Tummy Tuck Q&A
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How Long Will I Need Help for After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

asked 10 months ago by indigoangel in BC, Canada
Latest answer by Sepehr Egrari, MD
Question viewed 166 times
Tags: assistance, athletic, duration

I'm a slim fit 48 yr old considering a TT. I've been working out faithfully (weight training) for 30 years. I don't have excess skin or fat, just lax fascia that years of exercise has been unable to fix. Will these things work in my favour and help me get back on my feet faster? I live alone and it might be difficult to find family members or friends to babysit me for very long (they all work).

7 answers to How Long Will I Need Help for After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

+2

Recovery time (help needed) after tummy tuck

Most patients like to have some help with the kids and some daily activities for a few days maybe for a week. Usually by the second week you are able to do more and are feeling much better. It takes some patients 2 weeks to feel like they don't need any more help.
Richard Dale Reynolds, MD

El Paso Plastic Surgeon
+2

Being Fit for Tummy Tuck Surgery

Certainly being fit and active is helpful in surgery recovery, however, regardless of how "fit" one is there is still a finite period of recovery required from tummy tuck surgery. Most patients will require 1-2 weeks of recovery from this type of surgery. All patients would require at least 1-2 days of assistance immediately postop and this can be arranged if necessary preop. I would encourage activity as a soon as tolerated but nothing strenous until 4-6 weeks... more
Leslie D. Kerluke, MD

Vancouver Plastic Surgeon
+1

Recovery after tummy tuck

Tummy tucks are one of the more involved operations that we do as plastic surgeons. When tightening of the muscles are done it does cause some discomfort for the first 10 days or so. I generally tell people who are working to take at least 2 weeks off. I instruct all patients to have someone with them around the clock for the first 5 days and then on and off for the following 5 days. Most people resume work and exercise at 3-4 weeks and by 6 weeks they are "good as new". Final... more
Sepehr Egrari, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.egrari.com

+1

Help after tummy tuck surgery

Recovery is a very important part of the healing process. It is crucial that you have a good support system to help you during the first few weeks post-tummy tuck surgery. The fact that you are in good shape and good health will help you in your recovery period. You may need help for at least 2 weeks post-surgery to prevent any complications. It is necessary for you to refrain from any heavy lifting, exercise, or strenuous activity for 6-8 weeks to ensure the best result possible. On this... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Tummy Tuck Recovery

People that are aerobically fit recover much more easily than those that are out of shape. The same can be said for psychological fitness. A person in a good frame of mind with a positive attitude has a better stress tolerance and is better able to handle recovery. Most people need hands on assistance for one to three days following an abdominoplasty. No medical expertise is required, just a responsible adult who can help with routine activities of daily living. A person that lives alone... more
Mary Lee Peters, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Recommend tw weeks helps after tummy tuck

I would recommend that you try to get help for about two weeks after your tummy tuck surgery. If you cannot get a family member or friend to help you, you might consider hiring someone online, through the newspaper, or through an agency. I would not recommend that you stay alone immediately after a tummy tuck.
James Tang, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Recovery after Tummy Tuck

I generally advise my patients that they should take two weeks off work following tummy tuck surgery. It is helpful to have assistance for a day or two getting up and bathing. Walking is encourage as soon as possible and all of my patients are up for short walks within 4-6 hours after surgery to prevent blood clots forming in the legs. Strenuous activities like running and aerobic exercise can usually be resumed in 4-6 weeks. Hope this helps.
Richard Linderman, MD

Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

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