A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat around the waist and flattens the muscles, giving your stomach a flat appearance. Typical symptoms post-surgery include bruising, redness and swelling at or around the affected area, overall fatigue and muscle soreness. An abdominoplasty usually requires a long recovery, which can delay your yoga regimen. However, understanding your recovery period and when yoga is acceptable can help you experience optimum healing and results.
Post-Operation Exercise
Your physician might encourage you to go on short walks as quickly as one day after surgery. This is to encourage blood circulation, says the Surgery site. However, you will be discouraged from performing any bending, lifting or straining for a specified time interval as indicated by your doctor. These exertions can cause more swelling and possible bleeding. Mild exercise is not recommended until after the first few weeks and yoga is not recommended for up to two months post-surgery.
Yoga After a Tummy Tuck
Several yoga poses can help strengthen your abdominal muscles and enhance the results of your tummy tuck. For instance, the upward facing dog posture helps to strengthen the abdominal muscles by requiring you to balance all of your weight on the tips of your hands and feet, says the Yoga Wiz site. Another yoga posture is the cobra pose, which helps to tighten the tummy region. Other poses that help firm this region are the plough pose and the kakasana. If you are not versed in these positions, it may be best to join a yoga class or hire a yoga instructor, as these can help you successfully perform the pose.
Symptoms of Over-Exertion
Whether it's during yoga or during daily routines, if you experience any bleeding or any onset of pain or discomfort, these may be signs that you have over-exerted yourself. Contact a physician immediately if you experience these symptoms and be sure to disclose all physical activity you have conducted, as the cause to these symptoms may not be your yoga routine.
Considerations
Swelling is a common symptom after a tummy tuck, but it should clear within a few weeks. However, it may take a few months for all of the swelling to subside. Thus, it may be difficult to discern what swelling is natural and what swelling is symptomatic of exercising too early or over-exertion. It's best to contact the physician if you experience any additional swelling or any new swelling after the initial bout of swelling has subsided. In addition, disclose completely your yoga regimen, as a simple alteration in intensity or pose may be all that is needed.
Warning
All individuals heal differently and at different rates. Your waiting period for exercise and yoga may be extended based on your overall recovery. This can pose problems if you have started exercise when your body was not ready, or if you experience unexpected complications after your physician has approved of an exercise regimen. To avoid this, schedule regular appointments with your physician after exercise has been approved. This will allow you to stay assured that your recovery can handle your yoga routine.
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