Exercises to do After Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy tuck surgery, or an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the abdominal region. It tightens skin left over from extreme weight loss and loose skin that develops after pregnancy. The procedure also reduces the appearance of abdominal stretch marks found below the belly button. Plastic surgeons do not recommend this procedure for weight loss and usually do this procedure on people who are at or near their ideal weight. Exercise after tummy tuck surgery helps you maintain a flat stomach.

Walk

• Begin walking or other light exercises once your surgeon clears you for normal activity. Your bed rest period can range from two to four weeks, depending on how fast your recover. Walking after tummy tuck surgery helps your recovery by decreasing chances of swelling or developing blood clots. Start with 10 minutes a day and add five minutes as you continue healing. Avoid strenuous exercise for about six weeks to prevent torn incisions.

Use Exercise Ball

• Do abdominal exercises on a Swiss ball to flatten and tone when your doctor says it is safe for you. Focus on exercises that stretch and contract abdominal muscles. Doing sit-ups on an exercise ball increases your range of motion and strengthens the muscles of the back and abdominals. Remember to keep your head still and place hands across the chest or extended above your head. Exhale on the way up and inhale on the way done. Start with 10 repetitions at least three times a week and work up to three sets of 10 to 12 repetitions.

Increase Intensity

• Increase intensity of your workout once you get clearance from your surgeon. Do aerobics activities at least five times a week. Aerobics activities like dancing, cardio kickboxing, spinning and using elliptical machines burn calories and tone your body at the same time. Include two or three days of strength training with light weights at least two or three days a week to target specific muscle groups of the upper and lower body. Dr. Otto J. Placik, a Chicago plastic surgeon, suggests retaining the services of a personal trainer for a while after having surgery. A personal trainer can customize an exercise routine that decreases your chance of injuring yourself. Stop doing any exercise if you feel discomfort or pain and see your doctor if pain persists after the estimated recovery period has ended.