Mommy Makeover: Q&A

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Recovery Time for Tummy Tuck + Hernia + Breast Aug?

I will be having a tummy tuck and with that, they will be fixing a hernia along with implants and a lift. I have a 3 year old and a 6 month old. How long would I be in recovery before I can lift my 20 pound baby?

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multiple procedures recovery

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16 Doctor Answers | Asked by Karlamae in pittsburgh pa

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Hernia repair OR tummy tuck - minimum 6 weeks restriction

Most of us use the magic number of 6 weeks following a tummy tuck before allowing patients to lift heavy objects (your child!) or do strenuous activities. We took this number from general surgery and hernia repairs. The reason for this length of time is that this is when the "repair" (whether it be the rectus diastasis repair in the mid-line, or a hernia repair with or without mesh) has reached around 80% of its tensile strength. If you look at wound disruption curves against... more

At least 3 weeks for tummy tuck, breast lift and augmentation recovery

Karlamae, You are having a lot of surgery for one operation. Multiple procedures do prolong recovery and you should know that the risk of complications is greater when you do more than one procedure. The problem is that multiple areas have to heal and your anesthesia time is longer. You need to be up and around walking right after your surgery to prevent blood clots in your legs. With the procedures you are having, if you were my patient, I would guess that you will not be comfortable... more

That's a heavy baby!! You would definitely need a full six weeks before the fascia is fully healing following the hernia repair

A hernia can easily recur if you don't take care of the area. You should also wear a tight binder to give added support to the surgical area for the full 6 weeks. I usually tell my patients that after 3 weeks you can easily sit on the floor and have your baby come to you so you don't have to worry about lifting.

Strenuous Activities, Such as Lifting a 20 LB Are Not Allowed for At least 4-6 Wks Following Tummy Tuck & Breast Surgery

Recovery times following mommy makeover surgery vary from patient to patient. It’s important to remember that this is an extensive procedure, that combines cosmetic breast surgery, abdominoplasty and in some cases, liposuction. It may also have additional components such as hernia repair surgery. Because of this, returning to strenuous activity to soon after surgery can potentially have negative consequences. We generally recommend light activity for the first two weeks following the... more

Recovery from several procedures

You will need some help at home following your surgery. Take care of yourself and let someone else do the heavy lifting. Be sure to work this in to your lifestyle. Discuss recovery with your Plastic Surgeon, but most will agree 4 to 6 weeks before resuming normal activity. This is important, so please discuss with your surgeon.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD

4 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Wait 6 Weeks for Normal Activity following Mommy Makeover

The safest answer would be to wait 5 weeks before resuming normal activities including lifting your 20 pound son. This time period is selected because at 6 weeks there is about 90% wound healing has occurred (wound healing tensile strength).

Time off after Mommy Makeover Surgery

Thank you for the question. On average, patients take 4-6 weeks off after this much surgery. You really want to take it easy after this procedure and have as much help as possible. Try not to lift for at least 6 weeks. The longer you "baby" yourself, the better! Best Wishes!

Lifting restrictions after tummy tuck

It is not specifically the strict weight of lifting that concerns us but the use of the stomach muscles. I have had one person. who was accustomed to having a bowel movement everyday, strain so intensely that they ruptured the muscle repair. Our concerns with lifting are related to two features: 1.The potential for bleeding in the first 24 hours and then again between 7-10 days 2.The possibility of rupturing the muscle repair. This can occur anytime for 6 weeks after surgery... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Recovery process after a tummy tuck

Tummy tucks are a very popular and effective way to contour the abdomen and tighten your waist. Patients undergoing this procedure should understand that there is a significant recovery process as well. In our practice, we provide every patient with two separate compression garments that help provide even compression throughout the areas that have been treated and also provide support. Our patients routinely take 10 to 14 days off work after the surgery but quite commonly returned to... more

In general, 6 weeks recovery time

In general you will need 6 weeks of recovery. However, a gradual return to physical activity is recommended. You should plan to have help for at least 3-4 weeks.

Hernia and tummy tuck and post-op

Having a hernia fixed during a tummy tuck is fine. I usually prefer patients do not do any heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks post surgery. A 20 lb infant that you have to lift our of a crib may cause problems as you stretch over and lift. It is better if you have the infant crawl into your arms if possible.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Recovery from lots of surgery

Recovery from this much surgery will vary according to your own doctor. I tell my patients that it will be 2 months until they can resume normal activities. It is this amount of time that is necessary for the tissues to fasten back together sufficiently.

At minimum 6 weeks of light duty

Karlamae, I recommend to my patients at least 6 weeks of light duty (not lifting more than 5 pounds). We like to keep you aerobically active, but heavy lifting can put strain on your incisions and may affect your ultimate result. Good luck with your surgery.

This is a question you should have asked your plastic surgeon

It is not fair to ask this to someone who is not doing your surgery. Your plastic surgeon knows what is being done to you and you should have asked him. Call him up and ask him all of your questions --- he is not doing this for free and should be available to you. If not, change surgeons.

Recovery from multiple procedures is variable

Typically, I would not let you lift more than 20# for 6 weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will instruct you based on his experience with the procedures you are having. On the other hand, your child can climb onto you, or someone can place him on your lap. You don't have to be separated from the child.

You can pick up your 3 year old in 3 weeks

To Karlamae, Hi! You will need good help with your kids. Most of my patients who have this combination of procedures are moving quite freely in 2 weeks and exercise regularly in 4 weeks. You will recover much faster (a few days) from your breast surgery than from the tummy tuck.