Tips on straightening up after full TT?

Question

It's been 16 days since I had a full tt and I'm still completely hunched over. My left leg & foot are swollen & I get tired just taking a shower and putting clothes on. I feel like I'll never walk straight again. Is this normal & any tips on how to straighten up?

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Stand up straight. After tummy tuck surgery, I advise the patients to take two weeks off from work. The patients may return to work, but may not engage in any strenuous activity. At two months, the patients start low impact cardio. At three months they can engage in more strenuous physical activity. If anything hurts or causes swelling, we ask them to back off somewhat. If you exercise or do some particular activity that results in pain or swelling you are doing too much for your personal recovery at that time. Not everyone heals the same. You need to make sure that you don’t cause more swelling. Fighting the swelling or working through the pain will certainly backfire. I prefer the patients to stay in town for two weeks if they from more than 2-3 hours away. I do not allow patients to fly before 2 to 3 weeks at the very minimum.

James E. Hardy, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for the question. I am very concerned about your leg swelling. Swelling in one leg can be a sign of a blood clot which should be evaluated immediately by your ps or the local emergency department. Regarding your posture- you will straighten after tummy tuck but this can take 3-4 weeks or more to walk completely upright. Best of Luck - Dr. Hardy...

Larry Lickstein, MD · Answer

Taylor327, sorry to hear that your recovery is progressing slowly.  Before addressing your concern about standing straight, let me emphasize that the swelling of just one leg and foot is concerning and you should be evaluated today by either your plastic surgeon, or if unavailable, your primary care physician or an emergency room.  It could be a sign of a DVT (deep venous thrombosis), and if so, it would require medical treatment.  A duplex (ultrasound and doppler) may be indicated, and I cannot emphasize enough the importance of an assessment.  As for your concerns, know that everybody is able to straighten up with time, and you will not be permanently shorter from a tummy tuck!  Discuss with your surgeon, but they may suggest stretching exercises.  Alternatively, they may want to consider NSAIDs or other anti-inflammatories that assist with muscle discomfort and allow you to move more easily.  Good luck!

Tips on straightening up after full TT?

Answers (3)

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