I’m 5 weeks post-op Tummy Tuck with muscle repair when can I go camping? (Photos)

Every surgeon has his or her own opinions and recommendations for postoperative care and protocols, so I can only tell you what I do with my own patients. Most of my tummy tuck patients should be able to go camping within a few weeks of surgery, as long as the scar is healing well. I would not want them to do any activities that involve STRONG use of the abdominal muscles until at least 6-7 weeks after surgery (such as sit-ups, very heavy lifting, etc.). I let my patients sleep however they're comfortable after the first 4 nights (for a tummy tuck specifically). In summary, it would be fine in MY practice for you to go camping 8 weeks after surgery, but you should confirm with your surgeon. Have fun!

Dear MrsKelly18,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Congratulations on your surgery! This question is best answered by your surgeon who is most familiar with the details of your case and how you've been progressing through recovery. Typically I advise my patients they can return to strenuous activities six weeks after surgery. You are not fully healed at this point, but you would be far enough in recovery to sustain more activity. You may find you tire more easily and swelling may increase after prolonged activity.

Thanks for your question and congratulations on your breast and tummy tuck procedures. As long as you are healing well and your surgeon agrees, going camping 8 weeks from these procedures should be just fine. The best doctor to advise you will be the surgeon who performed your surgery. Check in with your surgeon and enjoy the camping trip!

My feeling is that it would be wrong for any of us to give you an opinion on this in place of your operating surgeon.  Only he/she should advise you after doing surgery for you.  I tell my patients to always be conservative while healing during the first eight weeks when complications are most likely to occur due to overactivity.  Best wishes,Jon A Perlman MD FACS 

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 

Member, ASAPS, ASPS

Extreme Makeover Surgeon, ABC TV

Best of Los Angeles Award 2015, 2016 

Beverly Hills, Ca

Should be able to go camping at this point. Things opening up at this point is unlikely. Sleeping on your side also should be fine if it’s comfortable for you, but ask your surgeon. Have fun!