I had an abdominoplasty and umbilical hernia repair 2 1/2 weeks ago (to repair the recti diastisis and umbilical hernia after having my twins four years ago), and I am getting really concerned that after a little more than two weeks, I still can't stand up straight. The tightness is still so intense, that I am still flexed at the hips slightly. My background is in fitness and dance, and I expected to bounce back more quickly because of my fitness level, however this has been much tougher than I expected. Is it normal at this point to still not be able to stand up fully straight, and feel such intense tightness at the incision site?
Answer: Don't be alarmed, this is not unusual after an abdominoplasty I do a lot of "mommy makeovers," and I tell my patients that the abdominoplasty part is the toughest! After having quads, your abdominal wall was way over stretched, and you lived like that for four years. Now it is very tight and you are not used to the feeling. Start straightening up slowly (you might find that the abdominal wall feels tightest in the morning and it gets better as you move around), do not push yourself. Allow your body to heal. I do not allow my patients to do any strenuous activity up to 6-8 weeks postop. Only then can they start doing sit ups or push ups. You waited four years to have this done, give your body time to heal. It might take up to six months or longer before you get back to "normal." Best regards.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Don't be alarmed, this is not unusual after an abdominoplasty I do a lot of "mommy makeovers," and I tell my patients that the abdominoplasty part is the toughest! After having quads, your abdominal wall was way over stretched, and you lived like that for four years. Now it is very tight and you are not used to the feeling. Start straightening up slowly (you might find that the abdominal wall feels tightest in the morning and it gets better as you move around), do not push yourself. Allow your body to heal. I do not allow my patients to do any strenuous activity up to 6-8 weeks postop. Only then can they start doing sit ups or push ups. You waited four years to have this done, give your body time to heal. It might take up to six months or longer before you get back to "normal." Best regards.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Recovery after #TummyTuck Dear @SheriBrock - Thanks for the question! We ask patients to walk hunched over for about a week to keep tension off the incision line. You may be feeling tightness because your surgeon did a great job removing tissue and your skin has not relaxed to accommodate the new tight abdomen yet. Typically the recovery is quite smooth. You may return to work in one week with light duty and no heavy-lifting. Tummy tuck patients will need to avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for six weeks. We suggest avoiding lifting anything heavier than about ten pounds (the equivalent of a full grocery bag) during this time. Thanks! Dr. Chopra
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Recovery after #TummyTuck Dear @SheriBrock - Thanks for the question! We ask patients to walk hunched over for about a week to keep tension off the incision line. You may be feeling tightness because your surgeon did a great job removing tissue and your skin has not relaxed to accommodate the new tight abdomen yet. Typically the recovery is quite smooth. You may return to work in one week with light duty and no heavy-lifting. Tummy tuck patients will need to avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for six weeks. We suggest avoiding lifting anything heavier than about ten pounds (the equivalent of a full grocery bag) during this time. Thanks! Dr. Chopra
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August 4, 2021
Answer: Tightness and Difficulty Standing Up Post-Tummy Tuck As a rough guide, it takes approximate two weeks before you even start to feel like you can stand up straight due to the skin and muscle tightness. I would start to encourage to stand up straight however do not force it, it will happen when it wants to happen.
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Answer: Tightness and Difficulty Standing Up Post-Tummy Tuck As a rough guide, it takes approximate two weeks before you even start to feel like you can stand up straight due to the skin and muscle tightness. I would start to encourage to stand up straight however do not force it, it will happen when it wants to happen.
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December 6, 2017
Answer: Tummy tuck abdominoplasty excess abdominal skin post-operative tummy standing up healing rate LA tummy expert specialist Hello Sheribrock, Thank you for your questions about difficulty standing straight after tummy tuck. During a tummy tuck, the rectus abdominis muscles are sewn together with permanent suture. In your case, the abdominal wall was also further treated with a hernia repair. In addition, your abdominal skin was pulled tightly to achieve a flat abdomen. Two weeks after a tummy tuck, it is not uncommon to be still bent over. With time, your abdominal skin and abdominal muscles will relax and you will be able to stand up straight with minimal effort. This may take another one or two more weeks. I would suggest you take a muscle relaxant pill to ease the pain and relax your rectus abdominis and erector spinae muscles. Please let your plastic surgeon know of your concerns. I am certain that with time, things will resolve. I hope that I have answered your questions regarding standing up straight after a tummy tuck. If you have any more questions regarding the tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.
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Answer: Tummy tuck abdominoplasty excess abdominal skin post-operative tummy standing up healing rate LA tummy expert specialist Hello Sheribrock, Thank you for your questions about difficulty standing straight after tummy tuck. During a tummy tuck, the rectus abdominis muscles are sewn together with permanent suture. In your case, the abdominal wall was also further treated with a hernia repair. In addition, your abdominal skin was pulled tightly to achieve a flat abdomen. Two weeks after a tummy tuck, it is not uncommon to be still bent over. With time, your abdominal skin and abdominal muscles will relax and you will be able to stand up straight with minimal effort. This may take another one or two more weeks. I would suggest you take a muscle relaxant pill to ease the pain and relax your rectus abdominis and erector spinae muscles. Please let your plastic surgeon know of your concerns. I am certain that with time, things will resolve. I hope that I have answered your questions regarding standing up straight after a tummy tuck. If you have any more questions regarding the tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.
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August 29, 2017
Answer: Tightness and Difficulty Standing Up After #Tummy Tuck Typically my patients are able to stand up fully by 4-5 days. It doesn’t necessarily mean that theres a problem. These sort of situations definitely resolve themselves, but follow up with your plastic surgeon so that he can manage your care properly.
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Answer: Tightness and Difficulty Standing Up After #Tummy Tuck Typically my patients are able to stand up fully by 4-5 days. It doesn’t necessarily mean that theres a problem. These sort of situations definitely resolve themselves, but follow up with your plastic surgeon so that he can manage your care properly.
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December 11, 2018
Answer: It's the #1 hurdle after a Tummy Tuck! Hi sheribrock, I know you had high expectations of yourself because of your fitness level, but this procedure brings everybody down a few notches. Do not worry or be hard on yourself! As long as you are seeing gradual changes and your surgeon is unconcerned, you should be fine. On the flip side, don't be afraid to try a little more to stand upright. After 2.5 weeks you aren't going to hurt anything, you might just need a little push. I recommend some of my patients to stand with their butt against a wall and try to get their back as close as they can each day, several times a day. We see patients come in at 5 days totally upright and some almost 3 weeks later, like you, still unable to get there. Everyone is different. You'll get there!
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CONTACT NOW December 11, 2018
Answer: It's the #1 hurdle after a Tummy Tuck! Hi sheribrock, I know you had high expectations of yourself because of your fitness level, but this procedure brings everybody down a few notches. Do not worry or be hard on yourself! As long as you are seeing gradual changes and your surgeon is unconcerned, you should be fine. On the flip side, don't be afraid to try a little more to stand upright. After 2.5 weeks you aren't going to hurt anything, you might just need a little push. I recommend some of my patients to stand with their butt against a wall and try to get their back as close as they can each day, several times a day. We see patients come in at 5 days totally upright and some almost 3 weeks later, like you, still unable to get there. Everyone is different. You'll get there!
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