The tummy tuck procedure is an excellent option to trim the waistline and reshape the midsection after achieving your goal weight. Whether you’ve recently had a baby or you’ve been on a healthcare journey to slim down, a tummy tuck can help return your body to its natural shape. But, what does recovery look like? And, when is it safe to work out after the procedure?
Tummy Tuck for Women At or Near Goal Weight
If you are considering a tummy tuck, you likely already know that they are ideal for individuals who are at or near their goal weight. As a result of being at or near this baseline, most people who seek a tummy tuck procedure at Innovations Medical are in overall good health because they have committed to a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine. These individuals just need a little help from us to put the finishing touches on the masterpiece they’ve created through working out and eating right.
Although the tummy tuck at Innovations Medical does not require general anesthesia, it does require some rest post-op. This rest means taking a break from exercising for a bit. This can be a struggle for some individuals, but following this guide can help patients plan when and how to resume their workouts.
Recovery Timeline
The First Week
Similar to feeling sore after a good workout, you never realize how much you use your abdominal muscles until you’ve had a tummy tuck. We suggest avoiding standing straight up for the first week or so after surgery. You may notice it feels more comfortable to walk with a slight bend for the first few days, don’t fight against that. This can lessen your use of the abdominal muscles and promote healing.
Weeks 2-3
Light exercise may resume at two weeks, but you need to get cleared by Dr. Johnson before heading back to the gym. You should avoid lifting anything heavy for the first several weeks after surgery. This includes doing any high-intensity exercise. After week three, you may feel better enough to start lifting everyday items again, but make sure you take it slow and don’t strain to lift anything.
You can begin working out your arms, legs, and back, but avoid working out your abdominal muscles just yet. Avoid using weights and allow your body and gravity to help strengthen back up your muscles. Always remember to take it slow and give yourself time to get back into the swing of things.
After 1 Month
After four weeks, you may begin to do some exercise. This can include low-intensity exercises such as power-walking, jogging, and light running. Make sure to start slow and work your way back up. It’s likely that your endurance won’t be the same as it was before the surgery, and it’s important that you don’t overexert yourself so quickly after surgery. Instead of running several miles at a time, shoot for half a mile or one mile at first and see how you’re feeling.
After 6 Weeks
After six weeks, we may be able to begin clearing you for exercise — including pilates, asana yoga, and weight training. It’s important that you start out slow and work your way back up — whether it’s focusing on your abs or the rest of your body. Modify your workout and monitor how you’re feeling the next day to determine if you need to cut back or can push a bit more the next time you work out.
Exercising After a Tummy Tuck: When can you exercise again after a tummy tuck?
Working Out After a Tummy Tuck
Waiting at least six weeks after your procedure to start back to your workout routine — or at least until Dr. Johnson clears you — allows all of the tissues, muscles, and skin affected by the tummy tuck to heal and helps to prevent complications. How hard you work out after your tummy tuck depends on how hard you worked out before your tummy tuck. Another factor to keep in mind is that, because the tummy tuck procedure involves your midsection/core, some of your favorite workouts could cause you discomfort or may need to be avoided at first.
CrossFit After a Tummy Tuck
Heavy lifting in the gym or at CrossFit can cause damage to the area that you just treated with the tummy tuck. We suggest waiting at least six weeks after your procedure. Yes, this even applies if you’re working your upper body, arms, and back. Even when you do a bicep curl, you’re still engaging your core and abdominals. The bottom line is that you should wait until cleared to exercise, and once you are, you should ease back into your routine.
Running After a Tummy Tuck
If you’re returning to running after your tummy tuck procedure, we suggest you wait at least four weeks, and even then you should ease into it gradually and only with Dr. Johnson’s approval. Don’t attempt to tackle a marathon soon after surgery. Take your time and don’t push yourself too hard.
Swimming After a Tummy Tuck
Swimming is a great way to work out most of the time, but not after a tummy tuck. While swimming is typically considered a low-impact exercise, we suggest waiting at least six to eight weeks and having your incisions checked to make sure they are completely healed before you take a dip. Why? Because swimming in a lake or pool (even chlorinated) could mean infection.
Sit-Ups After a Tummy Tuck
Sit-ups and other abdominal exercises can severely damage the results of your surgery if done too quickly. That’s why you should wait seven to 10 weeks post-tummy tuck surgery — or until Dr. Johnson clears you — before returning to high-intensity abdominal exercises.
If You’re Thinking About a Tummy Tuck Procedure, Contact Innovations Medical
If you’re looking to reshape your body and boost your self-confidence, Innovations Medical is here for you. We’ll answer your questions and resolve any concerns you have about tummy tuck procedures. We’ve been helping our patients look their best since 2005, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.
To explore cosmetic options and learn how Innovations Medical can bounce back your body, call us at (214) 643-8665 or schedule an appointment.