The Best Ab-sculting Exercises To Do After Tummy Tucks

An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat in the midsection to give the stomach a flatter appearance. Undergoing a tummy tuck helps trim inches off of the stomach, but does not tone the abdominals. Performing exercises that develop the abs and core muscles will help increase definition to give the stomach a leaner look. Follow your surgeon's instructions for recovery and take adequate time to rest to allow the body to heal. Make sure to get the green light from your surgeon before starting a post-surgery exercise routine.

Stability Ball Crunches

Performing stability ball crunches twice per week builds the upper and lower abs while engaging the core for balance. Begin seated on the stability ball. Walk your feet forward until your back is resting on the ball. Place your hands behind the head to prevent straining the neck. Tighten your abs and lift your shoulder blades off of the ball. Lower the upper body down to the starting position. Repeat the exercise for three sets of 20 repetitions.

Stability Ball Hip Raises

Hip raises target the lower portion of the abs. Lie on your back with your legs extended over the hips and feet toward the ceiling. Position the stability ball between the feet. Place your hands underneath the tailbone to support the lower back. Squeeze the abs and lift the hips off of the ground and press the heels toward the ceiling. Slowly lower the hips to the floor and return to the starting position. Repeat for three sets of 20 repetitions two times per week.

Plank Holds

Doing plank holds twice per week stimulates the core muscles including the abs, obliques and lower back, while activating the shoulders and chest for stabilization. Begin on your hands and knees. Press up onto the balls of your feet, leaving your body in a pushup position. Maintain a static hold for 30 seconds. Repeat for three sets of 30-second plank holds.

Alternating Jackknives

Alternating jackknives work the upper and lower abs simultaneously. Lie on your back with your arms overhead and legs extended. Lift your right leg while lifting the shoulder blades off of the ground and reaching your left arm toward the right foot. Lower your arm and leg down to the starting position. Repeat the motion on the opposite side. Perform three sets of 20 repetitions on each side two times per week.