How long does it take to walk straight after tummy tuck?

Question

Is it normal that after one month from tummy tuck procedure I’m still unable to walk straight , I have to bend over while I’m walking ? Normally how long does it take to walk straight after a tummy tuck ?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for your question. The average time patients will need to begin standing and walking straight is between 5-7 days. On occasion, depending on the surgical details and patient's comfort it may take longer but 1 month seems excessive. 
You may be experiencing the sensation of tightness as an inability to stand, whereas you will be safe and absolutely fine to do it. It does feel strange at first when people begin to resume their usual routine after a Tummy Tuck. I recommend that you contact your plastic surgeon to discuss your situation. If you have pain and mobility issues they need to examine you. If they have advised you to begin standing straight already then you should start doing so.
All the best

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Most of my patients are able to stand up straight 10-14 days post tummy tuck, but for some it may take a little longer. I recommend discussing specific post op concerns with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Seth Jones, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would say that after two weeks you should be able to walk straight.  Always under the direction of the operating surgeon you should each day extend yourself more and more.  This is because we pull you so tight for that optimal result.

Winfield Hartley, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I strongly agree with Dr Welsh that you should upright within a few days of surgery at the latest.  At this point, you are compensating with your lower back muscles, which can lead to chronic back issues if left untreated.  If you truly cannot straighten up, get back in to your PS ASAP.  You may have to consider physical therapy at this point.  Best of luck.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Good morning Jawaher jassim and thank you for your question.  Every patients recovery is slightly different.  Each day after your surgery you should be getting a little more upright.  Typically somewhere between the 1 week to 2 weeks you should be standing completely upright.  You should contact your board certified plastic surgeon to see what their thought is and their protocol.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Usually patients are straight by 2 weeks from surgery. At most, a slight hunch is normal, but bending over seems a bit much. You should see your plastic surgeon for a check up! I suggest to my patients laying as flat as possible while sleeping and you can also consider lymphatic massage which seems to help. Good luck. Dr. Aldo

Israel Manon, MD · Answer

Hello

I recommend my patients to walk bend over the first few weeks, the body will tell you when you can start to walk straight.

Regards

Dr. Israel Mañon

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Gianna Ramos, MD · Answer

Hello
Thanks for your question.
Each patient has a different recovery process, at this phase, one month after the procedure you should be able to walk straight, however i recommend you to contact your plastic surgeon, he or she is the responsible to give you the best advises on what to do. 
Good luck :)
Dra. Gianna Ramos

Karen Singer, MD · Answer

While recovery time varies among patients, generally, at four weeks post-surgery, you should be safely standing and walking upright/straight. Schedule an appointment with you surgeon to discuss your discomfort, and best options for you. Best wishes. Karen Singer, M.D., P.A.Harvard GraduateBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Every patient's situation is different;  therefore, best to address this question directly with your plastic surgeon will knows exactly what was done, how you are progressing, and is ultimately responsible for your care. Generally, I encourage my patients to begin standing completely straight at the four-week post work and the vast majority of patients are fully upright by the six week post op mark. Best wishes.

How long does it take to walk straight after tummy tuck?

Answers (12)

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