After a Tummy Tuck, How Long Will It Be Before I Can Do Ironing and Heavy Lifting?

Thank you for the question.

Your plastic surgeon will be in the best position to guide you in regards to return to activity and work after your tummy tuck operation. Much of his/her recommendations will likely depend on how well you do after surgery and whether or not you experience any complications.

Assuming that when you return to work you will be doing strenuous activity, I would suggest that you wait at least 6 to 8 weeks before returning to that type of work.  Keep in mind, that many patients ( and even surgeons) underestimate the amount of recovery time that is really involved after the tummy tuck operation.

Given that you are about to undergo a major operation,  afew  additional words of advice may be helpful:


1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself)  and that you have realistic expectations.  Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life   situation.  You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.

2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be  more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.

3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.

4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.

5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina  of your caretakers.

6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.

7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.

8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).

9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the   emotional swings that you may experience.

10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.

11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.

I hope this helps.

I suggest to all of my patients that they wait at least two weeks before doing any heavy lifting.  Of course, it greatly depends on many factors, i.e. exactly how extensive your abdominoplasty surgery was and how heavy the loads of laundry are.  I also tell my patients that after the two week period we will take it a step at a time, and make various determinations regarding lifting etc at each postoperative visit. 

Jonathan Ross Berman, M.D. , F.A.C.S.