Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a “tummy tuck,” is a fairly common cosmetic surgical procedure in Burnaby and Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, where many people seek it to improve abdominal contour after weight loss, pregnancy, or changes in skin elasticity with age. The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and, in some cases, tightening the underlying abdominal muscles to create a firmer, flatter appearance. In a city like Vancouver, where both aesthetic procedures and post-weight-loss surgeries are in demand, abdominoplasties are offered by a number of qualified plastic surgeons in private clinics and hospitals. Recovery typically requires several weeks of reduced activity, and patients often undergo follow-up care and sometimes physiotherapy to support mobility and healing.
As the region’s top-rated physiotherapy clinic, we’re called upon to support standard recovery from the procedure, and to address injuries that may have occurred. Call 604.558.2273 to book an appointment, or read ahead first for more information.
Overview of Absolute PhysioCare Gluteoplasty (musculoskeletal and neuromuscular) Injury Repair Services in Burnaby Vancouver BC
General Abdominoplasty Physiotherapy Services
Our physiotherapy clinic plays an important supportive role in recovery following a successful abdominoplasty by helping clients safely restore mobility, strength, and functional movement. In the early stages of healing, your physiotherapist will guide gentle mobility exercises and breathing techniques to reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and support lung function while minimizing strain on the abdominal incision. As recovery progresses, treatment may include gradual core reactivation exercises to rebuild abdominal strength, improve posture, and support the healing of the underlying muscles. Your dedicated physiotherapy team can also help reduce scar tissue restrictions through gentle manual techniques and education on scar management. In addition, gait training and functional movement retraining may be used to help you return to daily activities comfortably and safely while reducing the risk of complications or prolonged discomfort.
Treatment for Types of Injuries Sustained from Abdominoplasty
Plication Weakness or Rupture
Plication weakness or rupture following an abdominoplasty occurs when the surgically tightened abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis repair) stretch, loosen, or fail under strain, leading to reduced core stability, abdominal bulging, low back discomfort, and difficulty with movements such as sitting up, lifting, or maintaining posture. This may result from premature loading, poor healing, or excessive intra-abdominal pressure during recovery. Physiotherapy can support recovery by re-educating deep core activation (particularly the transverse abdominis), improving postural control, and gradually restoring abdominal strength through carefully progressed exercises. Breathing training, scar management, and functional movement retraining are also important to reduce strain on the repair and help patients safely regain core stability and everyday function.
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome
Abdominal compartment syndrome following an abdominoplasty is a rare but serious complication where increased pressure within the abdominal cavity impairs blood flow and restricts the function of internal organs, often resulting in severe pain, abdominal distension, breathing difficulty, reduced urine output, and systemic instability. It is a medical emergency requiring urgent hospital management. Once the acute phase has been treated and the individual is medically stable, physiotherapy can support recovery by gently restoring breathing mechanics through diaphragmatic breathing exercises, improving early mobility to reduce complications such as deconditioning and blood clots, and gradually reintroducing core activation in a safe, controlled manner. As recovery progresses, rehabilitation focuses on posture correction, functional strengthening, and progressive return to activity while ensuring that intra-abdominal pressure is managed appropriately to protect healing tissues.
Tissue Ischemia
Tissue ischemia associated with abdominoplasty occurs when blood flow to the abdominal skin or underlying tissues is insufficient, potentially leading to delayed healing, skin necrosis, or wound breakdown. Physiotherapy can support recovery by improving local circulation through gentle mobilization, optimizing breathing mechanics, and using techniques such as lymphatic drainage and scar management to reduce swelling and promote tissue perfusion.
Compromised Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (LFCN)
The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) can be irritated or compressed during abdominoplasty, leading to meralgia paresthetica symptoms such as burning, numbness, or tingling over the anterolateral thigh. Physiotherapy can help by providing neural mobilization techniques, postural and gait retraining, and soft tissue work to reduce surrounding tension and support gradual symptom resolution.
Iliohypogastric and Ilioinguinal Nerves
The iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves may be affected during abdominoplasty due to surgical dissection or scar tissue formation, resulting in pain, hypersensitivity, or altered sensation in the lower abdomen, groin, or suprapubic region. Physiotherapy can assist through gentle desensitization techniques, scar tissue mobilization, and targeted manual therapy and movement retraining to reduce nerve irritation and improve functional comfort.
Positional Nerve Injuries
Positional nerve injuries after abdominoplasty can occur from prolonged intraoperative positioning or post-operative guarding, potentially affecting nerves such as the femoral, sciatic, or peripheral cutaneous branches and leading to sensory changes, weakness, or pain. Physiotherapy can help by restoring normal movement patterns, using neural mobilization and graded strengthening, and addressing postural or biomechanical compensations to support nerve recovery and function.
Absolute PhysioCare offers the most comprehensive suite of solutions for Burnaby and Greater Vancouver BC area individuals seeking therapy to restore function after an abdominoplasty / tummy tuck. Reach out via your preferred form of contact provided below.
(Burnaby area residents)
