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I Am Having Major Tummy Tuck in 7 Weeks, How Long Before Can Go Back to Horse Riding Job?

asked 7 months ago by anon4073
Latest answer by Remus Repta, MD
Question viewed 211 times
Tags: time off work

I am having major tummy tuck in 7 weeks but i am a yard manager mucking out 20 horses a day as well as teaching people to ride. it is very manual, how long am i looking at having off as i will need to inform them? is 2 weeks enough time before i get back into it? i know it will probably be 6 weeks or so before i can ride? many thanks!

14 answers to I Am Having Major Tummy Tuck in 7 Weeks, How Long Before Can Go Back to Horse Riding Job?

+2

Returning to work after a Tummy Tuck

Dear Anon4073, Thank you for your question. For most abdominoplasty patients, they can return back to a desk job in 10 to 14 days. More strenuous jobs though require a longer recovery and the exact length of recovery varies from job to job. From your job description, it would appear that 6 weeks would be the expected downtime but I would strongly suggest you discuss this with your board-certified plastic surgeon before proceeding. The dangers of... more
Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD

Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon

www.stlcosmeticsurgery.com

+2

Time off work

The question is 1) how will you feel 2) what are your restrictions. I agree that 6-8 weeks are needed before you can ride or do manual labor or strenuous activity. It takes 6 weeks for the healing strength of the tissues to be adequate to resist tearing for this kind of thing. You also need to consider how you will feel even working within your restrictions. I can tell 2 weeks will absolutely not be sufficient time
Michael Hueneke, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon
+2

Time off with tummy tuck

I tell my patients that you should wait 6 weeks before doing anything strenuous. I also ride horses and I realize that it depends on what you are doing specifically. If you are just doing slow, flat work around the arena then you can probably start up in about 3 weeks depending on what your surgeon tells you. For anything more such as jumping I would wait the six. It might be tough using your core the first few weeks. Good luck!
Tiffany McCormack, MD

Reno Plastic Surgeon

www.plasticsurgeryrenotahoe.com

+2

Activity after Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. Returning to very strenuous activity such as " mucking out horses” may require at least 6 to 8 weeks ( minimum) after tummy tuck surgery. You should check with your plastic surgeon to see if he/she agrees. Given your question a few words of advice may be helpful before this major operation..... 1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself) and that you have realistic expectations. Be... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Physical activity after a tummy tuck should be reserved for closer to 3-4 weeks

Hello, Cleaning out horse stalls at 2 weeks after a tummy tuck may be too soon. Your plastic surgeon has his/her own specific protocols but I suspect they will give you a comparable answer. You may need to wait about 3-4 weeks before some physical exertion can be started. Again, all of this also depends on what type of tummy tuck is performed and how tight the closure is at completion. All the best, Dr Repta
Remus Repta, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck - I Am Having Major Tummy Tuck in 7 Weeks, How Long Before Can Go Back to Horse Riding Job?

I generally recommend no exercise AT ALL for 3 weeks...and at that point (if you feel like it) you can start slowly and advance as tolerated. Of course, each situation is different and it is important to individualize both the surgical care, and the care afterward. But - and this is even more the case if you're having some lipo at the same time - starting physical activity at two weeks post op may be too early. I would suggest, instead, that you plan on 3 weeks. If... more
Alan Engler, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

I Am Having Major Tummy Tuck in 7 Weeks, How Long Before Can Go Back to Horse Riding Job?

Best to ask your chosen surgeon HIS postoperative protocols. We each have differing requirements. I would only listen to my surgeon not any of us.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Strenuous Core Activity Requires At Least Six Weeks Recovery After Tummy Tuck

One of the great plastic surgery procedures is a tummy tuck, producing mid-body changes that no other treatment method can rival. But it is also an operation that is often underestimated in its recovery. While many patients are returning to sitdown jobs or those with low level activities, two weeks recovery would be adequate. This means they will go back to work but are far from completely recovered. A very physical job as you are describing will unmask how significant a recovery from a... more
Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD

Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com

+1

Seek recommendations from your plastic surgeon regarding postoperative activity restrictions

Because you are undergoing a tummy tuck and will be under the care of a plastic surgeon (hopefully), you NEED to find out exactly what his/her protocol and recommendations are with regard to your postoperative allowable activities and limitations. If you follow the advice of someone else not involved in your care and experience a significant problem as a direct result, you may end up being responsible for more than the physical consequences. For interest and on average, you may need to wait... more
Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

+1

Major Tummy Tuck, and ADL's

First, there is no such thing as a major or minor tummy tuck- all are major. Usually, 6 weeks is needed for scar tissue to strengthen enough for you to do what you want. This implies normal healing. Ultimately, the 6 weeks is an average, and your case may vary. Only your doctor can clear you after surgery.
Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Strenuous activity after tummy tuck

Ask your surgeon what his/her specific instructions are. I would suggest 6 weeks at the minimum and you still may not be 100% at that point. You wouldn't want to push yourself too soon and risk having a problem. Ease into it when you do go back. Best of Luck.
J. Jason Wendel, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon
+1

How long before I can go back to horse job after tummy tuck?

My experience with horse riders is that it will be a full 6 weeks before it is comfortable and probably wise to return to getting on a horse. Mucking out stalls will be the same amount of time. That is a very physical job and the abdominal muscle repair takes about 6 weeks to get strong enough to withstand the kind of stress that you will be placing on it.
Jeffrey E. Kyllo, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

I Am Having Major Tummy Tuck in 7 Weeks, How Long Before Can Go Back to Horse Riding Job?

Its usually about 6 weeks before you can go back to full activities. If your muscles are not plicated I would say 4 weeks. At 6 weeks your abdominal muscles strength is only about 40-50% of final strength, but this is enough for most rigorous activities. If you have any concerns continue to wear your abdominal binder during your first week back. Good Luck.
Christian Prada, MD

Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon
+1

4-6 weeks for major activity

After a full tummy tuck with muscle plication, I feel that 4-6 weeks is needed prior to heavy exertion whether working or exercising. Two weeks is probably too short for the level of activity you are describing. Good Luck!
Brian Klink, MD

Sacramento Plastic Surgeon

www.solanoplasticsurgery.com

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