Should I be Able to Walk Straight 3 Days After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Most patients experience tightness and difficulty standing
straight following abdominoplasty surgery. This typically lasts for about a
week, but in some cases can last longer. Initially patients are encouraged to
walk in a slightly flexed position to keep tension off the wound closure. This
also makes the immediate post-operative period more comfortable. With the
passage of time, patients are allowed to gradually resume an erect position and
perform light activities. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be
avoided for at least six weeks.Tightness
occurs because of the skin closure, and the plication of the underlying
abdominal muscles. The degree of tightness that results varies from patient to
patient. It depends upon how aggressively the surgeon has tightened both the
skin and underlying muscles. When there is aggressive tightening of the
abdominal muscles, there is more post-operative discomfort. Under these
circumstances, patients may need to walk in a flexed position for longer
periods of time. When more significant skin resections are performed,
ambulation in a flexed position will be necessary for longer periods of time. On a
side note your history isn’t consistent with damage to your muscle repair. If
you have questions about these topics consultation with your plastic surgeon is
appropriate. Your surgeon should be able to answer your questions and alleviate
your anxiety.

Dear Stina,Thank you for your question. I have seen a wide range of recovery times and experiences after a Tummy Tuck. For some patients, the recovery is quick and for others it can take 6-8 weeks. My patients usually are not standing straight 3 days after surgery because of how much their abdominal walls are tightened. Everyone is different, and I have certainly have had patients able to stand straight soon after surgery. Just follow the process and trust your surgeon. Hope this helps.Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Hello and thank you for your question! Congrats on your surgery! Everyone heals differently....there are some patients that are like you and get off their pain medication VERY quickly and there are some that dont handle pain well and will have to be on pain medication for a prolonged period of time. It really just depends on the person. The important thing to remember is that just because you are not in pain right now does NOT mean that you are healed yet AAAAANNNNNDDDD does not mean you can do whatever you want. You still need to follow your doctors instructions and make sure you are taking it easy. As far as if anything "ripped"....if this happened then you may notice a recurrence of bulging of the abdomen, you might feel a "pop" or you might feel a sudden pain. 

Thank you for your question regarding being able to walk straight three days after your tummy tuck surgery. You may be able to walk straight three days after your tummy tuck. However, I do not suggest it. Walking straight this early can put undue tension on both the abdominal muscle repair and the tummy tuck incision. Increased tension in the abdomen can cause wounds to break open. There is no need for you to be walking straight at this point. You should start walking upright at approximately 7 to 10 days after your tummy tuck. Even if you do not have pain at this point, 3 days is too early to strain your incision. I hope that I have answered your questions regarding walking straight three days after your tummy tuck. If you have any more questions regarding post-operative recovery after a tummy tuck, please contact my office. I hope you recover quickly.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katzen

Sounds like you are doing great following your tummy tuck - Congrats.

Typically it takes one to two weeks to feel comfortable standing up straight. Many patients are able to return to work and daily activities within 2 weeks of surgery.  Softening of the surgical scars, return of sensation, and loosening of the tight sensation may take several months. Abdominoplasty recovery can be in some cases slow and uncomfortable requiring more time for a full recovery. Light activity is comfortable in 10-20 days. Sports will be more comfortable after 6 weeks.