How Long After a Tummy Tuck Can U pick Up a 50 Lbs Bag- I Work for the Airline

I usually recommend patients wait up to six weeks before lifting anything heavy, especially 50 pounds. Some patients may not be ready even by the six week time, so you should consult with your plastic surgeon for specific guidelines regarding your particular case. In general, if you're lifting something and it hurts, you should stop lifting.

Best wishes,

Dr.Bruno

Thank you for your question.After a #tummytuck #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 can become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.I suggest waiting 6 weeks before returning to full activity without restrictions.Ask your #BoardCertified #PlasticSurgeon what they recommend.

Although strenuous activity, and lifting more than ten pounds, must be avoided for 6 weeks, some people can return to work and daily activities as soon as 2 weeks after surgery. Softening of the surgical scars, return of sensation, and loosening of the tight sensationmay take several months to a year or more. Abdominoplasty involves a recovery period of 10 to 14 days longer than most plastic surgical procedures. Initial discomfort and decreased mobility is typical.You will be encouraged to move and walk regularly starting the day of surgery. Wearing your TED stockings at all times, except while washing, to prevent venous clots (deep vein thrombosis) is mandatory. Light activity is comfortable in 10-20 days. No sports or heavy lifting for 6 weeks or more, such as lifting 50 lbs bags – please discuss with your doctor for specific questions

It is best to avoid lifting a 50 pound object for at least six weeks post tummy tuck.  Some patients will not be ready at that time, but they should not lift such heavy objects before their deep layer (fascia) is sufficiently healed.

It is very important for patients with professions that require heavy lifting or potential heavy lifting (like law enforcement) request light duty for six weeks if that is an option for them.

i guess i am conservative , but i have people wait 8 weeks before lifting a significant amount of weight.  the best thing you could do is continue with the nonsmoking .  that will give you and others the greatest reward.

In general, you should wait 6 weeks before lifting more than 15 to 20 pounds. You should always check your surgeon's recommendations.

Each surgeon has his or her own guidelines for postoperative care. Patients generally can return to light activity 7 to 10 post surgery. More strenuous activity can generally begin 2 to 6 months post surgery. Consult your surgeon has he or she understands the scope of the surgery and the specifics about you.

My protocol is 6-8 weeks and I would recommend you start slow and increase weight over time.

At one month post-op tummy tuck surgery it is normal for you to experience some pain. I ask my patient’s to refrain from any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for atleast 2-3 months to prevent any complications. You are able to go to the beach, but avoid getting into the water for atleast 6-8 weeks.

 On this site, I do my best to give advice without a physical examination but I want you to know that a physical examination by a certified physician is always the best way to get the most accurate information. 
 

It is always the best to ask your surgeon these questions.  He/she knows the surgery that was performed.  In my patients, I usually ask them not to try any lifting more than 25 pounds for up to 6 weeks following the tummy tuck surgery.  50 pounds is a good amount of weight.  But it is also a question of relativity:   a 160 pound woman would more easily lift 50 pounds than a 120 pound woman.   So, it is a good idea to check with your surgeon!