Should I be Able to Walk Straight 3 Days After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

I had the full tummy tuck w/ muscle repair and lipo on upper hips. My pain has been tolerable since day 1 post op and it's day 3 and I am hardly on any pain meds. My drain seems to be leaking less? Am I on the road to recovery or does this seem like it's too early? On a side note, I've been laughing lately and have been trying hard not to (how do I know if i ripped anything inside? like the muscle repair? If that makes any sense?

Tags:

Comment on this

19 Doctor Answers | Asked by Stina in Cali

Doctor Answers (19)
Community Comments (0)

Expect at least a week of discomfort after a tummy tuck

A tummy tuck is a major operation. You can expect some discomfort during the first few days, up to a week. Swelling associated with any surgery tends to peak at postoperative day three (POD3). During this time you will likely need to take oral pain medication. After the first week, you may need only Tylenol for discomfort, with stronger pain meds in the late afternoon or at night. If you are very athletic and your body is used to being stressed physicallyl with... more

Walking straight after tummy tuck

Sounds like you are doing great following your tummy tuck - Congrats. Typically it takes one to two weeks to feel comfortable standing up straight. Many patients are able to return to work and daily activities within 2 weeks of surgery. Softening of the surgical scars, return of sensation, and loosening of the tight sensation may take several months. Abdominoplasty recovery can be in some cases slow and uncomfortable requiring more time for a full recovery. Light activity is... more

Recovery after tummy tuck

It may take about one full week after a tummy tuck before you are comfortable and able to walk completely upright. Each day you should try and stand slightly straighter than the day before, but don't rush it. Your body will tell you how far you can go each day. Being slightly bent at the waist will take some of the tension off of the abdominal repair you underwent with the tummy tuck. Please consult with your plastic surgeon for more specific details regarding your recovery.... more

It is not uncommon to walk slightly bent over or not being able to stand-up straight following a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).

It is not uncommon to walk slightly bent over or not being able to stand-up straight following a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) during the early healing period. This is a result of tightening the abdominal wall and removing the excess skin. For more information, see DRMEZROW.com

Should I be Able to Walk Straight 3 Days After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

It has been my experience that operating on well motivated patients who are well educated on what to expect and what to do after their surgery COMBINED with numbing the tightened abdominal wall with a long lasting anesthetic commonly results in rapid recovery. I have not seen people bent over ("L's") in my practice in years. Nice going! Dr. Peter Aldea

Great recovery from a tummy tuck

Some patients are lucky enough to have your kind of recovery. Just be glad and don't overdo as this will set you back.

Feeling great following a tummy tuck.

It is excellent that you feel great this early after your tummy tuck. It is very unlikey that laughing will affect your TT and tear any sutures. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

33 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Walking straight after tummy tuck

It really depends on your skin and how thight the tuck was. Some patients are able to walk up straight within a couple of days and some take over a week, so it depends on a lot of factors and what you are experiencing is certainly within the norm.

Rapid recuperation after a tummy tuck. A good sign?

Recuperation from a tummy tuck is so variable among patients. Fortunately, it sounds like yours has progressed quite well - so don't be alarmed. Many patients take a few days or more to be able to ambulate standing up straight. Make sure that you follow the recommendations of your plastic surgeon including avoiding certain activities for a given period of time. Some patients may feel so well that they can engage in activities that may be detrimental to their healing such as... more

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Great to hear that you are on your way to a speedy recovery. But don't get overconfident. Follow your surgeon's postoperative instructions. I generally advise patients to walk flexed at their waist and gradually straighten up more and more each day. Most patients requires 5 to 9 days to walk straight without any discomfort. Ambulating is great. But no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for about 5 weeks. Hope this helps. more