By Amanda Fisher, PT, DPT - Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist at Empower Your Pelvis

Why You Need Pelvic Floor Therapy After a Tummy Tuck or Mommy Makeover

Recovering from a tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty or mommy makeover, is an exciting step toward feeling more confident in your body. While the surgery tightens your abdominal muscles and skin, a successful recovery depends on giving your core and pelvic floor muscles the attention they deserve.

As someone who recently completed certification in cosmetic surgery therapy (CCST), I’m excited to share how pelvic floor therapy can transform your recovery and help you feel your best post-surgery.

Why I Pursued Certification in Cosmetic Surgery Therapy

This journey started with my sister, Amber, founder of Ribbon Rehab. Amber teaches courses on rehab after cosmetic surgeries, and I saw so much overlap between her expertise and my work with pelvic floor therapy. I was inspired to learn how to better support patients recovering from surgeries like tummy tucks and C-sections.

Taking the course alongside my friend Katie from Three Blue Birds, a lymphedema therapist, solidified my belief in the importance of comprehensive post-surgical care. Katie and I often share patients, and her expertise in lymphatic therapy complements the work I do with pelvic health.

Now, let’s explore why core and pelvic floor therapy is so important after a tummy tuck.

Why Core and Pelvic Floor Muscles Are Crucial After a Tummy Tuck

During a tummy tuck, surgeons often repair separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) and tighten the abdominal muscles and skin. While these changes enhance your appearance, they also impact your core and pelvic floor, which must adjust to the new dynamics.

Your core and pelvic floor play key roles in:

• Stability and strength: Supporting your movements and keeping you balanced.

• Posture: Maintaining proper alignment to prevent strain.

• Bladder and bowel control: Ensuring healthy pelvic function.

Without proper care, you could experience back pain, posture issues, or pelvic floor dysfunction. Core and pelvic floor therapy addresses these concerns and helps you heal effectively.

How Core and Pelvic Floor Therapy Supports Your Recovery

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a vital part of the healing process, offering benefits like:

1. Safe, Gentle Healing

Certified therapists are trained to understand post-surgery precautions, including:

• Best positions for healing.

• Creating a walking and exercise program.

• Reducing swelling through cosmetic lymphatic massage.

• Fitting compression garments to support healing over 6–12 months.

These therapies improve blood flow, reduce pain, and promote faster healing.

2. Building Core Strength and Stability

After surgery, your core muscles may feel weak. Therapy focuses on gentle exercises that rebuild strength and mobility without increasing pain, helping you return to the activities you love with confidence.

3. Scar Tissue Care

Tummy tucks leave a scar, but pelvic floor therapy helps improve scar healing through lymphatic massage and scar tissue mobilization. Wearing compression garments also reduces swelling and supports scar integrity.

4. Improving Posture and Reducing Pain

Hunching over is common in the early stages of recovery, but physical therapy helps you regain upright posture, relieving back tension and teaching you how to engage your core and pelvic floor.

5. Preventing Pelvic Floor Problems

Post-surgery, the pelvic floor can feel weak or unbalanced, potentially causing issues like leaks or pelvic pressure. Therapy strengthens these muscles to prevent complications.

6. Speeding Up Recovery

Physical therapy enhances mobility and strength, helping you regain confidence and return to daily life faster.

Why Pelvic Floor Therapy Matters

Tummy tuck recovery isn’t just about the surgery—it’s about the journey back to feeling your best. Core and pelvic floor therapy ensures you heal smoothly, avoid common complications, and enjoy the full benefits of your surgery.

Let Us Help You Recover Confidently

Inspired to take the next step? Schedule a FREE phone consultation with one of our pelvic floor physical therapists to discuss how we can support your recovery.

Interested in trying recovery exercises? Stay tuned for tips, but remember—these shouldn’t be attempted until at least 8 weeks post-op!

Recovery is a process, but with the right care, you’ll feel stronger, more confident, and empowered every step of the way.

With wellness in your pelvis-

Amanda Fisher, PT, DPT
Owner, Empower Your Pelvis, a pelvic floor physical therapy clinic in Kansas City (Lee’s Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)