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Should You Force Standing After a Tummy Tuck?

asked 1 year ago by MomOf20107 in New York
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 861 times
Tags: recovery

I am 7 days post op from a tummy tuck, lipo and breast augmentation with lift. I still can't stand up straight, which I know is normal. My back pain is extremely intense because of this. Last night I forced myself to lay a bit flatter while sleeping to stretch my tummy out. Today I forced myself to stand straight a few times for just a few seconds each. Is this something I should avoid and let my body do it on it's own?

7 answers to Should You Force Standing After a Tummy Tuck?

+2

Posture after Tummy Tuck

Patients usually assume a straight posture anywhere from 5-14 days after surgery, depending on how tight they are. Back pain is always an issue until posture improves to normal. Listen to your body and gradually get straighter and straighter over the next week. Muscle relaxers can help the back pain in the meantime.
Hayley Brown MD

Henderson Plastic Surgeon
+1

Standing up after a tummy tuck

Standind up straight is really dependent upon the elasticity of the skin and the amount of skin excised.  This should gradually improve and you should follow your doctor's recommendations.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Posture after Tummy Tuck

I used to really make a great deal about the bent position after tummy tuck. I find patient determine their own comfort level with posture. I don't ex excessively over tighten the patient so that get concerned about stress on the incision. Dr ES
Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Don't force standing straight up too early

Your last statement is a big key after any surgery.  If it feels uncomfortable back off.  I try to get the tummy as tight as safely possible, so a stooped over position for a few days  is better.  Everything stretches over time.  Your back pain can also be contributed to by the breast augmentation.  Many surgeons prescribed muscle relaxers for that reason.  You shouldn't mix muscle relaxers with pain medicines however.  Above all walking is... more
Randy Proffitt, MD

Mobile Plastic Surgeon
+1

Abdominoplasty recovery: Stand up straight.

I would first consult with your surgeon, However, in my practice, I generally prefer that patients stand upright by 5 days to minimize spasm and contraction.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Standing up straight after a tummy tuck isn't easy at first

You are correct that what you are experiencing is completely normal at this early stage.  Back pain is very common after a tummy tuck because you are walking hunched-over and aren't sleeping normally either.  A muscle relaxer like robaxin may help with this.  Ask your surgeon about it and whether she recommends it for you. Meanwhile, gentle stretching is absolutely fine at this point.  Just don't "strain" yourself trying to get upright--you'll... more
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Standing Straight after a Tummy Tuck

Regarding:  "Should You Force Standing After a Tummy Tuck? I am 7 days post op from a tummy tuck, lipo and breast augmentation with lift. I still can't stand up straight, which I know is normal. My back pain is extremely intense because of this. Last night I forced myself to lay a bit flatter while sleeping to stretch my tummy out. Today I forced myself to stand straight a few times for just a few seconds each. Is this something I should avoid and let my body do it on... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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