1 week post op Tummy Tuck, I want to start standing up straight. Are there any recommended stretches to help stand up straight?

Question

I am one week out from TT and want to start standing straight per physicians request. Are there any recommended stretches that can be done to help stand up straight in a timely manner.

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

Because the skin is pulled tight, and the closure is done with the patient flexed, as well as stiffness from the muscle plication, it is normal to not be able to stand up straight immediately after tummy tuck. I advise my patients to walk as much as possible...and focus on gradually straightening up.   With this gentle method, you will be straighten up within 7-10 days of the procedure usually.  The more you exercise ( walk), the faster you will loosen up.

Michelle Spring, MD, FACS · Answer

You will eventually be able to stand up straight - I encourage my patients to listen to their bodies (ie, stop if it hurts), but stand up a little more each day as they are walking around.    I do not recommend any specific exercises or stretches as it usually just happens on its own. Good luck with your recovery!Dr. Michelle Spring

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

Some of my tummy tuck patients are standing straight at one week but most take a little longer. I would not try to rush it too much. You do not want to tear scar or cause a lot of new pain which will slow down your recovery. Just try a little more each day. Good luck.

Frank J. Ferraro, MD · Answer

That's a great question and the answer differs for some patients. In general I tell my patients not to lie flat or stand straight for 48-72 hours. They are to start slow and ambulate with care and assistance at 2 days.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

It is very common after a tummy tuck to be "hunched" over at the waist.  Because of the tightness of the muscle repair and the tightness of the skin closure, our patients are usually not standing up completely straight one week after a tummy tuck. Your body is protecting itself by not standing up straight at this point. I wouldn't worry about not being able to stand up straight and rest assured that eventually you will!  I don't recommend my patients do any special stretching exercises during the first month after their tummy tuck.  I reassure them that with time they will once again stand up straight.  Thanks for sharing!

Douglas Leppink, MD · Answer

An Abdominoplasty usually includes suturing (stitching) the edges of the abdominal muscles back together to recreate or improve the contour of the abdomen. Even thought the muscles themselves are not shortened during surgery a patient will not be able to stand up straight after a "Tummy Tuck". This may be related to post-op swelling in the muscles or the sutures themselves, but patients often lose the ability to control or relax their abdomen muscles. The good news is that this always returns to normal, but the recovery time is different for all patients. Allowing your body to "tell you" when you can stand up comfortably is best, as forcing the muscles to relax can occasionally result in injury.

Richard Wilson, MD (retired) · Answer

Thanks for your question. I usually advise my patients to begin gradually increasing activity after surgery, do a little more each day, as Dr. Spring stated. There are no specific exercises to help with the process, just time and patience. Best of luck on a speedy and successful recovery.

1 week post op Tummy Tuck, I want to start standing up straight. Are there any recommended stretches to help stand up straight?

Answers (7)

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