When can I climb stairs after a tummy tuck?

Question

How soon after full tummy tuck can patient climb stairs? I live in the third floor in my apartment building. I will have to cline 3 flights of stairs (8 in each flight of stairs) after surgery. Will this cause risk of infection, wound opening? Should I stay in a recovery center? Not sure if Michiganhas any recovery homes or centers.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  As long as you limit your stair climbing you should be fine to reach your apartment the day of surgery.  In order to limit your discomfort it would be wise to place both feet on each step rather than alternating steps with each foot as normal.  Hope this helps.

Ian Lytle, MD · Answer

A few flights of stairs should not be a problem, medically.  It is unlikely to have an increased risk of infection or wound formation. As a matter of fact, I often recommend walking as much as possible to decrease your risk for blood clots. It may, however, be very uncomfortable for the first few days or week to climb stairs. I would assume that oncertain you are in your apartment, you won't be going up and down that often the first week anyway.Good luck, Ian Lytle, MD

Paul Fortes, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  It
should be okay for you to climb stairs, though you may need some assistance in
the beginning or you may need to take breaks after taking a few steps.  However, this should not cause an increased
risk for infection or wound opening.  My
patients do stay in a recovery center for at least one night because it is a
long procedure that has some serious risks, so we monitor them closely after
surgery.  You can always double check
with your Plastic Surgeon to discuss your concerns further.  Best of luck!

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

I would prefer that you stay in a Recovery Center for a few days after surgery.   Climbing stairs after TT procedure put you at risk of having complications of your wound.   Have a nice day.

When can I climb stairs after a tummy tuck?

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Answer: Stairs after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Stairs after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Climbing stairs after TT

Answer: Climbing stairs after TT

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When can I climb stairs after a tummy tuck?

Answers (6)

Answer: Stairs after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Stairs after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Climbing stairs after TT

Answer: Climbing stairs after TT

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.