A tummy tuck is arguably one of the most beneficial cosmetic surgeries performed today, thanks to the dramatic results it can produce. With a tighter, more toned physique, it may be tempting to get back to the gym and work on maintaining — or showing off — your results, but don’t rush it! A tummy tuck is a major surgery, and your body will need ample time to rest, recover, and heal properly before returning to certain physical activities.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Erick Sanchez and the expert team at Sanchez Plastic Surgery have helped numerous Baton Rouge, LA women restore their pre-pregnancy bodies or achieve the look they’d always wanted with a tummy tuck. Dr. Sanchez is committed to providing an exceptional level of patient service and care throughout the entire tummy tuck process, including the recovery. Following your procedure, Dr. Sanchez and his knowledgeable staff will give you detailed instructions and guidelines to follow during your postoperative period to ensure proper healing and get you back to your normal routine as soon as safely possible.
To determine if a tummy tuck may be right for you, including how the recovery may impact your fitness regimen, it is important to first have a basic understanding of the procedure itself.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, formally known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to give patients a smoother and more contoured midsection through the removal of excess skin and tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles. While the tummy tuck is commonly performed on women who have had children, it is also highly useful for Baton Rouge-area patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and have been left with loose, excess skin around their stomach. For this group, the question of when they can work out after a tummy tuck may be particularly pressing.
What is recovery like after a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a significant surgical procedure, and the recovery period should be taken very seriously. For the first few days after a tummy tuck, patients should expect some level of discomfort, along with bruising and swelling. Dr. Sanchez will prescribe medication to help relieve your pain, and you will be given instructions on how to minimize your other symptoms. Because your mobility will be extremely limited for the first week or so, it is essential that you plan ahead to have help around the house during this time. Most patients are able to resume light household activities after about a week, and return to work, provided their job does not require strenuous physical activity, after about two weeks. Some of the most important things you can do to ensure that your recovery after a tummy tuck is as quick and comfortable as possible:
- Follow your doctor’s orders
- Plan to have help at home
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Get plenty of rest
- Stay nourished and hydrated
- Don’t rush the process
When can I work out again after a tummy tuck?
A couple of weeks after your tummy tuck, you may be tempted to head back to the gym. However, even though you may be feeling more like yourself when it comes to daily routines, your body is still recovering from a serious surgical procedure, and strenuous physical activity can be detrimental to your results. While light walking is encouraged, tummy tuck patients should refrain from running, jumping, lifting weights, and other exercises until they have been cleared by Dr. Sanchez. The length of time this takes can vary, but patients are typically able to resume their fitness and exercise regimen about eight weeks after a tummy tuck. Dr. Sanchez will monitor your recovery closely and let you know when it is time to get back to the gym.
Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck?
Most men and women can be considered candidates for a tummy tuck, provided they meet certain criteria. An ideal candidate for abdominoplasty should:
- Be at or near a stable goal weight
- Refrain from tobacco use
- Be otherwise healthy with no contraindications to anesthesia
- Have excess loose skin around their midsection
- Be certain that they are done having children (women)
Ultimately, the best way to determine if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck is to be evaluated by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. Contact Sanchez Plastic Surgery in Baton Rouge, LA to schedule your consultation with Dr. Erick Sanchez today, and learn more about how a tummy tuck can help give you the body you once had — or the one you’ve always dreamed of.