I Am Having Major Tummy Tuck in 7 Weeks, How Long Before Can Go Back to Horse Riding Job?

Thank you for your question.After a #tummytuck #surgery, #swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area can become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.I suggest waiting 6 weeks before returning to full activity without restrictions.Ask your #BoardCertified #PlasticSurgeon what they recommend.

Strenuous activity, and lifting more than ten pounds, must be avoided for at least 6 weeks and must be approved by your plastic surgeon who will give you the best advice. i would recommend 8 weeks or longer for horseback riding, but again would defer to your Plastic Surgeon. Abdominoplasty involves a recovery period of 10 to 14 days longer than most plastic surgical procedures. Initial discomfort and decreased mobility is typical. 3-5 days or more of assistance at home is usually indicated.You will be encouraged to move and walk regularly starting the day of surgery. Wearing your TED stockings at all times, except while washing, to prevent venous clots (deep vein thrombosis) is mandatory. Light activity is comfortable in 10-20 days. Swelling may indicate too much activity. Do not plan on resuming aerobic or strenuous exercise for a minimum of  6-8 weeks after surgery.

Ask your surgeon what his/her specific instructions are.  I would suggest 6 weeks at the minimum and you still may not be 100% at that point.  You wouldn't want to push yourself too soon and risk having a problem. Ease into it when you do go back.

Best of Luck.

Its usually about 6 weeks before you can go back to full activities.  If your muscles are not plicated I would say 4 weeks.  At 6 weeks your abdominal muscles strength is only about 40-50% of final strength, but this is enough for most rigorous activities.  If you have any concerns continue to wear your abdominal binder during your first week back. Good Luck.

Each surgeon has his or her own guidelines for postoperative care. Patients generally can return to light activity 7 to 10 post surgery. More strenuous activity can generally begin 2 to 6 months post surgery. Horseback riding will probably be closer to the 2 month mark. Consult your surgeon has he or she understands the scope of the surgery and the specifics about you.

Hello,

Cleaning out horse stalls at 2 weeks after a tummy tuck may be too soon.  Your plastic surgeon has his/her own specific protocols but I suspect they will give you a comparable answer.  You may need to wait about 3-4 weeks before some physical exertion can be started.  Again, all of this also depends on what type of tummy tuck is performed and how tight the closure is at completion.

All the best,

Dr Repta

Best to ask your chosen surgeon HIS postoperative protocols. We each have differing requirements. I would only listen to my surgeon not any of us. 

One of the great plastic surgery procedures is a tummy tuck, producing mid-body changes that no other treatment method can rival. But it is also an operation that is often underestimated in its recovery. While many patients are returning to sitdown jobs or those with low level activities, two weeks recovery would be adequate. This means they will go back to work but are far from completely recovered. A very physical job as you are describing will unmask how significant a recovery from a tummy tuck will be. Realistically I see no way that you will be back mucking stalls in anything less than six weeks and eight weeks is probably more realistic. The activities you are describing require a lot of core strength and mobility and that is exactly what a tummy tuck affects the most.

Because you are undergoing a tummy tuck and will be under the care of a plastic surgeon (hopefully), you NEED to find out exactly what his/her protocol and recommendations are with regard to your postoperative allowable activities and limitations. If you follow the advice of someone else not involved in your care and experience a significant problem as a direct result, you may end up being responsible for more than the physical consequences. For interest and on average, you may need to wait around 6 - 8 weeks before being able to engage in your horse related activies without significantly jeopardizing your result.

First, there is no such thing as a major or minor tummy tuck- all are major.  Usually, 6 weeks is needed for scar tissue to strengthen enough for you to do what you want.  This implies normal healing.

Ultimately, the 6 weeks is an average, and your case may vary.  Only your doctor can clear you after surgery.