A tummy tuck is a great way to help get rid of stubborn belly fat and excess skin. If the patient is an active person, then one burning question may be how to ease back into exercise after the procedure. Here are some tips for exercising after a tummy tuck.

Reasons to Exercise

It’s a wise idea to commit to exercise after a tummy tuck because it’s going to help keep the weight off over the long term. The patient’s metabolic rate may increase and the muscles may have improved tone with exercise. This helps to maintain a proportional figure and receive the full benefits of the tummy tuck procedure. The key is to take a gradual approach to exercise so the body can heal and get stronger.

Exercise Options

After the first few weeks of surgery, the patient should limit their workouts to walking. This helps with blood flow and aids in preventing blood clots. The patient should keep in mind that they need to do the amount of activity that feels comfortable for them. Four weeks post-surgery, they can start introducing light to moderate activity into their workout regimen. It’s recommended to avoid strenuous workouts and weight-lifting exercises for six to eight weeks.

Consult With the Doctor

Following a tummy tuck, the patient should consult with their doctor before resuming exercising. The doctor can offer tips for managing an exercise routine post-surgery. Sticking to the doctor’s physical activity guidelines can help create an easier and quicker recovery period.

How and when to begin exercising following a tummy tuck is a common question. Keep in mind that each person responds differently to a cosmetic surgery procedure. If you’re interested in a tummy tuck in South Jersey, board-certified plastic surgeon William Franckle, MD, FACS will support you through your healing process to help ensure you recover safely from the surgery and maintain the results. View our gallery of previous tummy tuck patients and schedule a consultation at 856.772.6500.