Should a Person Walk After Abdominalplasty Surgery?

Yes. It is highly recommended to walk after Tummy Tuck. However, it should be done in moderation and not extensively immediately after surgery. I recommend patients get up and walk every hour for about 5 minutes.

This is done to avoid deep venous thrombosis ( a condition that causes clotting withing your leg veins) and pulmonary Embolus that can cause be dangerous and cause difficulty breathing.

Please consult with your plastic surgeon for specific recommendations.

Hope this was helpful.

Dr. Sajjadian

Thank you for your question! Yes, it is important to be up and moving after any procedure. I recommend that my patients get up and walk 5-10 min every hour, for the first few weeks after surgery. Best of luck!

Within a few hours following surgery, abdominoplasty patients will walk in a slightly bent-over position. Strenuous activity and lifting of more than 10 pounds should be avoided for six weeks after surgery. Most patients are able to return to work and daily activities within two weeks of surgery. Walking often and frequently in my experience speeds recovery and helps with constipation and the prevention of clots in your legs (DVT)

The answer to the question about whether you should walk after abdominoplasty is yes. The follow up question is how much walking is advised. Appropriate amounts of activity can diminish swelling, improve tissue oxygenation and healing, diminish the tendency for clotting, etc. My general rule for walking (consult your surgeon) is I generally advise my patients to increase their activity on the treadmill as MPH = # weeks of recovery. For example Week 1 = 1 MPH, Week 2 =2 MPH, Week 3 = 3 MPH, etc.

After a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) it is important to walk, as early as the day of the procedure.  Early movement and walking can help minimize or prevent the formation of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis-DVT).  Also, walking helps stimulate gastrointestinal activity which can prevent or minimize constipation, which is common after surgery.  You should follow your surgeon's post-surgery instructions and try not to exert yourself too much, but a little walking is advisable.

Best wishes,

Dr. Bruno