Tummy tucks are not for everyone. Most doctors only recommend them once you have tried all other avenues to lose weight. Diet and exercise should always be done first. A tummy tuck can help eliminate loose skin on the abdomen when significant weight loss has been achieved. Exercising after your procedure is just as important as before you went under the knife. It is important to keep your new body toned and well-maintained to avoid weight gain. Exercise should not be resumed until three to four weeks post op. Six to 12 weeks after surgery, full exercise can be resumed.
Step 1
Perform light exercises when starting after surgery. Pilates and yoga are ideal. These exercises will strengthen your core muscles and prepare them for more vigorous activity. Abdominal muscles need to be retrained to keep proper position and strength.
Step 2
Employ a medicine ball during workouts. This helps you strengthen without putting unnecessary strain on your abdominal muscles that could cause injury. Medicine balls are ideal for work with Pilates and yoga.
Step 3
Strengthen the inner abdominal muscles by doing sit-ups, crunches and reverse crunches. This will re-tone the abdominal muscles and aid in recovery. After a tummy tuck, your muscles will be weaker. Thus, abdominal exercise will prove effective in helping you to recover quicker.
Tips and Warnings
- Consult a personal trainer. According to Dr. Otto Placik, a personal trainer can give you valuable advice for effective toning and maintenance. He also reminds the patient that after a tummy tuck, abdominal muscles are in a different position. Therefore, some exercises may not work as well as they did prior to surgery.
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