How Often Should You Be Up Walking Around 4 Days Post Op Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation?

Question

I am 24 , 5 4' and 125lbs pre op. with 295 cc gummy bear implants.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The
mommy makeover is one of the larger procedures performed in cosmetic surgery.
Following this procedure, the resumption of physical activity is extremely
important to the recovery process.

In
most cases, we recommend minimal activity for about two weeks following this
procedure, and during this period, light activities such as bathroom and
kitchen privileges are acceptable but nothing more strenuous.

An
effort should be made to ambulate at least every four hours following surgery.
This minimizes the potential for lower extremity blood clots and their
associated health risks. After two weeks, patients can slowly resume most
activities expect those that involve strenuous exertion. After six weeks,
patients should be able to resume all of their normal activities including
strenuous exertion and heavy lifting.

Ritu Chopra, MD · Answer

Yes, walk walk walk. This is a key time to avoid getting what we call clots or DVT in the calves/legs. You should try to walk around very 4-5 hours, this does not mean long distances just short walks around the house. As you become more comfortable you should increase the frequency and duration. Additionally deep breathing excercises should be done 10 x an hour every hour that you are awake. I hope this helps.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! You should be walking the night of surgery! everybodys pain tolerance is different! Best of luck!Dr Dhaval PatelDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonChicago Hoffman Estates Oak Brook

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Walking around for short periods of time is a good idea after your surgery. Except for the time you're asleep, you should walk around every couple of hours. Stay up and walking around the house until you are tired and ready to go done for a rest.  Gradually increase activity but make sure to take it very easy! Your surgeon should have also provided you with instructions on activity. Please follow them.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Promoting circulation after mommy makeover is helpful for preventing the development of blood clots in your legs. Ambulating around your home every 2 hours or so is helpful in this regard. I do not recommend walking miles in the early postoperative period particularly if liposuction is performed - risk for fluid collection and increased swelling is increased.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Pulmonary complications are much less in ambulatory patients.  I encourage may patients to resume normal daily activity as soon as they can.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

I recommend getting up to walk every few hours. When you are in bed move your legs and knees frequently. This is all done to prevent blood clots.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

4 days after having a Mommy Makeover, you should be able to lie flat in bed, not needing to be in the lawn chair position any longer.  In my practice, the breast drains are normally removed at 24 hours and the 3 abdominoplasty drains are normally removed at 72 hours.  Therefore, by the 4th day, ambulation (walking around) should be relatively easy.  I recommend getting up and walking around the living room or any other room every 4 hours, and be sure to flex and extend your feet, and possibly rotate them, every hour to decrease the chance of clot formations in the veins of the calf. 

	Of course, don't cross your legs and don't cross your feet as you are in a hypercoagulable state this early after surgery, and venous stasis caused by crossing legs or feet could easily lead to clotting.  On the other hand, post operative exercising does not mean doing push ups or overdoing it in the first 5 days or this could lead to bleeding, a hematoma and unnecessary revisionary surgery.

Ricardo Vega, MD · Answer

Several times a day, for short periods, always listen to your body, (pain and fatigue). 

	Takes Care, Dr. R. Vega / Tijuana, Mexico

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your surgery!  It's best to closely follow your surgeon's instructions regarding activity.  In general at four days post op you should be moving around your home several times a day for short periods of time.  Some examples would be getting up to the table to eat, showering, going to the bathroom, etc.

How Often Should You Be Up Walking Around 4 Days Post Op Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation?

Answers (14)

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