Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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After a Tummy Tuck, How Long Will It Be Before I Can Do Ironing and Heavy Lifting?

I am due to have a tummy tuck on 3 July over here in London. I run an ironing business where I collect loads of laundry, iron it and then return it, sometimes all on hangers. How long should I realistically be off work. I know with a normal office job I could return within 2 weeks but as my job requires a lot of twisting etc while ironing as well as lifting heavy laundry, how long should I wait to go back to work?

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by fluffycloud

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Count on 4-6 weeks for full recovery

With a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), most patients can return to sedentary work within 2 weeks, however it is necessary to avoid vigorous abdominal straining for 4-6 weeks to prevent disruption of the muscle (diastasis) repair. Most patients are driving at 7-10 days and as long as they can limit their abdominal muscle exertion can resume most activities by 2-3 weeks.

Activity after Tummy Tuck

I suggest to all of my patients that they wait at least two weeks before doing any heavy lifting. Of course, it greatly depends on many factors, i.e. exactly how extensive your abdominoplasty surgery was and how heavy the loads of laundry are. I also tell my patients that after the two week period we will take it a step at a time, and make various determinations regarding lifting etc at each postoperative visit. Jonathan Ross Berman, M.D. , F.A.C.S.

Jonathan Berman, MD

Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.drberman.com

Strenuous work after tummy tuck

Each case is different, and you will need to follow the postoperative instructions of your surgeons. Generally, you can prepare to resume lighter activities a week to 2 weeks after surgery. However, more strenous lifting and ironing should wait at least 4 - 6 weeks. see video

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Return to strenuous work 4-6 weeks post surgery

I would realistically plan on 4-6 weeks to return to full duty with your line of work. Yes with a sedentary job most of my patients return to work after 7-10 days but with more strenuous work I suggest 4-6 weeks. Your plastic surgeon should be able to give you an exact guideline based on how much abdominal repair you need.

If you have a very active job, I recommend you wait 6-8 weeks before returning after tummy tuck.

Thank you for your question. If you have a very active job, I recommend you wait 6-8 weeks before returning. Discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Best of Luck.

Heavy lifting after tummy tuck

Hi, you seem to have a pretty physical job so the usual recommendation is to wait at least 6 weeks before heavy lifting, but please check with your surgeon as he is the only one able to give you the best advise based on your surgery and postop course.

Back to work after tummy tuck

There is considerable variability from individual patient to patient, and according to how extensive the procedure is. My general guidelines are back to work in as little as 10 days for office type work, but 6 weeks for heavy work. What you describe sounds like a 4 to 6 weeks recovery period before working, perhaps on the shorter part of that range if you can get help for the heaviest lifting. Best wishes.

Returning to Strenuous Activity after Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Thank you for the question. Your plastic surgeon will be in the best position to guide you in regards to return to activity and work after your tummy tuck operation. Much of his/her recommendations will likely depend on how well you do after surgery and whether or not you experience any complications. Assuming that when you return to work you will be doing strenuous activity, I would suggest that you wait at least 6 to 8 weeks before returning to that type of work. Keep in... more

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.