How long after mommy makeover can I lift my baby?

Question

I have a 1.5 year old baby who weighs about 25lbs. I was wondering if I will need to wait 6 weeks before I am able to pick her up. What is the normal recommendation?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would recommend waiting about 6 weeks before lifting more than a few pounds.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Marie E. Montag, MD · Answer

A mommy makeover is a relatively big procedure and it involves removing and tightening skin, repairing the abdominal muscles and often elevating the chest muscles to put an implant underneath. With all of that work, especially on the muscles, we have to give adequate healing time to prevent wound healing problems. Usually we limit lifting to 5-10lbs for the first 2 weeks, then advance to 15lbs for the third week. Before you would be lifting a 25lb baby it probably needs to be at least 4 to 6 weeks, depending on healing and swelling. During that time you can sit with her on the couch or with her on your lap (if she is in a good mood and not kicking and screaming!!). Sometimes, patients find it easier to take things down to their child’s level so they don’t feel the need to bring them up to theirs. Often times it helps to practice with them for a week or 2 before surgery so it’s not such a shock when you can’t pick them up after surgery!

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question and congratulations
on your Mommy Makeover. On average, you should wait for four to six weeks
before doing any heavy lifting, including children. I recommend that you
schedule a Mommy Makeover consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.
At this appointment, he/she can review your medical history, determine the best
techniques to be included, and explain what to expect from your Mommy Makeover recovery
process.

W. John Bull, MD · Answer

Usually I suggest waiting 4-6 weeks after surgery to avoid damaging muscle repair. Sometimes I don't do a muscle repair, so you would need to ask your surgeon. Usually this is the case. There are ways to lift with less strain on the abdominal muscles, but usually it is safer to avoid lifting at all, especially the kids as they don't hold still and move in unpredictable ways.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

If your mommy make over involves a tummy tuck with repair of your separated muscles, then most surgeons would recommend you wait 6 weeks before lifting anything more than15-20 lbs, so no strain is put on the muscle repair.  By 6 weeks the repair is strong enough to resume lifting gradually.  Sitting with some padding over your abdomen and holding your child should allow you the closeness you want and protect your tummy at the same time.  Good luck.

Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question, Rosey.  Most plastic surgeons will recommend that you wait 4-6 weeks to lift anything heavier than 10-15 pounds.  It takes about that long for the abdominal wall to heal completely. Your own guidance should come from your own plastic surgeon.  Best of luck to you.

Jimmy S. Firouz, MD, FACS · Answer

This is always one of the first questions my patients ask if they have young children. I generally recommend that you wait at least 6 weeks to hold/carry anything over 10 - 15 pounds, including your child. I know it can be hard to have to wait so long to hold your child while you are recovering, but we want to make sure everything heals properly before you hold too much weight. During your consultation with your board-certified plastic surgeon, ask him/her their specific recommendations for how long you need to wait before holding your child after surgery. Good luck!

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your makeover surgery. Most patients are cleared to exercise by six weeks following a tummy tuck.   I do not allow my patients to lift anything over 10 pounds until 4 weeks post-op.  It is best to have an in-person follow up examination with your plastic surgeon for recommendations regarding what you should and should not be doing at this time. Good luck with your recovery.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I ask my patients to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 6-8 weeks following surgery.  Please discuss with your surgeon.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Most surgeons advise their patients to avoid lifting anything heavier than 10-15 lbs for the first 6 weeks after surgery. Best to ask your operating surgeon, however, because every surgeon's postop instructions may differ slightly. Good luck!

How long after mommy makeover can I lift my baby?

Answers (15)

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