What Can be Surprisingly Difficult After a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck can transform your body, but recovery comes with unexpected challenges. Here are some surprising things that may be harder than you think:

1. Standing Up Straight – Tightened abdominal muscles and swelling can make it difficult to stand fully upright for the first couple of weeks. Many clients report feeling unsure if it is safe to straighten without causing injury to the surgical area. Together, we will help you find the strength, confidence, and self-assurance to empower you to stand upright, move with less pain, and recover with increased ease.
   
   
2. Getting In and Out of Bed – Simple movements like sitting up or rolling over require core strength, which will be temporarily weakened with abdominoplasty. Home modifications, like sleeping on an incline or practicing the log-rolling method with your therapist can decrease this hurdle.
   
   
3. Coughing, Laughing, and Sneezing – Any sudden abdominal movement can cause discomfort. Holding a pillow against your abdomen provides support and minimizes pain.
   
   
4. Going to the Bathroom – Swelling and pain medications can lead to constipation. Staying hydrated and taking gentle stool softeners will help.
   
   
5. Finding a Comfortable Sleeping Position – Lying flat may feel impossible. Sleeping propped up with pillows or on a wedge cushion can ease tension along your incision.
   
   

After an abdominoplasty, it's important to follow a gradual return to exercise to prevent complications like strain, swelling, or damage to the repaired muscles. Here’s a general guideline:

Immediate Post-Op (Weeks 1-2)

• Walking (slow, short distances) to prevent blood clots.
  
  
• Gentle Breathing Exercises to promote lung expansion and circulation.
  
  

Early Recovery (Weeks 3-4)

• Longer Walks (gradually increasing distance and pace).
  
  
• Light Stretching (avoiding any core engagement).
  
  
• Seated Arm Exercises (e.g., light dumbbell curls, shoulder presses).
  
  

Mid Recovery (Weeks 5-6)

• Low-Impact Cardio (like stationary cycling or brisk walking).
  
  
• Standing Lower-Body Exercises (e.g., bodyweight squats, lunges, leg lifts).
  
  
• Resistance Band Work (for arms and legs, but still avoiding core strain).
  
  

After 6-8 Weeks (With Surgeon’s Approval)

• Core-Strengthening Exercises (starting with gentle movements like pelvic tilts).
  
  
• Low-Impact Strength Training (gradually reintroducing weights).
  
  
• Swimming or Water Aerobics (once incisions are fully healed).
  
  

Avoid Until Cleared (Typically 10-12 Weeks)

• Sit-ups, Crunches, or Planks (to avoid stressing the repaired abdominal muscles).
  
  
• Heavy Lifting (which can strain the core).
  
  
• High-Impact Activities (like running or jumping).
  
  

Always follow your surgeon’s advice before starting any new exercise to ensure a safe recovery!