After a tummy tuck, are you allowed to move around?

Question

After a tummy tuck, are you allowed to move around? How long before you are able to go back to work and back to your normal everyday life. Thank you

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Moving Around after Tummy Tuck is not only permitted but encouraged to prevent venous clots in your legs (deep venous thrombosis). I have my patients walk every 1-2 hours while awake. Generally following TT surgery, you will be walking in a bent-over position to keep tension off the newly tightened skin incision site. Although strenuous activity, and lifting more than ten pounds, must be avoided for 6 weeks, some people can return to work and daily activities as soon as 2 weeks after surgery. Softening of the surgical scars, return of sensation, and loosening of the tight sensation may take several months to a year or more.  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. No sports or heavy lifting for 6 weeks or more – please discuss with your doctor for specific questions.

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  After a tummy tuck procedure, we encourage our patients to be up and walking with assistance that same day.  During the first week to two weeks we recommend walking in a slightly hunched over position to alleviate some stress off the abdominal muscles.  Typically, if recovery is uneventful, many patients are able to resume light office work one week post operative.  We strongly advise against any strenuous activities that would involve the abdominal muscles for a minimum of 3-6 weeks.  Best regards,Dr. Lane F. Smith, MDPlastic SurgeonLas Vegas, NV

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for your question! Recovery time depends on the extent of your
loose skin and muscle prior to surgery. Patients start walking around the next day, but be sure to take it slowly. Drainage tubes and sutures are normally removed a week after surgery. You should expect to return to work in 2-4
weeks. All the best,Dr. JSB

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Ambulating after a tummy tuck is actually encouraged.  This reduces the risk of a blood clot forming in your legs that may lead to an embolus and more serious complications.  You may need to walk with our back bent forward a bit due to the tight closure for approx 1 week.   I wouldn't plan on working for 2 weeks after surgery.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

When my patients get home after your tummy tuck, one of their main jobs is to be up and walking around every two hours except when asleep. This is an important aspect of preventing a clot in the legs. They can slowly increase thier activity and should be ready to drive in about one week and returned to work at about two weeks. At six weeks the 15 pound lifting restriction is removed and they have no restrictions.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, I mobilize the majority of my patients the same day as their tummy tuck, at least to the washroom and sitting at the side of the bed.  They are walking around the house by the next day.  By the first postop visit 5-7 days later they are starting to walk standing straight.  After about 2-3 weeks most people are back at their regular job but I recommend avoiding strenuous exercise after 6 weeks in most cases.

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

Recovery times vary, but patients are generally able
to return to work in one to two weeks, light exercise in three to four weeks,
and full exercise in five to six weeks. Best regards.

Michelle Zweifler, MD · Answer

After a tummy tuck, we want our patients to move around to minimize the risks of blood clots.  No strenuous activity/exercise for at least 2-3 weeks and no heavy lifting for 6 weeks.  Most patients return to work in 10-14 days; this depends on one's job and overall healing.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

In my own practice I encourage patients to be up and about immediately after abdominoplasty. Within a few days most patients are back to everyday activity including driving. Return to work will take about two weeks depending on the type of job.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, you are allowed, and encouraged, to move around starting from the day of your surgery. For one it is important not only for your own comfort, but two it also helps prevent the development of blood clots in your legs that may cause larger issues.  You will likely be bent over at the waist initially, waiting for your skin to relax, and this will also help take tension off of your incision.  As far as recovery time, each patient is different, and depending on your work activities, it may take weeks to months to resume a full activity level. Speak with a board certified plastic surgeon who can best answer your questions about the procedure, and can give you a better recovery timeline

After a tummy tuck, are you allowed to move around?

Answers (15)

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