Am I okay? I lifted a heavy object 13 days post op tummy tuck surgery, but did not feel any pain!

Question

I will not do it again!! but was just worried!! (even though I did not get any pain)

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

At 13 days after tummy tuck it is too early to be lifting.  If you do not have new pain or swelling you are probably going to be ok.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

If you did not feel any pain, pop or swelling after the lift, it is likely that you did not pop a suture or cause any harm. If you were to pop a muscle suture, you would feel a pop and it would be painful with swelling. However, remember that it takes a good 6 weeks until healing is solid enough to lift anything larger than a carton of milk.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Congratulations on your surgery.  I am sorry that you are dealing with some anxiety.  It is totally normal to worry about your result, as you have invested a lot of time and money.  Unless you notice some obvious change in your appearance, or have significant pain, it is unlikely that you did anything to seriously harm your outcome.  To ease your anxiety, I would suggest that you make another appointment with your sugeon to be on teh safe side.  Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your mishap after tummy tuck surgery.It would take a lot of force/trauma to do any real “damage”.  The only real/meaningful peace of mind you will achieve is after you are  examined by your plastic surgeon.Best wishes.

Jason M. Petrungaro, MD, FACS · Answer

It is still too early for you to be lifting heavy objects after your tummy tuck.  You should certainly avoid doing this again until your Plastic Surgeon clears you to lift and to resume all normal activities.  If you did not feel any pain and you do not notice that anything has changed (no bulging, no open wounds) then you are probably ok, but it is wise to call your surgeon and let him or her know what happened and see if they want you to come in for a quick check.  Best of luck!

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

You should wait at least 6 weeks before engaging your core muscle and straining. If you have no pain you mostly didn't damage anything but please try and be careful during your recovery. Best wishes, Dean Vistnes.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

I always caution patients to lift not more than 5 lbs the first 3 weeks or so.   You will be fine.  It sounds like you did no harm.  Just follow your doctors advice from here on out.  My Best,  Dr C

Am I okay? I lifted a heavy object 13 days post op tummy tuck surgery, but did not feel any pain!

Answers (7)

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