Exact Answer: 6 to 8 Weeks
Tummy Tuck, also known as Abdominoplasty, is a boon for people looking forward to getting rid of those extra layers of skin and fat. These layers can develop post-pregnancy or after shedding a significant amount of weight.
This cosmetic surgery involves the removal of these layers(skin and fat) to flatten the abdominal region and also tightening the muscles surrounding this region. Working out post-surgery is a must to ensure that the new abdomen looks toned and attractive. It also lessens the chance of weight gain, which can revert the results of the surgery. But what is the appropriate time to resume your workout?
How Long After Tummy Tuck Can I Workout?
| Time Period | Level Of Workout |
| Immediately after surgery | Avoid any strenuous activity |
| 2 weeks after surgery | Walk short distances |
| 4 – 6 weeks after surgery | Moderate cardio exercise |
| 6 – 8 weeks after surgery | Consult doctor, resume workout with gradual increase in intensity |
The tummy tuck is a major surgery and involves cutting of the abdomen from hip to hip, followed by contouring the skin, tissues and muscles. It is major surgery, hence it’s necessary to give proper rest and recovery time to the body.
Immediately after surgery, it is suggested to avoid any strenuous activity. The doctor may recommend starting a slow and short walk just to keep the blood circulation in the body and prevent any blood clots formation.
Two weeks after the surgery, the pain fades away, and the patient may attempt to walk short distances. Mobility is crucial in this phase of recovery.
Four to six weeks after the surgery, the patient can do all kinds of cardio exercises at a moderate level. Walking and cycling on stationary bikes are some suggested exercises.
Six to eight weeks after the surgery, most of the wounds of the surgery are healed, and most patients are out of bandages. The patient is almost healed, but not fully. It’s wise to wait until the patient has fully recovered. After which, one can begin with proper workouts.
It is ill-advised to jump to strenuous activities right away, instead one must progress gradually from lower intensity to high-intensity workouts. Every patient reacts differently to the surgery, and the recovery period may vary from person to person. Hence, it is always beneficial to consult the doctor in all phases of the recovery.
Why Does It Take This Long To Resume Workout After Tummy Tuck?
The tummy tuck surgery is a major surgery that requires an incision of the area above the pubic region, which is later closed with surgical glue. The closure is somewhat fragile during the early days after the surgery and requires proper time to set in.
Also, the surgery involves the abdominal muscles, which along with the back muscles constitute the core muscles, which is responsible to keep the body stable, balanced and protect the spine. Therefore, it is recommended to give the body proper time to recover before resuming a workout post-surgery.
Conclusion
Working out is an essential part of recovery following the tummy tuck surgery. It can take up to 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover from the surgery and resume the workout. It is recommended to constantly refer to the doctor for the same, as every case is different in itself.