TT and difficulty standing up straight: I am having a full tummy tuck, lipo, breast lift and implants soon.

Question

I have heard standing up straight is very difficult after a TT. Would a medical walker help at all?

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

Great Question.There is a technique that actually allows patients to stand up straight after a tummy tuck. Progressive tension or quilting sutures distribute the tension of the tummy tuck closure throughout the whole abdomen and away from the incision. Therefore, patients who have this technique are allowed to stand up straight on the same day of surgery. If your surgeon does this technique, ask if you can stand straight quickly.If your surgeon does not do this technique, then follow the instructions that are given.Most surgeons discourage the use of a walker, because it is best for our patients to get up quickly and begin using all their muscles. This helps our patients recuperate faster and avoids complications, such as, blood clots in the legs.Good Luck.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

The skin will be stretched and sewn snugly to give the flattest tummy possible. As the skin eases you will be able to stand straight and walk normally, usually within a week or two. A walker is not necessary, but can be used if you wish. Good 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, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! I tell my patients that the goal of a tummy tuck is to have a flat, smooth, tight abdomen. If your abdomen is made tight then yes, it is difficult in the beginning to stand straight. It does take some time. However, I let my patients start to try and stand up straight 2 weeks after surgery. The walker can help support you when walking after surgery but it is not going to help you to stand up straight. Hope this helps and good luck with your surgery! Please make sure you are being evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon!

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

diacohen.  It is quite common to have difficulty standing straight after this surgery, however the faster you stand up straight, the better you will feel and recovery will be speedier. I realize that it feels like you will pull open your incisions  on your abdomen, but this will not happen. Stay in contact with your plastic surgeon and do your best to stand up straight because you really do not need a walker for this.  Good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Recovery after the Mommy Makeover often does include patients not being able to fully stand up straight.  This improves over the first weeks following surgery until returning to normal.  A walker could be used during this short interim, but is not necessary.

Victor M. Perez, MD, FACS · Answer

We recommend patients to obtain a walker for the postoperative period, every patient is different, the difficulty on standing can be as short as 3-4 days to as long as 3-4 weeks, most patients is around 7-10 days.Be sure to follow your doctor recommendations,  and remember that the most important factor in obtaining a good result from your cosmetic surgery is the surgeon you elect to perform it, be sure you shoose a surgeon member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Melinda Lirag Lacerna-Kimbrell, MD, FACS · Answer

Great question! After having an abdominoplasty it is difficult in standing straight up.  Also, you want to make sure to walk bent over to prevent tension on the incision. A medical walker would be a perfect option to keep you at the perfect angle. Good luck!

TT and difficulty standing up straight: I am having a full tummy tuck, lipo, breast lift and implants soon.

Answers (8)

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