Climbing Stairs After Tummy Tuck

It won't be impossible to climb a few stairs following the procedure with help but you do have to rest for 24 to 48 hours until your post op appointment.  We advise our patients to try not to climb stairs the day of the surgery if possible. 

Thank you for your question.  You will be able to climb stairs after your tummy tuck, but you will need to advance very slowly so you do not open any incisions or bust any stitches.  Additionally, you want to be careful to keep your heart rate and blood pressure under control to avoid bleeding (hematoma).  You will begin to loosen up over the first two weeks and that will make climbing stairs easier.  Good luck. 

I typically instruct my patients to try to minimize up and down stair climbing the first 24-48 hours after surgery.  After that, you should be able to listen to the feedback that you get from your body to know if you are pushing yourself too much, as long as you are not taking too many narcotic pain medications.  Good luck!

I usually allow my patients to climb stairs as soon as they feel able.  They generally move more slowly, but I encourage immediate walking and activity rather than bedrest, to reduce the chance of blood clot formation.

Generally activities that deploy the core such as lifting, picking up things, stooping, situps, etc. are discouraged until the deep layers have sufficiently healed.

Yes, most patients are able to walk up stairs ( and hopefully stay up there for a while) after tummy tuck surgery. I would suggest that you have help on each side of you and you take your time with very slow steps.Best wishes.

My recommendations fall in line with the other plastic surgeons and that is that there should be no problem as long as proper caution is exercised.

Many of our patients are going up stairs the night of surgery, but with assistance.

Tummy tucks are usually done as outpatient procedures for us and where we are located in the DC suburbs most people live in town houses.  They may even have to go up a flight of stairs to get into the house.

Things may vary for your doctor given his or her experience and way they perform the procedure.

Pain may be one limiting factor, but the effects of pain medication or general weakness or dizziness from surgery are others.

Stairs are fine even right after a tummy tuck. You may be sore so take it easy, go slowly and hold on when you go up or down. The small bit of effort and exercise will be good for your chest to encourage to breath, and good for your legs.
Best of luck,
peterejohnsonmd

My recommendation to patients is to minimize this for the first few days after surgery - and only when you feel that you are able to. Initially, you should have someone with you who could assist you if the need arose (ie - lost your balance, felt light headed, etc.). If you are very drowsy or feel light headed, you should not be climbing stairs.

For my patients ONLY! at least a week. Check with your chosen surgeon. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl j. Blinski