Lifting my Baby After Tummy Tuck and Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question. You definitely want to follow your own
surgeon's post-op activity instructions. This is a general guide I give
to my patients as to the recovery after mommy makeoverWeek 1) Discomfort and tightness
level progressively decreases with each day. Swelling decreases a great
deal after one week. Week
2) Unlikely to need any narcotic support except maybe at night.
Swelling and tightness continues to improve compared to week 1Weeks
3-6) May need tylenol or ibuprofen for intermittent discomfort.
Swelling completely resolved. Tightness may continue as the implants
over an additional few months into their final position. Most people return to work in some capacity during this phase.As far as activity, here is a safe guide:1) No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 6 weeks (a gallon of milk as a guide).2) Resume walking at a leisurely pace right after surgery (e.g. 2 mph)3) At 2 weeks, you can walk 2 miles at 2mph4) At 3 weeks, you can walk 3 miles at 3mph5) At 4 weeks, you can walk 4 miles at 4mph6) At 5 weeks, you can jog 5 miles at 5mph7)
At 6 weeks, you can resume all activities, but listen to your body and
use discomfort or tightness as a guide so you don't over do it. So
as far as the little ones, I would recommend having help for basic
needs like lifting into the car seat. You can cuddle with them while
you are sitting down, but you should avoid the tendency to multitask
with one child in your arms while you are busy doing other tasks.

Thank you for your question regarding when it's appropriate to lift your baby after undergoing a tummy tuck, breast lift, and inner thigh liposuction.

Based on the surgeries you're planning to have, I suggest refraining from carrying your baby for about a month after your tummy tuck. This conservative approach is to ensure that your abdominal area, which undergoes significant modification during a tummy tuck, has ample time to heal without the strain of lifting. Lifting too early can compromise your surgical results, potentially leading to complications such as hernias or separation of the repaired muscles.

A week post-surgery is generally considered too soon to start lifting anything significant, including a baby, especially after the combination of procedures you will have. Your body needs time to recover from the trauma of surgery, and lifting can increase swelling, pain, and the risk of injury to the surgery sites.

Please discuss this further with your surgeon, as they might have specific reasons based on your individual case for their recommendation. It's important to follow a recovery plan tailored to your personal health, the extent of the surgery, and your body's response to the procedure.

Make arrangements to have help around the house, particularly for tasks that involve lifting, bending, and strenuous activities, during the first few weeks of your recovery. This support will be crucial in ensuring you heal well and can return to all your usual activities, including caring for your baby, safely.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

Generally lifting restrictions are in place after a tummy tuck with muscle repair, which includes lifting children. Lifting more than 10 lbs is restricted typically for the for the first six weeks after your surgery. I encourage you to discuss your concerns further with your surgeon.