Will I be able to stand up and walk to get myself to the bathroom?

Question

Mommy makeover Mostly asking so I have a plan for when I will have to be home alone intermittently for the first few days. Healthy 45 yo having multiple proceedures- tt, ba with lift, lipo to flanks and back rolls above waist.

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

After your mommy makeover you should certainly be up and moving around after surgery.  Most often, I keep my patients overnight with a private duty nurse to care for and mobilize my patients having abdominoplasties. After going home the next day, my patients are up and about on their feet. But it is often helpful to have someone home with you that first full day after surgery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You should be moving around to prevent blood clots after surgery.  You should have some help in the first week after surgery.  These procedures can be performed in combination in healthy patients by a board certified plastic surgeon who is an expert in all procedures.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

David Stoker, MD · Answer

I like to have my mommy makeover patients walking one hour after surgery. It significantly diminishes the risk of a blood clot.  It is important to lean over for the first week to minimize tension on the lower abdominal incision.  Patients may ambulate by themselves, but it is wise to have another person to assist the patient for the first 24 hours.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

The first 24 hours are the most critical as you may still be feeling the affects of the anesthesia and can be quite dizzy. After that, it would be helpful if you have help for 2 or 3 days. There are things you can do ahead to make things easier for yourself, such as prepare and freeze meals, make sure you have clothing that is easy to get in and out of, opening in the front. Be sure you have someone lined up to take you to your post operative appointment, you should not be driving while on pain medication! Good luck.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry,  it is best you have help getting up and down for the first three days after surgery and and even after that it is helpful--but you are usually more capable after three days.  Good Luck.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-Really the only person who can responsibly and accurately answer your question is your chosen surgeon- because we don't all do the operation the same way, and because only he/she will be familiar with the usual course of recovery in his/her practice. The best advice I can give you is to contact them and ask...In very general terms, I would say that the average tummy tuck patient will need some help getting up and down to the bed or sofa for the first few days, and then should be able to manage it on their own.Good luck with your Mommy Makeover!

David Azouz, MD, FACS, FRCS(C) · Answer

The recovery after a mommy makeover is usually such that you are able to go the bathroom on your own.  That being said, it is wise to have another person available so that they can help "spot" you do not fall when trying to go the bathroom, and so they can help you in preparing meals, or getting pain medication.  With a big surgery like a mommy makeover it is possible to feel dizzy, or even have a vasovagal (pass out) the first night after surgery.  Therefore it is helpful to have assistance if you are being discharged for same day surgery.

Robert M. Kachenmeister, MD · Answer

Thank you for reaching out. I would suggest full time help for the first 2 days. Keep in mind your stomach muscles will be extremely sore and it will be difficult to get in and out of bed on your own, not to mention having someone with you is important because you will be on pain meds and having stability will help! I ask my patients to walk around a few times a day after a mommy make over and having someone around is very helpful with that portion. After day two or three, most patients are able to get in and out of bed on their own. Best of luck! Dr. Kachenmeister

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I would suggest that you plan on having help full-time for the first few days after tummy tuck surgery;  best not to be left alone. You will find that you need help going from the lying to standing position. Best not to underestimate the significant recovery associated with mommy makeover procedures. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

It is ideal to have help at home for the first few days after surgery, especially the first 24-48 hours.  However, you should be able to stand and walk to the bathroom.  Some patients find that being slightly bent at the waist is more comfortable and others avoid stairs.  Good luck and be safe.

Will I be able to stand up and walk to get myself to the bathroom?

Answers (14)

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