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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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