Activities to Avoid After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Each surgeon has his or her own postoperative directions to be followed after a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). There are however some generally accepted guidelines that most surgeons agree on. In the performance of a full abdominoplasty the skin and fat layer has been elevated off of the underlying muscle layer. This creates two large surface areas that have to heal and seal the space between the two layers. As long as the space remains open and the raw surfaces remain, drainage will continue. Drainage stops when the two surfaces have completely healed and no space remains tween the two layers. This normally takes between ten and fourteen days to occur. During this two week period if there is too much activity these two surface areas continued to shift back and forth over each other preventing adherence and delaying the healing process. For that reason it is best to plan on remaining home for two weeks and keeping activity to a minimal level to allow for the greatest chance of healing and the cessation of drainage. It is important to keep the wounds clean to prevent infection. Patient's should not sleep with their pets. This will help prevent infection. If the muscle has been tightened it is important not to engage in strenuous core activities for at least eight weeks. Aggressive abdominal exercises should not be performed for twelve weeks. Resolution of swelling is different from patient to patient. Most often the swelling is gone and the final result is realized within 6 -8months.
A well performed abdominoplasty can be a truly life changing experience. For patients to have the best chance for a good outcome and is very important to strictly follow the postoperative directions of their surgeon.My simple and illustrated video may help you--learn more about tummy tucks and other body contouring procedures.

Abdominoplasty removes excess abdominal skin while
simultaneously tightening the abdominal muscles.Patients can anticipate limited physical
activity for ten to fourteen days following surgery.I typically tell my patients bathroom and
kitchen privileges initially with slow resumption of normal activities over the
next two weeks.Patients can usually
return to work in two weeks if no strenuous activity or heavy lifting is
involved.After eight weeks, they can
resume all their normal activities including heavy lifting.It’s important to go slowly at first and
listen to your body.Patients
typically wear an abdominal binder for three weeks following surgery.This garment should fit snugly, but not too
tight.This minimizes swelling and
increases comfort.Patients should
gradually resume an upright position as tolerated.For
many patients, abdominoplasty is a life changing experience.This procedure improves self-esteem, self-image and self-confidence
which ultimately results in an improved quality of life.

Congrats on your new abdomen.  You will need to take care and watch your activity level following this procedure.  Generally, I encourage compression garment wear for 4-6 weeks postop.  You will gradually be able to stand up after 10-14 days.  Light activity (light aerobic activity) can be started when the patient feels up to it.  I also instruct patients to back off of any activity should they feel any pulling.  I always stress avoidance of activities that cause any sudden tensing of the abdominal wall for 8 weeks and then after that time a very gradual resumption of core body excercises.