Weight carrying increments after tummy tuck? 1 week post-op.

Question

I just had a tummy tuck done 5 days ago and I'm loving the results so far, I know I shouldn't carry anything heavier than a gallon of milk for the first two weeks but was wondering, in what weekly increments can I start carrying heavier items?

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

You've gotten through the hard part- the surgery.
Now its time to listen to your surgeon's advice. Have a good discussion with him about heavy lifting and physical activity after your tummy tuck.
There are two major reasons plastic surgeons advise against heavy lifting for 6 weeks after a tummy tuck. We don't want the incision to have problems, but more importantly, we don't want the muscle tightening to come undone. It takes six weeks for these parts of the tummy tuck to strengthen. So, most plastic surgeon's advise against lifting more than 5-10 lbs before the end of six weeks. After six weeks, we usually allow our patients to return to exercise, weight lifting, etc... 
So, my advice is to talk to your physician. Stay active, but don't do any heavy lifting. Remember, after 6 weeks you have the rest of your life to do heavy lifting. If you start lifting heavy things and have problems, you might prolong your recovery. Hang tight, six weeks will come sooner than you think.

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your surgery.  Your plastic surgeon will have specific instructions for you after surgery that includes restrictions on lifting and when to resume normal activities.   I typically tell my patients not to lift more than 5-10 pounds for 4-6 weeks.  Be sure to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.   Best wishes.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and happy for you!  Every surgeon may have their own requirements , for instance, I have my patients wait three weeks before resuming normal activity.  The first three weeks they are restricted from pushing, pulling or lifting anything more then a milk gallon.  I don't increase the weight in increments, they can do what they feel their body can tolerate with the exception of their stomach. I have them wait atleast 3 months before any core work.

Larry Lickstein, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your procedure, and thank you for your question.  Post operative instructions definitely vary from surgeon to surgeon, and sometimes from case to case. Not all tummy tucks are the same.  Some have extensive liposuction while others do not;  some have muscle tightening while others do not...   In general, limitations on post operative activity are designed to minimize your risks of complications and try to ensure for a smooth, easy recovery.  I would encourage you to engage your plastic surgeon to discuss their recommendations for you.  Know that it would not be unusual to restrict strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks post op.  Best of luck, and I hope your recovery progresses well.

Lawrence Bundrick, MD (retired) · Answer

It's going to depend on other factors.  If you had muscle tightening there may still be restrictions in place but perhaps adjusted.  Be sure to follow the advice of your surgeon regarding your continued post operative care.

Weight carrying increments after tummy tuck? 1 week post-op.

Answers (5)

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