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When Can I Exercise After a Tummy Tuck?

By: Dr. Rolando Morales

3/11/2020

Also referred to as an abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery is often performed as part of a mommy makeover package to help women regain their figures post-pregnancy. Although your plastic surgeon should go over the operation in detail beforehand, it is important to learn some basics about the procedure. This will help you in better understand what your body is dealing with throughout the recovery process.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales performs abdominoplasty surgery on men and women who desire a slimmer and more contoured body. At Morales Plastic Surgery, we offer information and guidance about tummy tuck recovery and results. Learn more about the process, as well as when to exercise after a tummy tuck, by reaching out for a consultation at our office. We are prepared to address your questions and concerns in Houston, TX.

What happens during tummy tuck surgery

A tummy tuck is an excellent way for individuals to slim down and get the leaner appearance they most desire. While some fat may be removed, tummy tuck surgery is not necessarily a weight-loss procedure. A tummy tuck is primarily aimed at removing extra skin and repairing separated abdominal muscles, which results in a tighter and more toned look. In order to achieve this, Dr. Morales creates an incision in the lower abdomen. Liposuction is used to suction out fat, and the abdominal muscles are pulled tight. The belly button may also be repositioned for natural placement.

Dr. Morales performs this plastic surgery while the patient is under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility, usually taking about two hours to complete. A full or extended tummy tuck requires a longer incision when compared to a mini tuck. During your consultation, we can discuss topics such as incision length and the degree of correction necessary. Keep in mind that the decision to have surgery is a personal one, and you will have to determine if the tummy tuck results outweigh the potential risks to achieve your goals.

How to handle tummy tuck recovery

In the first 24 hours after surgery, patients are monitored closely before being released to a trusted family member or close friend. Dr. Morales will provide post-operative instructions so you can rest comfortably at home. This will include information about caring for the incision, how to prevent swelling, and what to do in case of infection or other complications. Even though sitting up or standing on your own may be difficult at first, it will become easier every day.

Patients wear a compression garment for 4 – 6 weeks to maximize tummy tuck results and reduce discomfort. During this time, it is important not to push yourself too hard or lift heavy objects. This risks placing too much strain on the incisions and abdominal muscles. By the end of the second week, you should be able to return to work, as long as your job is not physically demanding. At the end of your tummy tuck recovery, you should be able to notice a flatter, firmer contour that is proportionate with your body type and weight.

About exercise after tummy tuck surgery

Many of our valued patients in Houston, TX ask questions about when to safely exercise after tummy tuck surgery. If you follow the recommendations provided and there were no complications during recovery, there is no reason why you shouldn’t return to regular workouts at 4 – 6 weeks. Each individual responds differently to plastic surgery, however, so when you attend your follow-up appointments at Morales Plastic Surgery, Dr. Morales will assess the area and clear you for certain exercises.

Physical exercise is a great way to lessen the chance of weight gain, which may reverse the effects of the procedure. While many people are excited to return to their favorite exercises right away, too much activity too soon can cause more harm than good. You can begin by taking walks around the house or neighborhood, then slowly working your way up. As a leading plastic surgeon, Dr. Morales would be happy to offer advice to help you meet your fitness goals.

Reveal a slimmer you

We want to warmly welcome you to Morales Plastic Surgery, an innovative plastic surgery clinic with modern tools and experienced staff to exceed all your expectations and more. With his established practice, Dr. Rolando Morales assists patients in accomplishing their desired tummy tuck results. We encourage you to take a tour and see our facility in Houston, TX and see what we have to offer. Learn more about exercise after tummy tuck surgery by calling our practice to schedule an appointment.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.