How does moving around help during Tummy Tuck with Lipo recovery?

I'm having a Tummy Tuck next month along with some Liposuction in the flank area I am 55 years old, in good health and in a normal weight range. I am told when I have the surgery, I should move about as soon as I am able to get out of bed, that it encourages healing of the wound and assist in a quicker tummy tuck recovery time. Could you please explain in what way this helps? It seems rest would be better.

5 answers to “How does moving around help during...”

A: Limited ambulation after tummy tuck prevents against serious pulmonary complications

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD

The post operative instructions following tummy tuck and liposuction are correct. In general, limited activity is good such as walking and moving around as it prevents against serious pulmonary complications such a pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, etc. Be sure that you fully understand your post operative orders... more

A: How does moving around help during Tummy Tuck with Lipo recovery?

Peter A. Aldea, MD

Dear Deb, Immobility and limited mobility are associated with some of the most serious complications seen with cosmetic surgery; pneumonia and potentially fatal blood clots to the lungs (pulmonary embolus). Despite our best efforts at avoiding such events they are seen MORE in women (than in men), in any... more

A: Tummy tuck and early ambulation

Andrew Y. Kleinman, MD

I also encourage my patients to get up and walk the day of surgery. There are actually a few reasons why 1. during surgery, we place massage boots on so that blood circulates from the legs, after surgey, the best way to get blood pumping is simply by walking. The muscles in your legs contract and push blood... more

A: Early Ambulation after Tummy Tuck

John Whitt, MD

Your surgeon was correct in advising you to "get up and move around" after your surgery.  In fact I encourage my patients to get up the evening of surgery.  This is important to decrease the chances of blood clots forming in your legs which can become dislodged and travel to your lungs... more

A: Ambulation after tummy tuck

Sam Jejurikar, MD

Most surgeons want their patients to walk soon after tummy tuck to prevent the development of serious complications.  One of the most feared complications after tummy tuck is deep venous thrombosis (DVT or blood clots).  Not only can this impede circulation in the extremities, but if the clot breaks... more

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