Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. It also involves tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. This procedure can help address changes on the abdomen due to ageing, major weight loss, and pregnancy. Resuming exercise after abdominoplasty is a crucial phase in the recovery process. Understanding the appropriate timeline and methods to reintroduce exercise can help prevent complications and achieve aesthetic or medical goals.
Immediate Postoperative Period
During this period, patients will likely experience swelling, bruising, and pain. These discomforts can be managed with prescribed pain medications and the use of compression garments. Depending on the patient’s concerns and the surgeon’s recommendations, temporary drains may be placed to remove excess blood and fluid from the surgical site. Because of this, the patient’s mobility may be limited. It is recommended to avoid strenuous activities or exercise and maintain a slightly bent posture in the immediate postoperative period. This helps prevent tension on the incision sites. Gentle exercises such as light walking can be performed after a day or two to promote blood circulation and prevent blood clot formation.
Weeks 1-2
During the first two weeks after an abdominoplasty, it’s essential to prioritise healing and avoid any exercises that could strain the surgical area or disrupt the recovery process. However, patients can engage in short, gentle walks around the house. Deep breathing exercises can also be performed to promote lung health. When lying down or sitting, gentle leg lifts or ankle rotations can be done. Very gentle pelvic tilts are also a good exercise after the surgery, but they must be performed without putting too much strain on the abdominal region.
Weeks 3-4
Patients can feel an increase in energy levels during weeks 3-4 post-abdominoplasty. However, the body is still healing during this time, so patients should engage in gentle exercises that don’t put too much stress on the incision sites or abdominal area. Continuing with light walking is beneficial for circulation and can help prevent blood clots. The intensity and distance might be slightly increased, but it should not cause any discomfort. Patients can perform gentle pelvic tilts by lying on their back with their knees bent and gently tilting their pelvis upward, flattening their back against the floor. Leg slides are another option that can be done by lying on the back with the knees bent, and then slowly sliding one leg at a time to keep it straight. Arm exercises, such as arm circles or lifting light weights for bicep curls, can also be added to the exercise routine.
Week 5 and Beyond
By week five and beyond after an abdominoplasty, more intense forms of exercise can be reintroduced. However, it is important to perform activities that do not put extra strain on the abdomen. Activities like brisk walking, stationary cycling on low resistance, and elliptical machines set on low intensity can be good options. These activities increase heart rate without straining the abdominal muscles. Low-impact aerobic exercises without any jumping or high-impact movements can also be performed. Other exercises after abdominoplasty that can be incorporated into the patient’s routine are swimming, light weightlifting, yoga, pilates, leg lifts, and gentle bicycle movements in the air.
Tips for Safe Exercises After Abdominoplasty
It’s essential to listen to your body and stop any exercise that causes discomfort or pain. Over the coming weeks after abdominoplasty, gradual increases in the intensity and duration of workouts or exercises should be done. It’s also important to monitor the incision sites for any signs of infection, such as the presence of pus, warmth, and increased redness and pain. In addition, always consult with the surgeon on when to exercise after abdominoplasty and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery progress and address any concerns.
Reasons to Choose Aesthetic Edge Clinic for Abdominoplasty Surgery in Sydney
From the initial consultation at Aesthetic Edge, our specialist plastic surgeons in Sydney, Dr Jeremy Hunt and Dr Maryam Seyedabadi, ensure that each patient receives a personalised evaluation. During this period, a thorough patient assessment is conducted, which includes the patient’s medical history, aesthetic goals, lifestyle, and any concerns. They also perform a detailed physical examination of the abdomen and surrounding areas to assess skin quality, muscle tone, and the extent of excess fat and skin. By doing so, they can determine the most suitable surgical technique and plan for each individual. In some cases, they may request imaging studies or detailed measurements to evaluate the surgical area further.
Based on these assessments, Dr Hunt and Dr Seyedabadi will customise the treatment plan so that it aligns with the goals and meet the individual needs of each patient. They will also discuss the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives to abdominoplasty surgery, ensuring that patients are well-informed and can make a decision about proceeding with the surgery.
They also provide patients with extensive support and guidance during the recovery period. This includes providing detailed instructions for post-operative care, including when to exercise after abdominoplasty, reminding patients about regular follow-up appointments, and providing accessible communication channels.
