If you’ve recently had a tummy tuck, you’ll probably want to know when it’s safe to resume exercise and sexual activity. Also known as an abdominoplastyabdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen.
Starting exercise too soon after a tummy tuck can lead to complications such as poor wound healing, scarring, or the need for follow-up surgery.
This article provides advice on when you can safely return to physical activity, as well as ways to modify your daily activities so you can heal properly.
Right after surgery
When you wake up from surgery, your abdomen will be covered with a sterile bandage, and you may have tiny tubes to help drain fluid from the wound. This is common and should not cause concern.
On the day of surgery, you will be instructed to walk a little to promote blood circulation and healing. Don’t do it yourself — you may be at risk of falling because your balance and strength may be impaired by postoperative pain or the effects of anesthesia.
Once you return home, you will likely have trouble bending over, reaching, or standing for long periods of time. If you live alone, it helps to have someone stay with you for at least a few days until you can take on daily tasks.
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least two to three days after surgery before showering.
Light cardiovascular activity, such as walking, begins immediately after surgery and continues until your doctor clears you for more. You can walk a little longer and farther each day to build up your strength.
However, you should avoid squatting and lifting heavy objects for the first few weeks. This includes lifting groceries and small children.
Back to Exercise
People who have had a tummy tuck are sometimes all too eager to return to exercise given their grooming and new physique. This is something you should avoid. Depending on the extent of your surgery, your surgeon may tell you to wait four to 10 weeks after your tummy tuck.
When you start, start slow with just a few reps, paying close attention to form. If you haven’t exercised before, ask your surgeon to refer you to a personal trainer experienced in abdominal rehabilitation. This helps ensure you move forward smartly and safely.
There are no standard guidelines for how to exercise after a tummy tuck, but most surgeons agree that you should avoid stressing the stomach muscles until the tissues have fully healed.
Start with light weights to slowly build upper body strength and tone. You can also perform exercises that strengthen the legs, such as calf raises, step-ups, and thigh exercises with resistance bands.
Until you are fully healed, avoid planks, squats, lunges, pull-ups, sit-ups, or any lifting exercises.
Once your surgeon gives you the OK, you can start doing crunches, sit-ups, and planks, as long as you start slow and work your way up. Pay attention to form, set reasonable goals and listen to your body. If you feel pain or something is wrong, relieve yourself. Don’t rush things.
When can I exercise after a tummy tuck?
Most surgeons will tell you to wait at least four weeks before returning to an exercise routine. Even then, you may be advised to wait longer before doing ab exercises or lifting weights. Talk to your surgeon before starting any exercise plan.
Continued sex
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least two weeks (and up to four weeks) after abdominoplasty before having sex.
When having sex, it may be best to stand up straight or lie on your back instead of squatting, raising your legs, or being on top of you. Even lying on your side can cause problems as it can cause you to arch your back, which stretches and stretches the abdominal muscles.
Don’t be shy about talking to your surgeon about when it’s safe to have sex again. And remember that sex is not just intercourse. Until you are fully healed, mutual masturbation and oral sex can provide just as much pleasure.
Risk of being active too soon
Tummy tuck surgery involves cutting the abdominal muscles, which can take some time to heal. Returning to exercise, sex, or even daily activities too quickly after a tummy tuck can put you at risk for complications.
Too much activity too soon can stretch the incision site and possibly cause it to reopen. This can lead to prolonged bleeding, swelling and infection. Call your doctor if the incision becomes detached.
In addition, your abdominal muscles support your torso and hold your internal organs in place. Premature straining of these muscles can delay healing and increase the risk of incisional hernia.
Modification of Daily Activities
In terms of daily activity, you should avoid lifting objects that weigh more than 5 pounds for six weeks because this can damage the incision site, possibly leading to bleeding and scarring. Driving, cooking or shopping is usually fine after the first week or two.
Ask your surgeon how long you need to stay home after surgery. This may vary depending on the type of tummy tuck you have had. For more extensive procedures, expect to take off for about four weeks.
It is generally recommended to avoid bathing and swimming for the first month. Showering is fine, but avoid soaking the incision site or drying the skin vigorously.
Most doctors will instruct you to wear a special compression bandage for the first month, ideally for 23 hours a day. Doing this helps the treated area heal evenly and prevents blood clots. After the first month, you may be given a different compression bandage to wear during active days.
Sleeping position
Don’t sleep on your stomach until it doesn’t hurt anymore. You may find that sleeping with pillows under your back and head and/or under your knees can reduce discomfort.
This is known as the semi-Fowler position and should be used for two weeks after surgery to avoid stressing the incision site. Sleeping on a recliner is also often recommended as it puts less pressure on the abdomen.
Summary
It takes time and rest to heal properly after tummy tuck surgery. While healing, you should avoid squatting, lifting, or any action that puts pressure on the surgical area. Doing so can interfere with healing and cause scarring.
Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may need to wait between four and 10 weeks before returning to routine exercise. Start with upper body and leg strength exercises and don’t start abdominal exercises until your doctor gives you the OK. If an exercise causes pain, relax the back to avoid hurting yourself.
