Hi, I am going to have the tummy tuck op because 3 years ago I lost significant weight. Despite all exercise my waist still needs improvement. Will I be able to exercise again regularly and do long sets of ab exercises as I do now (not immediately after the op. but in a 3-4 month time period)?
Abdominoplasty procedures often involve plication of the midline fascia. Exercise is encouraged after abdominoplasty, but strenuous abdominal exercise may place your abdominal plication under too much tension. Be vigilant in terms of immediate postoperative instructions and gauge the exercise regimen based on your surgeon's specific recommendations as he is the only one who knows the capacity of your abdominal sutures.
Your surgeon typically performs plication (tightening) of your abdominis rectus (abdominal) muscles during your abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Generally, you should avoid activity other than ambulation and light walking the first four weeks after surgery. This will generally allow your incision line time to heal without complications.
After four weeks I generally encourage my patients to start light to moderate activity. But because of the plication you should not perform other than light activity during this time period. After 6-8 weeks, most all exercise and activity can be resumed.
It's important to keep in mind that your tissues are not "healed", but are "healing" during this important time period. Only you will know how much tension and exercise your body can accommodate.
I recommend avoiding strenuous activity after a tummy tuck surgery for approximately three months.
You can certainly do aerobic activities such as an ellipitical machine, stair machine, or stationary bike, as these are low impact and will be more comfortable for you in the early recovery. Avoid sit-ups for several months after surgery as this will directly stress the surgical repair of your abdominal muscles. If the surgical repair of your abs was done sufficiently, there will be little benefit of you performing high repititions of sit-ups anyway. Heavy weight lifting should also be avoided for the first several months after surgery.
If you are doing a particular activity or excercise after surgery and you feel pain or discomfort, then you certainly should stop that activity.
You should refrain from heavy aerobic exercise for 4 to 6 weeks after a tummy tuck, but don't worry about returning to the gym for simple toning, walking, and careful stretching. Avoid crunches and situps for 4 to 6 months. Just take it easy. Wear a comfortable garment like a Flexies, or bicycle-riding stretch shorts.
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