How Long After Full TT with MR Before I Can Care for my One Year Old Son?

I am asking about basic child care, putting him in and getting him out of crib, lifting him onto diaper changing table, putting him to bed, etc. Just basic, necessary lifting..certainly nothing overboard or not needed while healing. I assumed it was along the rule of no lifting anything for 4-6 weeks post op. Another poster here mentioned that her PS said she could not hold/carry her 1 yr old child for 3 months! Of coarse some situations may be different so what is the general rule of thumb?

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by newmomat37 in Peoria, AZ

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Child care after a tummy tuck

This is a commonly asked question and one where there is such variability of answers. Ultimately, whomever you choose to perform your tummy tuck, that is whose instructions that you should follow. For my patients, I recommend full time assistance for the first several days to a week. After that, my patients can CAREFULLY perform some of these child care activities but I do explain each one specifically. It is very important that patients are careful because of the risk of breakage of the... more

Lifting children after tummy tuck: the reality of it

There are two standards: that which should be done, and that which is actually done. Of course surgeons encourage patients not to lift their young children after tummy tuck surgery for as much as six weeks postoperatively as possible, particularly if a hernia repair around the umbilicus is involved. However, I know what happens when young mothers get home: they are back on duty. It helps to plan ahead and have additional help, in laws, parents, etc. to help with... more

Child care after tummy tuck

Great question! I would recommend that you refrain from lifting for at least a month after surgery. A one year old weighs at least 20 pounds and this would definitely limit your ability to care for your baby without assistance. Many patients try to coordinate their surgeries with their spouses' vacations and then arrange for family members to help out.

Lifting after Tummy Tuck

Plastic surgeons may differ on how long they restrict your activity. Most of the surgeons in my community recommend between 4 and 6 weeks.

Donald Griffin, MD

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Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Lifting after tummy tuck

Hello, As you might expect your level of comfort and activity restriction after a tummy tuck may vary. This variable depends on a number of factors including: 1) How tight your closure is 2) Whether abdominal wall muscle tightening was performed 3) Your plastic surgeons prefernces 4) Your pain tolerance In general, lifting should be limited to very small amounts in the first 2 weeks, perhaps only 5 pounds or so. If you wear your abdominal binder tightly... more

Child Care after Tummy Tuck

Thank you for the question. As you know the tummy tuck operation is a major operation; every patient experiences a different recovery course. This makes it difficult to discuss “general rules of thumb”. I would suggest planning for the worst-case scenario which will hopefully be about 6 weeks away from child care activities. Your plastic surgeon will help guide you with activity level depending on how your recovery proceeds. I hope this helps. more