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. 

With
any procedure, there is simply always going to be patient variation for recovery time.
Typically a full recovery is 6 weeks long and any heavy lifting is
restricted for 6 weeks because the core is stressed. On average, I advise my
patients that their recovery time for returning “back to work” is 2-3 weeks.
With an operation like a tummy tuck, your day-to-day routine will be affected
during your recovery meaning you assistance will most likely be needed. Be sure
to discuss your options with your board-certified plastic surgeon and their
recommendation for post-surgery recovery.

You are definitely going to need some help during the first two weeks, ideally from somebody staying with you. After that you may be able to cope on your own with a bit of occasional external help, but I would not suggest to go home alone with a 4yo, immediately after having a full tummy tuck.

Of course all this goes without even knowing what (if any) procedure is best for your abdominal rejuvenation, but generally speaking...A standard tummy tuck (muscle plication for damage done with your growing baby bump during your pregnancy + dissection all the way to the breast plate + relocation of belly button through new area of skin + incision from inside hip to inside hip in your bikini line) is not a simple "next day your up and life is normal" kinda recovery.  Even with the advent of Exparel, an injectable longer-lasting local anesthetic that has made recovery EASIER, I still would say you should coordinate help for a two week period after surgery.  I have a seven and a five year old, so I know how kids can be at this age.  If you can have a relative come stay with you for a couple weeks, I say go for it.  In the absence of help, I'd probably hold off for now.  Hope this helps.Of course, you may need something like a mini-tummy tuck and nothing done to your muscles which would make things WAY EASIER.  Really would need pictures and to examine you to give you the best advice.-JGH

Thank you for the good question.  The tummy tuck operation is a major operation associate with a significant recovery. Generally, careful planning for postoperative care, both for yourself and your dependents, is an important part of the preoperative planning process. I would suggest that you have help with first two weeks after surgery.Generally speaking, I recommend patients plan on 2 to 4 weeks of recovery time, understanding that even at that point, they will only have approximately 70 to 80% of their energy level your great time okay you have a great time to understand this work that back. Upon returning to activity, I suggest that patients "go slow" and ease back into their activities of daily living, listening to their bodies carefully.

A few words of advice I provide to my patients undergoing mommy makeover surgery may be helpful to you:

1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself) and that you have realistic expectations. Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life situation. You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.

2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.

3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.

4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.

5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina of your caretakers.

6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.

7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.

8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).

9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience.

10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.

11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.

I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.

The tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure. An individual going through this procedure will most often need help in caring for his or herself. This is especially the case in the 1st week post surgery. The post op activitiesof daily living preclude you giving the necessary care to your 4 year old. I would not recommend you undergoing this procedure without someone assisting in your care for the 1st week after surgery..