework is also allowed.
When you first begin to exercise, you will experience a tightness around the abdominal area. However, this feeling is to be expected. When you gradually ease your body into exercising after a tummy tuck, it helps your body release the tightness naturally.
Strenuous Exercise and Sports
You will be able to return to your normal routine of exercising about eight weeks after the tummy-tuck procedure has been completed. However, you will have to remember that the strenuous exercises can only begin if you have completed the light exercises. Sports can take a lot of strength and effort, and physical activities like sports or lifting directly affect the muscles of the abdomen.
If your body is still trying to recover from a surgery or an injury, instantly stressing out your body will do you more harm than good. Thus, if you immediately start with strenuous exercises, you will face with extreme cramps, muscle tightening, and abdominal discomfort. If you push your body too hard, you may risk getting a rupture in your abdomen, which can cause a number of problems.
Contact Us for a Tummy Tuck
Interested in learning more about a tummy tuck? Contact our office to schedule a consultation with skilled plastic surgeon John D. Rachel, MD, FACS today! With his help and guidance, you’ll be on your way to the aesthetically pleasing stomach you’ve always wanted.
