Standing straight versus bent over after a tummy tuck with muscle repair - what is the difference?

After your tummy tuck, we don’t want you standing upright at first. The reason is that your abdominal wall has been tightened, and your belly button is repositioned. If you stand straight too soon, you risk stretching your incisions and disrupting the internal healing process.
Maintaining a slightly bent posture, you protect your incisions and allow the tissues to heal. My recommendation is 4-5 days walking bending forward then gradually going back to your normal daily routine. Best of luck to you.

For only the first week after your surgery you will want to walk in a slightly hunched position. We understand that this is not the most comfortable thing to do especially if you are someone who suffers from back or neck pain. What most people don't know is that you do not have to even be a full 45 degrees. About 20 degrees is beneficial enough. This will allow diastasis repair to have less tension on the muscles in the beginning when your body is undergoing the beginning process of healing. By week one it is best to be completely standing straight. Methods such as packs and compression garments should help aid in the discomfort, some may even use a walker at first just for stablity.

The posture you adopt after a tummy tuck, especially if it includes muscle repair (rectus diastasis repair), can significantly impact your recovery and the final outcome of the surgery.

Standing straight versus being bent over after a tummy tuck:

Standing Straight: Maintaining an upright posture after a tummy tuck, particularly one that includes muscle repair, can be challenging initially due to tightness and discomfort in the abdominal area. However, standing straight helps in promoting proper healing and preventing complications. It encourages better blood circulation, minimizes strain on the sutures, and allows for more efficient lung function. Standing straight also aids in gradually re-engaging the abdominal muscles, which can enhance recovery and support the healing process.

Bent Over Position: In the immediate post-operative period, some individuals might find it more comfortable to adopt a slightly bent-over or hunched posture due to tightness and discomfort in the abdominal area. While this posture can temporarily alleviate tension on the surgical site, prolonged bending might lead to issues such as strain on the back and could potentially impede the healing process by limiting circulation and stretching the repaired abdominal muscles.

It's crucial to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions regarding posture and movement after a tummy tuck with muscle repair. Initially, they may recommend a slightly flexed or bent posture to minimize tension on the incision site, but they will gradually encourage you to stand more upright as the healing progresses.

Maintaining good posture, as advised by your surgeon, promotes proper healing, reduces the risk of complications, and supports the best possible aesthetic outcome following a tummy tuck with muscle repair. Always consult your surgeon if you have any concerns or questions about your post-operative posture and recovery.

In general, you walk hunched over due to degree of skin that is removed, or sometimes the muscle plication that was performed. Walking hunched over or sitting in a beach chair position allows you not to put stress on the new incision allows for better healing results. In general, you’re tight when we close the incision. Yes you stand up straight, you may cause a wound dehiscence, which means a wound opening.

Thank you for your question. Post-operative instructions can vary based on surgical techniques, the surgeon's preferences, and individual patient factors. Some surgeons have patients walk hunched to reduce tension on the newly tightened abdominal skin and suture line, potentially minimizing complications. Others believe standing straight helps with circulation and reduces complications like blood clots. Walking straight doesn't mean your tummy tuck is any less tight; it's more about the surgeon's approach and what they believe is best for your recovery. Always follow your surgeon's guidelines and discuss any concerns directly with them for clarification.

Thank you for your question regarding postural advice following a tummy tuck with muscle repair. After a tummy tuck, especially with muscle tightening, the rectus abdominis muscle is sutured together tightly. This increased tension between the pubic bone and the lower sternum pulls the body forward. Additionally, the skin is also tightened.
For these reasons, many plastic surgeons advise their patients to walk slightly hunched over for about two weeks post-surgery. This minimizes tension on the incision, reducing the risk of complications. Standing upright too soon can strain the incision and potentially harm the muscle repair.
In summary, it's generally recommended to maintain a forward-leaning posture after a tummy tuck to ensure optimal healing. Always follow your surgeon's specific instructions. Good luck with your recovery!
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

When surgeons recommend maintaining a flexed position for a period of time post-operatively, it is to minimize tension on the newly closed incision. Tension along a new incision line can result in a widened or thickened scar. over the course of the first week after surgery, patients tissues will begin to relax allowing them to stand up straighter without excess tension on their incision.
Sean M Fisher MD

Every surgeon has his/her preference of post operative care based on experience and training. I am one in the bent-over-for-the-first-week category to decrease tension on my closure. However, many patients do not do this and do well.

I encourage patients to walk as straight as they can after surgery. They won't necessarily be perfectly normal, but may have a slight hunch. If walking bent over for prolonged periods patients find it can make their back sore. I've included a video on this topic that I hope you find helpful.

Each plastic surgeon will have their own postoperative protocols and recommendations. Some people are unable to stand up straight immediately after a tummy tuck. The sense of tightness and discomfort may prohibit full body extension.
Most people generally reach full range of motion as they feel better during the recovery.
It’s possible for patients to develop some stiffness and loss of range of motion if they don’t reengage with the range of motion exercises after major surgical procedures.
Most patients will eventually get full range of motion with the ability to stand upright after a tummy tuck. Some people take a little longer than others. The outcome of the procedure is based purely on the patient’s candidacy for the operation and how the operation was performed. Postoperative protocols are not going to change the results.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD