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Walking 8 Days After a Tummy Tuck Too Soon?

asked 1 year ago by maiden in Indiana
Latest answer by Peter A. Aldea, MD
Question viewed 238 times
Tags: activity, walk

Yesterday I walked a little over a mile at around 3 mph. I figured that was light enough. Well, later that night my drainage turned from a peach color (sometimes clear or pink) to dark red. Was that my fault? Did I do too much? And if so, should I be worried?

2 answers to Walking 8 Days After a Tummy Tuck Too Soon?

+1

Ambulation after a Tummy Tuck is GOOD - Overdoing it is not...

It is extremely important that you walk the night of the Tummy Tuck and thereafter. This operation has a high rate of developing deep vein clots and walking is a good way of lowering this possibility. But - exercising and moving side to side will generate more drainage and may not be helpful. I would postpone more active exercising to after 4 weeks from the surgery date. In the meantime, I do not think you damaged anything but you may want to check with your surgeon just in case. more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Walking after tummy tuck

Although what you define as “light” exercise, may be light for you, it is definitely too much right after surgery like abdominoplasty, especially with drains still in. The only major accumulation of fluid I have ever had after tummy tuck was in a lady who hiked as you did within the first week. For significant exercise (and yours qualifies for most people) you need to wait at least 2-3 weeks.  
Robert T. Buchanan, MD

Highlands Plastic Surgeon

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