Thank you for your question regarding whether you need to do crunches after a tummy tuck. While a tummy tuck tightens the abdominal area by removing excess skin and often includes muscle plication (repairing separated muscles), it doesn’t replace the need for ongoing core strengthening exercises like crunches. After a tummy tuck, your abdominal muscles are brought back together and tightened, which can give you a flatter and more toned appearance. However, this doesn’t mean your muscles are necessarily strong just because they’re tight. There’s a difference between having tight abdominal muscles and having strong abdominal muscles. Crunches and other core exercises are still valuable for building overall core strength, which can improve posture, prevent back pain, and support your spine. Once you’ve fully healed from the surgery, your surgeon will likely recommend incorporating core exercises back into your routine to keep your muscles strong and healthy. In the long term, having a strong core will help maintain your tummy tuck results and keep your body in good alignment. So, while a tummy tuck gives you a head start in terms of tightening the area, crunches and other exercises will still be beneficial in maintaining core strength and overall fitness. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen