A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a type of surgery that reduces the appearance of fat in the abdominal area. Fat and muscle beneath the abdominal wall are contorted to give you a flatter looking belly. As part of your recovery from tummy tuck surgery, your doctor will put restrictions on the type of exercise you can do in the weeks after the tummy tuck.
Significance
After surgery, you'll need to get out of bed and walk as soon as possible. Walking around your hospital room will help improve your circulation and reduce your risk of developing blood clots. However, your goal when walking frequently is not to get your heart rate up. Walk for short periods of time and have someone nearby in case you feel weak during exercise.
Time Frame
At your post-op visit, your doctor will check your incision site and decide when it is safe for you to get back into your exercise routine. According to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery, as a general rule expect to resume moderate exercise approximately four weeks after the surgery and all activities about six to eight weeks after surgery. For the first two weeks, you'll need to take it easy and avoid any form of strenuous movement, including sexual activity.
Warning
You should avoid any straining, stretching or bending while recovering from a tummy tuck. Although you may want to exercise the abs after surgery, you will need to avoid abdominal workouts for about six weeks. Although your stitches are likely to be removed approximately a week after surgery, you'll still need to avoid straining the muscles in the abdominal area.
Types
When you resume exercise with your doctor's approval, start with low intensity activities. Low impact activities include walking, cycling and swimming. According to the University of Michigan Health Center, you should not lift weights more than 5 lbs. for at least six weeks after surgery. If you want to keep your belly flat, add core training exercises to your routine after six to eight weeks. Pilates and yoga poses can help build core muscle strength and endurance.
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