When can I sit up from lying position after Tummy Tuck and muscle repair? I'm 8 weeks post-op.

Question

I'm doing great but worried I'm babying my abs. I'm told no ab work until 3 months so I avoid using my abs completely. I can get up from side position but can't sit up from lying.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello Skate Girl. I agree with not doing any sit ups or crunches, but generally speaking, using your abdominal muscles to get up out of a chair or bed should not be a problem. For a more detailed set of instruction, speak with your plastic surgeon. Congratulations and best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Kerry Owens, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  I suggest you talk to your surgeon to clarify exactly what the limitations are, but in general I have patients start with muscle stretch using baby back bends and individual leg lifts around 4 weeks and start engaging the abdominal muscles with planks and other isometric core exercises around 6 weeks.  It is probably best to avoid active crunches for a few more weeks but the process should be progressive and controlled over several weeks.  For most patients they are back to completely unrestricted activity by 3 months.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

With #cosmeticsurgery such as #abdominoplasty, we have our patients start on vitamins and supplements two weeks before and two weeks after. We prefer VitaMedica, as we know the content of these surgical support vitamins. The program includes Arnica and Bromelain.  Most patients will be placed in an abdominal binder, which they will wear the first week. There is usually a fair amount of swelling and the binder should be opened several times a day so that there are no pressure points. After the first 7 to 10 days the patient is placed in an elastic garment for compression over the next six weeks. If you go to a doctor who uses #drains, they usually stay in 3-5 days but may be required to remain in longer. Within a few hours following surgery, abdominoplasty patients will walk in a slightly bent-over position. Strenuous activity and lifting of more than 10 pounds should be avoided for six weeks after surgery. Most patients are able to return to work and daily activities within two weeks of surgery. Swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and penis area for men can become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.While there are a number of issues that may occur during the healing process it is always best to take your questions and concerns directly to your plastic surgeon in order to have the area examined and make sure that healing is progressing as it should.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You need to talk to your surgeon about exercise and activity.  I usually allow patients to go back to light aerobics by about 3-4 weeks and heavy lifting in about 6-8 weeks.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your tummy tuck surgery.Each plastic surgeon utilizes different surgical techniques and has different post-operative protocol based on his/her training and experience.  As long as my patients have healed well, I allow them to perform abdominal exercise after 6 weeks.  However, since your plastic surgeon has performed the surgery on you and has presumably examined your afterwards, you should follow his/her recommendation.Good luck with continued recovery.

J. Ryan Rice, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I recommend you have a discussion with your surgeon.  They would be the only one who would know the details of your surgery, which may change post operative recommendations.  That being said, I generally have my patients wear a binder for approximately a month  and avoid strenuous activity.  At that point I allow them to start light exercise but avoiding targeted abdominal exercises until approximately 6 to 8 wks.  Once the abdominal exercises have started it is important to start with light exercises and gradually progress.

When can I sit up from lying position after Tummy Tuck and muscle repair? I'm 8 weeks post-op.

Answers (6)

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