Walk after surgery to speed up healing, or remain still?

Question

Following a mommy makeover procedure, are patients advised to walk around to speed up healing, or remain still to avoid swelling? I'm reading some doctors say you must not move much for the drains to do their job and reduce swelling, but others say to walk around and get blood moving... should I do a combination of both?

Joyce C. Chen, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Walking after surgery is important to decrease the risk of blood clots, improve breathing, and improve the motility of your gut, especially if you are taking narcotic pain medications which can lead to constipation.  Walking around the house the day of surgery and more the next day is usually recommended.  However, I would also minimize strenuous activity or exercise such as running or any heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks, per your plastic surgeon's instructions.  Hope this helps…best of luck!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Gentle #walking may increase circualtion and help to alleviate swelling. But you must not strain or push yourself. Healing after a  #MommyMakeover will require time. Some patients are out of bed and walking the night of surgery and every hour while awake.  Your #healing will continue for 2-3 months for the early period. This includes some swelling, bruising, malposition, color differences. Sensation in the breasts may also be abnormal and scars will be evolve. Tingling, burning or shooting pains in the breasts will disappear with time and should not alarm you. It is simply a result of the regeneration of your sensory nerves. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage per your surgeon's permission may help. The purpose of the post-procedure #garment is to provide some gentle #support and to reduce swelling following a #TummyTuck or #Abdominoplasty. If it feels too tight or causes pain, take it off. Patients wear the #elastic garment for several weeks after surgery, as directed by their doctor. Some choose to wear it longer for several months for comfort. If you have concerns about your #healing, or pain that you question to be unusual, it is important to call your plastic surgeon to discuss these further asked to be examined.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

In my own practice I want patients ambulating the day of the operation. I encourage them to walk liberally going forward. Specific limitations on activity should come from your own surgeon however.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you will be healing following surgery.  I have my patients up and walking with assistance the same day as surgery.  Every surgeon as different post op protocols so please discuss with yours.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question. I have my patients out of bed and walking the night of surgery, and then walking 4 times per day for at least 15 minutes. This will minimize your risk of developing a blood clot. You will feel weak and tired following surgery, so this will probably be all you can handle for the first one to two weeks. Please discuss your post-op activity level with your plastic surgeon as everyone has different protocols for their patients to follow. Hope this helps.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Basically, you want to be somewhere in the middle when it comes to post op walking. Short, slow bursts of walking are going to help with circulation and prevent blood clots. But you don't want to overdue it as that will interfere with your healing. Talk with your surgeon as to the best plan of action for you. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question.  In general walking is very important in the post surgical period to avoid possible complications, namely development of a blood clot.  This does not mean that you need to be on a treadmill walking, but rather getting up several times a day from a reclining or seated position to have the blood in your body moving, while not promoting a significant increase in swelling.  Ask your surgeon for their opinion as they know the full details of your procedure.  Hope this helps.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Walking after a tummy tuck is encouraged to help prevent blood clot formation.  Right after surgery you will be limited to getting up and walking around your house several times a day.  But once cleared by your surgeon you may be able to increase to walking around the block after a couple of weeks.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear MonoDi_Mom,

It is actually better to keep your activity
level on the low side early after a tummy tuck so that you do not develop fluid
collections under the abdominal skin flap. On the other hand, if you are too sedentary
it is risking forming blood clots in your calves, so at a minimum when you are
in a recliner or in bed you should frequently pull your toes towards your face
or while standing, stand on tip toes to keep contracting and squeezing the calf
muscle so you do not get blood stagnating and potentially forming a blood clot.

I hope this has been helpful.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD

Luis Emilio Perez Rosario, MD · Answer

hi dr luis fron rd really should walk , should not be static but must rearrange without effort is very good to walk to avoid complications but effortless you should talk to your doctor about it

Walk after surgery to speed up healing, or remain still?

Answers (16)