When will I be able to stand up straight? I had tummy tuck and breast lift July 3.

Question

Ok so I was having a coughing issues that has been taken care of n feeling so much better but now I was wondering when will I be able to stand up straight I had tummy tuck n breast lift July 3 n I’m moving around feeling ok vet lil discomfort things r coming along so much easily now less sensitive in my belly area but still slouched it’s driving me crazy cause my back is hurtin some whatv

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

For the tummy tuck, your skin is stretched and sewn snugly to give the flattest result possible. As the skin eases you will be able to stand up straight and walk normally, usually in a week or so. Good luck.

Joshua A. Greenwald, MD, FACS · Answer

You will be able to stand up!  It just takes some time.  Remember how tight you are now because it will loosen up and patients frequently ask years later if more skin could have been removed.  Get well. Dr. G

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In general, I tell my patients that they can slowly begin standing up straight around day #10-14.  Obviously you should listen to your body and not overly stretch your abdomen if it is painful.  Follow up with your plastic surgeon if you have further concerns.  Best of luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You may find yourself hunched over for a few days post op; this can be attributed to a combination of repair and incision.  The muscles have been irritated to a certain extent by plication and the surgery itself.  I only tighten the abdominal wall to return it to an anatomic norm rather than tighten it as much as possible. This produces a functional result without producing prolonged discomfort.  The abdominal wall may need several months to get accustomed to the changes.  You should be walking normally by week 3 but perhaps at a slower pace.  
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Ajay Mahajan, MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

I usually advise my patients to avoid stretching out fully and avoid tension on the wound while it is healing. This takes about a couple of weeks. After this I advise my patients to fully stretch out, lying flat on your back will obvioulsy help.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You should notice gradual improvement in being able to stand fully straight.  The amount of time it will take will depend on the extent of the surgery done.  In the meantime you can have a partner massage your lower back with a tennis ball and use warm compresses to help with sore back muscles.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear JR,This is a question for your surgeon.  Everyone has their own post op instructions.  I allow my patient s to slowly stand upright after the first week.  I support my incisions with tape or Embrace as well.Best of luck with your continued healing.Dr T

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
It is important for the healing process that you don´t stretch the wound for the first weeks, but after that, you can lay on your back for a few minutes a day. But, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

When will I be able to stand up straight? I had tummy tuck and breast lift July 3.

Answers (8)

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