| You've decided that you really need a tummy tuck. | | | | But, don't think you are ready for the gym and lifting |
| You are sick and tired of not being able to wear form | | | | weights. Walking is the best exercise at this point just |
| fitting tops and pants because of the sagging pool of | | | | to get you moving and your blood circulating. Check |
| skin around your waist. The surgery doesn't concern | | | | with your surgeon if you have questions about any |
| you as much as the recovery time does and how long | | | | exercise plans at this point. |
| you will have to be out of work, school and away | | | | After giving yourself six weeks to recover from the |
| from the gym. | | | | tummy tuck, you can amp up your activity level. Things |
| Disrupting your normal routine and obligations are a | | | | should be back to normal at work or school and you |
| major concern but, fortunately, the recovery is a small | | | | can go back to your normal exercise routine. This |
| sacrifice to pay for the end result of a tight and flatter | | | | includes any sporting activities as well. But, remember |
| stomach. Here's what you can expect after surgery | | | | this is just an average guideline. If you don't feel ready, |
| regarding your normal activities. | | | | definitely hold off on resuming your normal routine. If |
| At a minimum, you need to put in for a week of sick | | | | anything doesn't seem right during your recovery, see |
| leave from work or school. The first night will likely be | | | | your surgeon immediately. |
| spent in the hospital so they can monitor you right out | | | | Of course, everyone heals differently. The better your |
| of tummy tuck surgery. But, once you are home, you | | | | general health, the faster you will heal. Also, following |
| have to rest and take it easy. That means no picking | | | | your surgeon's tummy tuck post-operative instructions |
| up the toddlers, rearranging the house or reaching up | | | | facilitate the healing process as well. Don't try to do |
| high for the pasta sauce. | | | | too much too quickly or you could end up back in the |
| You won't be put on total bed-rest, but limiting your | | | | hospital fixing torn or pulled stitches. You can also be |
| movement the first week is for the best. Not just to | | | | left with excessive swelling and bruising that takes |
| prevent pulling stitches and exacerbating swelling, but | | | | longer to recede. |
| you may have an abdominal drain as well. Between | | | | A very important factor to faster healing is the right |
| the 5th and 7th day, the stitches will come out. | | | | plastic surgeon. He must be board certified by the |
| After this first week, you can go back to work if you | | | | American Board of Plastic Surgery to ensure that he |
| feel up to it but you still need to limit your activities. If | | | | is fully-trained and qualified for the procedure. A tummy |
| your job requires a lot of physical work, take another | | | | tuck doesn't have to put you out of commission for a |
| week off or ask for desk work for awhile. You can | | | | long time if you take care of yourself. You'll be back to |
| start doing light exercise the second week as well. | | | | your normal activities in no time! |