Exercise after Post Pregnancy Surgery

08 Aug Exercise after Post Pregnancy Surgery

When to Exercise after Post Pregnancy Procedures

A Post Pregnancy Surgery is a group of cosmetic procedures that focus on addressing areas of concern after pregnancy. They usually include one or more of the following; Breast Lift, Abdominoplasty(Tummy Tuck), and Liposuction. All procedures are specifically customised according to your unique needs. The importance of post-operative care, including exercise, cannot be overstated. In this blog post, we will explore the various aspects of recovery and exercise following a Post Pregnancy Surgery, from understanding when it’s safe to start exercising, what kind of activities are most beneficial, to the role of good nutrition in aiding recovery.

Dr Guy Watts is a highly skilled and experienced specialist plastic surgeon performing body and breast procedures for his patients in Perth. His extensive training and experience span across seven countries, including a fellowship in Brazil at the Ivo Pitanguy Clinic, a leading cosmetic surgery centre renowned for its advanced techniques in breast and body procedures.

Popular Procedures in a Post Pregnancy Surgery

A Post Pregnancy surgery usually includes a selection of procedures tailored to each individual’s needs. Some of the most common procedures incorporated in a Post Pregnancy surgery are:

• Breast Augmentation or Lift: Breast Augmentation or Lift focuses on altering the shape, size, and/or position of the breasts. It helps to counteract the effects of breastfeeding, restore volume and firmness
• Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty: A Tummy Tuck, also known as Abdominoplasty, focuses on removing excess, loose skin and repairing weakened abdominal muscles that can result from pregnancy. It can also helps create a flatter and more toned midsection
• Liposuction: Liposuction targets stubborn fat deposits that may be resistant to diet and exercise. It contours specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, or buttocks

Benefits of Exercise after Post Pregnancy Surgery

Exercise after Post Pregnancy Surgery (once approved by your surgeon) does more than just help get you back to your daily routine; it has numerous benefits that help optimise your recovery. Physical activity can help reduce post-operative swelling by improving blood circulation.

It also aids in maintaining muscle tone, prevents blood clots, and promotes a sense of well-being by releasing endorphins – the body’s natural mood boosters. Furthermore, a consistent exercise routine can help maintain your Post Pregnancy Surgery results in the long term, by helping you manage your weight and keep your body toned.

Remember, your safe return to physical activity after a Post Pregnancy Surgery isn’t a race. It’s a carefully paced journey that requires your attentiveness, patience, and a consistent dialogue with Dr Watts to ensure the best possible outcome.

When to Start Exercising after Post Pregnancy Surgery

Every individual’s recovery pace varies after a Post Pregnancy Surgery, and so does the appropriate time to reintroduce exercise into the daily routine. Generally, it’s recommended to begin light physical activities, like walking, within the first week after your surgery. However, this doesn’t mean you should push yourself to do more than you’re comfortable with. Always consult with Dr Watts before resuming or starting any exercise regimen.

When starting an exercise routine after Post Pregnancy surgery, it’s important to follow these guidelines:

• Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts
• Listen to your body and stop exercising if you experience pain, discomfort, or excessive fatigue
• Avoid high-impact activities and exercises that strain the surgical areas
• Wear supportive garments or bras recommended by Dr Watts during exercise
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your body’s healing process

Exercise Timeline

• Week 1 Post-Procedure: During the initial week after your surgery, it’s crucial to allow your body the rest it needs for the initial healing process. Gentle movements around your home are encouraged, but refrain from any strenuous activities.
• Week 2-3 Post-Procedure: By the end of the second week or beginning of the third, you might feel ready to start taking short walks. Begin with a gentle, slow pace, gradually increasing the distance as your comfort level allows. Walking not only promotes blood circulation but can also help reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Week 4-6 Post-Procedure: By the fourth week, with Dr Watts’ approval, you may be able to integrate low-impact exercises such as cycling. Remember, the key is to start slow, listen to your body, and gradually increase intensity and duration over time.
• Week 6-8 Post-Procedure: During this period, you might feel ready to reintroduce more moderate exercises into your routine. This can include light resistance training or a gentle yoga class. Always listen to your body and avoid exercises that put undue pressure on your surgical sites.
• Week 8-12 Post-Procedure: As you approach full recovery, you may be able to gradually resume higher-intensity workouts like running, HIIT, or heavier weightlifting, but only if given the green light by Dr/ Watts. Keep in mind, everyone’s healing timeline is unique.
• Week 12 and Beyond: Once you’ve reached this point and have Dr Watts’ approval, you can likely return to your regular workout routine. It’s still important, though, to ease into exercises that particularly target your core and chest.

Recommended Exercises After Post Pregnancy Surgery

Walking

As mentioned previously, you can start walking shortly after your surgery, usually around the second week post-procedure. Walking is an excellent low-impact activity that aids in promoting circulation, preventing blood clots, and kick starting your return to physical activities. Moreover, it contributes to a sense of wellbeing and helps counter the potential for post-operative blues. Remember to start with a slow, comfortable pace, gradually increasing as your strength and endurance improve.

Stretching

Around the 4th week post-procedure, with Dr Watts’ approval, you might be ready to introduce gentle stretching into your routine.

Stretching aids in maintaining flexibility, relieving muscle tension, and increasing range of motion, all of which are essential for a full and comfortable recovery.

Focus on overall body stretches that don’t place strain on your surgical areas. Some suitable types may include neck stretches, shoulder rolls, gentle yoga poses like cat-cow, and leg stretches.

Always ensure your movements are controlled and gentle to prevent any strain or injury.

Low-Impact Cardio

Around the 4th to 6th week, again depending on your personal healing process and Dr Watts’ advice, you can consider adding low-impact cardio activities to your routine. These exercises play a significant role in improving your cardiovascular health, boosting your mood, and aiding in weight management.

Options for low-impact cardio exercises might include cycling or using an elliptical machine. Remember, the goal at this stage isn’t to reach peak performance but to gently reintroduce your body to regular physical activity.

Strength Training

Strength training should be reintroduced into your routine cautiously and only after a full recovery, around the 8–12-week mark, and only after Dr Watts gives you the go-ahead. It’s crucial at this stage to focus on overall body strength and not just the areas affected by your surgery.

Start with light weights and higher repetitions, gradually increasing the weight as your strength improves.

Exercises like lunges, squats, and bicep curls can be good options. Always remember to engage your core for stability and avoid exercises that cause strain or discomfort in your surgical areas.

Diet after Post-Pregnancy Surgery

Alongside exercise, maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for optimal recovery and long-term results. Focus on consuming a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Avoid processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive alcohol consumption. A nutritious diet will provide essential nutrients to support healing, enhance energy levels, and aid in weight management.

FAQs about Post Pregnancy Surgery

What exactly is a Post Pregnancy Surgery and who is a good candidate for it?

• A good candidate for a Post Pregnancy Surgery is someone who is in good overall health, maintains a stable weight, and has realistic expectations about the outcome.
• It is best if you have completed your family as future pregnancies could impact the results.
• Before making the decision, it’s crucial that you have a thorough consultation with Dr Watts to discuss your options and determine whether this is the right path for you.

When can I start exercising after a Post Pregnancy Surgery?

• The timeline for resuming exercise varies significantly based on individual recovery progress and the specific procedures involved in your Post Pregnancy Surgery.
• Often, light activities such as walking can be resumed within a week or two. More moderate exercises like low-impact cardio can generally be reintroduced around 4-6 weeks post-surgery.
• High-intensity workouts and heavy lifting should be avoided until you have fully recovered, usually around the 8 to 12-week mark. However, it’s essential to consult with Dr Watts before starting or advancing your exercise regimen.

What are the benefits of exercise after a Post Pregnancy Surgery?

• Exercise Post Pregnancy Surgery is vital for several reasons.
  • It promotes healing by improving blood circulation and reducing swelling.
  • It helps maintain muscle tone and flexibility, thereby enhancing your surgical results.
• Exercise also boosts your mood and overall wellbeing by releasing endorphins, your body’s natural mood enhancers. Furthermore, regular physical activity can help you maintain your weight and keep your body toned in the long term, ensuring you get the most out of your Post Pregnancy Surgery.

What type of exercises are recommended after a Post Pregnancy Surgery?

• The recommended exercises Post Pregnancy Surgery will largely depend on your recovery stage.
• During the initial weeks, gentle walking is advised.
• As you progress, you can gradually introduce low-impact cardio activities like cycling, and gentle stretching exercises.
• As your recovery progresses, usually around 8-12 weeks, you might be able to reintroduce strength training and more intense exercises, but only with Dr Watts’ approval.

I feel discomfort during exercise after my Post Pregnancy Surgery, Is this normal?

• While some degree of discomfort can be expected as you reintroduce exercise post-surgery, it’s important to listen to your body.
• If you feel sharp pain, increased swelling, or other worrying symptoms, it’s crucial to stop exercising and consult with Dr Watts immediately. It’s possible that you may be over-exerting yourself or that there may be an issue with your recovery.
• Remember, your health and safety should always be your first priority.

Further Reading about Body Procedures with Dr Watts

• Read Dr Watts’ Post Pregnancy Surgery
• Read Dr Watts’ Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery Page
• Read Dr Watts’ Breast Lift
• Read Dr Watts’ Body Lift Surgery Page
• Read Dr Watts’ Recovery after Post Pregnancy Surgery
• Read Dr Watts’ 10 Solutions to Reduce Bruising After Post Pregnancy Surgery
• Read Dr Watts’ Is It Diastasis Recti, Abdominal Fat, or Both?
• Read Dr Watts’ Returning To Exercise After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Medical References about Exercising after Pregnancy Surgery

• C-Section: What to Expect, And 9 Tips for A Faster Recovery – Medical News Today
• Postpartum Guide to Exercise – NWH
• Postnatal Exercise – North York General Hospital