Abdominal Exercises After a Tummy Tuck

Abdominal Exercises After a Tummy Tuck
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Abdominoplasty, popularly known as a tummy tuck, is a plastic surgery procedure done to give you a leaner look in the abdominal area. During the procedure, the muscle and skin are manipulated and contoured to reduce the appearance of belly fat. Keep in mind that fat deposits are not removed during a tummy tuck. Once you heal from surgery, you may resume exercising.

Get Surgeon's Approval

Speak to your plastic surgeon before you engage in any type of abdominal exercise. You will typically be asked to wait a minimum of six weeks before beginning a workout routine. It is important to exercise your core since this will not only keep the area toned but will build strength and endurance. If you feel any pain or discomfort during your workout, discontinue and let your doctor know.

Benefits

According to the DocShop website, benefits of exercise after a tummy tuck include reduced swelling, toned muscles and less chance of blood clots. Continuing an exercise routine after a tummy tuck helps keep your body in shape. If you are sedentary after surgery, you are more likely to gain weight, and the results of the procedure will be diminished.

Pilates and Yoga

Core strengthening can be done by participating in Pilates and yoga. You'll enter into a variety of poses that focus on building your abdominal strength. Examples of poses include Planks, Downward-facing Dog, Hundred, Cat, Rollups, Roll Downs, High Lunge and Dolphin Pose. Take a yoga or Pilates class or pick up a DVD for home instruction. If any of the moves feel too difficult to complete, wait until your abs feel stronger.

Time Frame

When your body is healed enough to participate in abdominal floor exercises, start off slowly. Exercise your core approximately three days a week and aim to complete only a few repetitions of each exercise. At each session, you can add on more reps. Start off with simple exercises, such as deep abdominal breathing and pelvic tilts.

References

Article reviewed by Leah Ann Crussell Last updated on: May 26, 2011

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