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Activities to Avoid After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

asked 3 years ago by ktn in canada
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 2,159 times
Tags: 2 weeks post-op, activity, recovery, standing up

I had a full tummy tuck 12 days ago and I'm wondering what activities to avoid and how long ... As well I cannot stand straight yet is this normal? How do I know if I'm using my an muscles too much or too soon and if one does pull a mucsle or stitch out of a muscle how would one know???how long should I wear the garment and why did my nurse say the tighter the garment the better. ?? It seems to hurt more when I waer it tight. Thanks!!

7 answers to Activities to Avoid After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

+1

Tummy tuck activity restrictions and rationale

It is not specifically the strict weight of lifting that concerns us but the use of the stomach muscles. I have had one person. who was accustomed to having a bowel movement everyday, strain so intensely that they ruptured the muscle repair. Our concerns with lifting are related to two features: 1.The potential for bleeding in the first 24 hours and then again between 7-10 days 2.The possibility of rupturing the muscle repair. This can occur anytime for 6 weeks after surgery... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

After a tummy tuck listen to your surgeon.

You have hired a surgeon to take care of you because you trusted his skill and judgment.   Listen to him. My patients are eased back into activity and generally are fully athletically active by 3 months.  But every patient is different and we titrate activity to the specific course of the patient.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Activities after a tummy tuck surgery

Tummy tucks are a very popular and effective way to contour the abdomen and tighten your waist. They can address the loose muscle into it on the wall as well as extra fat and stretch marks in the abdomen. In our practice, we provide our patients with two compression garments to help them during the recovery process. These garments apply even compression throughout the treated areas and provide support. We asked our patients to walk as much as possible after their surgery. This exercise... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon

www.miamiaesthetic.com

+1

Post tummy tuck questions

Every surgeon suggests different things for post-op care, therefore you should really call your doctor's office. In general, I have patients wear an abdominal garment for 3-6 weeks. I have them limit aerobic acitivity for 3-4 weeks ,and then heavy lifting and sit-ups for 6-8 weeks. Patients usually are told to keep slightly bent for about a week.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Follow the direction from your surgeon

KTN, The best advice is to follow the instructions from your surgeon. However, in most cases, I tell patients that it takes about one week to stand up straight. You should not lift anything heavy (more than 5 pounds) for the first six weeks. Basically, your body will tell you if you are pushing it too much. As much aerobic (walking) activity that you can do is great. Good luck.
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

+1

Listen to your body.

To ktn, Hi! Of course, everyone heals a little differently, and there are different types of tummy tucks. But here are some general rules: 1) Two weeks after surgery you should be able to stand up straight and move about quite freely. 2) One month after surgery you can return to your normal exercise routine. 3) Avoid a garment that feels too tight and that hurts. I don't think garments do much, anyway. 4) In 20 years, I have never had a patient "pop a stitch". So relax! ... more
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

No vigorous workout and abdominal exercises for at least 3 weeks after abdominoplasty

I limit my patients activity for 3 weeks after abdominoplasty. I would not do sit ups or vigorous abdominal exercises for at least 6 weeks-you might pull out a stitch that was used to repair your abdominal muscles. It is important that you walk and use your legs immediately after surgery to help avoid blood clots in your legs. Garments are usually worn for the first week and then a lighter garment like spanks is used after that. If the garment makes you uncomfortable then call your doctor.... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

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