Anyone trying to lose a few pounds knows there are a few areas on the body that are harder to tone than others. The belly is one of those pesky areas. For some, stubborn belly fat seems to hang on for dear life. Sometimes, people opt to have a tummy tuck to tackle that excess fat that doesn’t want to leave. It’s important to consult a board-certified surgeon about the procedure and about a healthy routine after the surgery. After a tummy tuck, an exercise routine is needed to keep the sculpted look from surgery, but it’s vital to incorporate the right exercises once a surgeon says it’s safe to workout.
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery says many patients want to hit the gym soon after the procedure, but it’s important to heed the advice of a plastic surgeon, and not dive into a workout too soon. Most plastic surgeons in Los Angeles suggest waiting more than a month to start a moderate workout routine. “Six weeks after tummy-tuck is an adequate time for many cardiovascular type exercises,” advises one of the doctors on the site. “Running, elliptical trainer, treadmill and speed walking are all excellent forms of aerobic exercise. Weight lifting can put a significant strain on the incisions and the sutures. It is wise to begin weight lifting slowly. Six weeks is a fine time to start, but start slowly. Do less repetitions and less weight than you were used to doing. It is most important to let your body guide you.”
After the appropriate time has passed, tummy tuck patients should being an overall strengthening routine, says Livestrong.com. The health site suggests an easy start with walking, then gradually increase intensity. “A common mistake after a tummy tuck is to do a lot of abdominal exercises and little else. Especially if you have had a weight problem in the past that led to the excess fat and skin removal, it is best to begin a total body toning and strengthening program.”
Livestrong.com also suggests certain exercises to tone the “tucked” area, “During a tummy tuck, the deepest muscles of the abdomen, the rectus abdominis, are repositioned and tightened. After these muscles have healed, exercises that strengthen the rectus abdominis are called for. Those exercises include straight leg raises, reverse crunches and hanging leg raises.” Again, it’s best to discuss a workout routine with a surgeon to make sure no risks are being taken.
Tummy tuck procedures were one of the most common cosmetic plastic surgeries performed in 2011, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. In all, more than 149,000 individuals underwent the procedure last year alone.
Dr. Kincaid serves the greater Southern California area including Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Newport Beach, Laguna, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Dana Point, and the greater San Diego area. Call Dr. Kincaid in his centrally located La Jolla, California office at 858-450-4199 and schedule your consultation today.
