How many days are you in bed after a tummy tuck?

Question

I know the down time of a tummy tuck is 10 days to six weeks but how many days post op do you need someone looking after you? By the fifth day would you be able to make your meals, bath, etc by yourself?

Ellen A. Mahony, MD · Answer

Every surgeon has a different suggestion for recovery but here's what we do at my Connecticut practice:Typically an outpatient procedureHome that day and walking- no bed restGarment (girdle) for support and comfortPost Op visit the next day, then home to showerWalking level surfaces and stairs are OK.No pushing, pulling, bending of lifting greater than 5 lbs for 2 weeksIt varies but often women are back to work in a week. Limited activity for 3-4 weeks then ease back into your workout routine.Depending on your home situation, you may need someone with you for a couple of days or longer if you have young chiidren.Good luck!In good health,Ellen Mahony, MD

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

I get my patients out of bed the night after surgery. I teach them how to walk with their knees flexed so that they don't bend over and cause back muscle spasms. It is important to get out of bed and walk to avoid DVT (clots in the veins). Patient education is the key. You need someone around the first few days as you may need some help getting in and out of bed. As far as pain and what you can do, this is so patient dependent. Some people do minor tasks, like washing dishes and putting laundry in the machine after a couple of days, others may need a couple of weeks.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Basically, after a tummy tuck, patients can return to light activities and be out of bed almost immediately after surgery, they can return to their normal activities 2 weeks after surgery, and vigorous exercise 4 weeks after surgery.  We usually experience a slow steady improvement for 3 months or so after surgery. Best is to follow your surgeon's postsurgical instructions.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Personally, I like my tummy tuck patients to be up and out of bed the same day. No heavy lifting, driving, etc for 2-4weeks, typically back Tom most other activities/work 1-2 weeks.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations.

Itzhak Nir, MD, FACS · Answer

I usually allow my patients to relax in be the first night but they are out of bed and walking around the next day. It is much healthier for a patient to move and ambulate.

Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Recovery and time in bed are two different things.  Your recovery will depend on the recommendations of your doctor, but you shouldn't need any actual time in bed. Resting and relaxing a bit is fine, but recovery is aided by getting up and moving around after your surgery. Typically you would be able to return to normal activities within 3-5 days, but avoid heavy lifting over 5 pounds for a couple of weeks.  Many people return to work after a week, but that is occupation dependent. I hope this helps.  Best of luck to you.

Ellis Tavin, MD · Answer

As other answers have indicated, lying in bed after tummy tuck, puts you at risk for  serious complications. 
I know a woman whose daughters brought her meals in bed thinking they were doing their mother a favor. She ended up in the ICU with a blood clot from her leg that had broken off and gone to her lung.
Even if you don't leave your house, get up and walk around for 10 minutes 3 or 4 times a day to keep the circulation going in your legs and to fully expand your lungs.

Ricardo Ventura, MD · Answer

Hello and Thank you for your question. When having a procedure done it is important to walk and not restricted yourself to bed, of course the first few days you will be needing assistance. Every patient develops differently. Usually I recommend two weeks. Speak with a Board Certified plastic surgeon and have a personal consultation.

Hope this can be of use and Good Luck!

Hope this can be of use and Good Luck!

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

You should be walking and mobilizing on the day after surgery to avoid the potential for embolisms.  By day five, you should be able to perform the basic functions that you mention. You really should be able to care for yourself by day three, barring an unusual outcome.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I do not want my patients staying in bed all the time. I want them up and about walking a bit in their home, but not exerting themselves so they decrease the risk of getting a clot in the leg. Most of my patients can go back to light duty within 7-10 days.

How many days are you in bed after a tummy tuck?

Answers (16)

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