Tummy tuck/single mom, any suggestions?

The first week will be challenging, and I think getting help for you will benefit you greatly.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

Ultimately, the answer to this question will depend upon the board certified plastic surgeon you choose.But, in general, I recommend that you will need 2 weeks of recovery during which you will need someone to help you with her child. While you won't be bedbound, you certainly won't have the energy or mobility to chase after a 4-year-old duting this time. For the next 2 weeks after that, you should be able to cope by yourself, but not pick her up because this can place undue stress on the muscle repair. After that, you should be good in most regards except for extreme heavy lifting for another 2 weeks.That is just my typical regimen for my patients, though every surgeon is different, and again, it would be best to listen to the surgeon whom you choose as he or she will ultimately know which maneuvers they are performing during the procedure. As long as you can find someone to help you during the first 2 weeks, I don't see any reason why you can't undergo this transformation. Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

In most instances, you will need some help for two to three weeks after a tummy tuck. It won't need to be 24/7, but with a 4 year old, the more help that you have, the easier your recovery will be.

Thank you for your question.  Depending on the type of tummy tuck - mini, traditional, muscle repair - that would best address your issues, you can anticipate your stomach to feel tight after surgery, and you may have to stand with a slight bend at the waist for the first weeks after surgery.  Though you will be able to gradually stand straighter over time, you may face weight restrictions as to how much you can lift, push, and pull until you are 6-8 weeks out from surgery.  As a single mother you may benefit from having assistance at home for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery, and certainly for the first few days after surgery as you come out of anesthesia and will need some care-taking yourself.  Talk to an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon about your situation, often there are easy remedies that can make the operation doable for you.

There are two things you need to plan for following a tummy tuck.  The first is that you will need someone to stay with you for a day or so following surgery to be your "nurse."  I also tell my postop patients not to do anything strenuous (like chase a 4 year old around) for three weeks following surgery.  Some doctors require no strenuous activity for up to two months.  In other words, you will probably need some help for yourself for a couple of days and for your child for awhile.  As long as your child is cooperative, you may not need to have someone there for long.  You just don't need to be lifting the child or being physically stressed by the child.