How soon can I lift my baby after tummy tuck with muscle repair? (Photos)

Question

I am12 days p.o from full tt w/ muscle repair & minimal (200cc removed only) medial thigh & flank lipo. I am 5'2" and weigh 122. I was fairly strong before surgery- I lift weights & am athletic, not overweight, good/low b.p. (Just giving as many facts as possible so you can answer more accurately). My ps wasn't 100% clear on when I could start to pick up my 9 month old (18 lb) daughter. At what point can I start lifting her, minimally at first of course? Can you give me some clearer guidelines?

Laurie A. Casas, MD, FACS · Answer

The timimg of lifting a baby after tummy tuck surgery with muscle repair depends on the mechanics of how you use your abdominal muscles when you reach down to lift a fabulous bundle like your daughter. Please check with your PS, however the key is that you maintain contracted abdominal muscles while you kneel down to pick up your daughter. Use your arms to hold her then pretend you're doing a squat to stand back up. This way you are supporting the muscle repair versus pushing against it. Using good body mechanics is always important, however for the first 6-12 weeks after muscle tightening surgery, it is critical so that you can prevent any loosening or release of the repair sutures. Good Luck!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Healing after a  #tummy tuck will require time. Some patients are out of bed and walking the night of surgery and every hour while awake. I allow my patients to return to work at one to two weeks with 14 days preferred.  However, no #lifting or straining.  At three weeks, increased level of activity and full with no restrictions, at 6 weeks. 
As I advise my patients, if your work keeps you sedentary, you may return whenever you feel up to it. If your work is strenuous, wait until your work activity does not cause any superficial pain. Some employers will modify a person’s job duties so they can back sooner, but without physical activity. Our office can provide our patients with a note stating they are not to engage in strenuous activity for a specified period of time. The note will not disclose what procedure they have underwent. Therefore, you may have to request a similar note from your surgeon if you are not independently employed. I recommend avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous #activity for six weeks following your surgery. With that said, it may help you plan your return to work accordingly.
As for heavy lifting and other #strenuous #activities, it should be avoided for until you have clearance from your surgeon. You may, however, do normal activities at any time if they cause no pain or #discomfort. Let your body tell you what you can or cannot do. Aerobic exercise will raise your blood pressure, which could cause late bleeding and harm your result. Once you begin exercising again, start gently and let your body tell you what it can tolerate. Don’t rush!!  If you have concerns about your healing, or pain that you question to be unusual, it is important to call your plastic surgeon to discuss these further asked to be examined.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

I would be ideal to try something light (5-6 lbs) about 4 weeks after TT, and little by little increase the weight. Your muscle should be ready to lift your baby about 6-8 weeks after.Dr. Cardenas

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Thank you for the pictures.Normally this would be possible after the first four weeks.Dr. Campos

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

You need to address this issue specifically with the operative surgeon. We can not offer advise since you are not one of our patients. In my practice I advise NO LIFTING for 3 weeks...

How soon can I lift my baby after tummy tuck with muscle repair? (Photos)

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Answer: How soon can I lift my baby after tummy tuck with muscle repair?

Answer: How soon can I lift my baby after tummy tuck with muscle repair?

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How soon can I lift my baby after tummy tuck with muscle repair? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Recovery

Answer: Recovery

Answer: How soon can I lift my baby after tummy tuck with muscle repair?

Answer: How soon can I lift my baby after tummy tuck with muscle repair?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.