How To Exercise After Abdominoplasty

Many women who opt to have an abdominoplasty at John Park MD Plastic Surgery have put the time in to lose weight before surgery. So, one of the first things they want to know after surgery is when they can resume their exercise regimen.

Abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck, is major surgery, and just as with any major surgery, there needs to be a recovery period so the body can heal. Resuming exercise too soon can cause injuries and complications, such as infections. That doesn’t mean you have to stay in bed for weeks before you can get up. It’s best that you do it in stages.

Weeks 1-3: Get Moving (Only A Little) For Recovery

The first couple weeks may be stressful, in the sense where you’re probably going to have some discomfort. You’ll be swollen and tender. You may experience fatigue, so you may not even feel like exercising; however, this is the time where you need to push yourself. Not with intense activity but push yourself to do the bare minimum. Walking around the house or even the block will help prevent blood clots and aid in swelling. Gradually increase the amount you walk based on how you feel and how your body is responding.

Weeks 4-6: Step it Up to Light Exercise

Your soreness and fatigue should have dissolved, and now you’re ready to get back on track. Well, with a moderate workout routine that is. Low impact aerobics, bike riding, and incline walking can be resumed; however, listen to your body and Newport Beach plastic surgeon Dr. John Park’s orders. Depending on your body and how your recovery is going, you may need to hold off just a little longer. After week six you can slowly introduce yoga, swimming and other physical activities you enjoy.

12 Weeks Post-op: Work Those Abs

The time has come where you can finally reintroduce abdominal exercises. Weight training can be added as well. Start gradually and, of course, listen to your body. Your stomach muscles went through extreme trauma as they were being tightened during your abdominoplasty, so they take time to recover. You don’t want to put undue strain on your muscles or incision sites too early. Crunches and floor leg lifts are great exercises to keep the abdomen tight and tone.

Postoperative exercising is essential to achieving long-lasting abdominoplasty results and to have a successful recovery. You should always discuss your exercise plans with Dr. Park before engaging in any physical activity. For more information about abdominoplasty and how to exercise after your procedure, contact John Park MD Plastic Surgery at (949) 777-6883 to schedule your consultation.