Tummy Tuck Q&A
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How Much Rest Vs. Movement Should I Be Doing After TT Surgery?
asked 9 months ago by finallyat45 in WISCONSIN
Latest answer by Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Question viewed 253 times
Tags: healing, movement, recovery
How Much Rest Vs. Movement Should I Be Doing After TT Surgery?
7 answers to How Much Rest Vs. Movement Should I Be Doing After TT Surgery?
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Activities following a tummy tuck
It is important not to be "bed-ridden" following a tummy tuck as this does increase the risk for blood clots in the leg and lung. Doing activities in moderation for the first few weeks is usually recommended which also means no heavy lifting, straining and sit-ups. You also may need to walk bent over for several days.
Many patients do return to work by 1 week though this is for more sedentary jobs. Those jobs requiring a considerable amount of physical activity or lifting would...
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How Much Rest Vs. Movement Should I Be Doing After TT Surgery?
In my practice, Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is an outpatient procedure. By providing anesthesia to the area of muscle separation repair (Diastasis), our patients do not have significant discomfort for 12 hours and their level of pain the day after is significantly decreased. Not only is it much more comfortable but it allows greater mobility and deeper breathing.
The faster the patients walk and take deep breaths the quicker they recover and the less the risks of blood clots (DVT), blood...
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Rest vs moving after tummy tuck
I recommend getting out of bed several times a day to walk in order to keep the blood flowing. When you are resting in bed make sure that you are moving your feet and legs frequently. No pushing, pulling, cleaning, bending over, or exercise.
+2
How Much Rest Vs. Movement Should I Be Doing After TT Surgery?
I agree with Dr. Johnsons post; most of my patients take a week off from work, some may need a little more. I have my patients up and walking the day after surgery to prevent blood clots and doing isometric exercises that dont require use of the abdominal muscles 2-3 weeks after surgery. Close follow up with your doctor is always advisable! Good luck!
+2
Tummy Tuck Recovery
My philosophy is to get patients moving quickly after surgery as this reduces the incidence of postoperative complications. My patients are instructed to wear a binder for the first several weeks followed by a moderately supportive girdle for several months. This helps to re-inforce the repair of the fascia while healing takes place. I usually allow the patient to perform aerobic exercises when they feel comfortable doing so - usually about 3-4 weeks following surgery. Heavy lifting, sit ups...
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Moving about after tummy tuck
We prefer our patients up and moving after tummy tuck, as they feel better, and will have a lower risk for blood clots from sitting. Most will take two weeks off, though a few will be out a week. We have stopped using drains long ago and this too has sped the recovery process.
Best of luck,
peterejohnsonmd
Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2
Tummy Tuck Recovery
The abdominoplasty surgery is a large operation and requires lots of recovery. Ideally, you would take 2-4 weeks off of work (and maybe more depending on the type of work you do). You will need to stay “hunched over” for weeks to protect the incision line and there should be no lifting or driving. You should speak to your surgeon as to his/her recommendations for you for after surgery as each surgeon has a slightly different recovery process they want their...
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