Recovery Period for Hybrid Tummy Tuck?

The hybrid tummy tuck (R) is a short incision tummy tuck that tightens the entire abdominal fascia, both above and below the umbilicus. It was originated in this office. It was specifically designed for fit moms with minimal loose skin but a bulge due to the ripped fascia.
The recovery is somewhat less than for a full tummy tuck in that the lower incision is smaller. Drains are still used by they usually come out by 3 days instead of an average of 6 days for a full tummy tuck.
Limitation wise, patients typically walk immediately, drive and work after about a week.

Thank you for your question regarding recovery after a hybrid tummy tuck. A hybrid tummy tuck typically focuses on muscle tightening and minimal skin removal, which can shorten the recovery time compared to a full abdominoplasty, but it still requires proper care to ensure smooth healing.

When it comes to lifting your children, particularly a 4-year-old and a 1.5-year-old, you will need to be cautious. Lifting anything heavy, especially in the early stages of recovery, can place strain on your abdominal muscles and sutures. Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 4 to 6 weeks before lifting anything over 10-15 pounds, and this includes your children. It's essential to give your muscles time to heal properly.

As for returning to work, since you work from home and your job involves light activities like phone and computer work, you may be able to resume those tasks after about 5 to 7 days. However, you should listen to your body and avoid sitting for long periods, as this could contribute to swelling or discomfort. Be sure to take breaks and move around periodically.

Regarding exercise, you should avoid strenuous activities, particularly those that involve your core muscles, for about 6 to 8 weeks. Light walking can usually be resumed sooner and can help with circulation, but more intense workouts should wait until you've been cleared by your surgeon.

It’s always best to follow your surgeon’s specific post-operative care instructions for a safe and successful recovery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Strenuous activity and the lifting of more than twenty pounds must be avoided for the first 6 weeks and I think that would include carrying your children..  Many patients are able to return to work and daily activities within 2-3 weeks of surgery if there is no strenuous activities (for example lifting more than 20 pounds). Since you work from home and the fact that sitting is a good position to take pressure off of our scar you can work from home just as long as you are not taking narcotic pain medicines (or you will likely make mistakes.). .  Remember that there is great variability of healing times between patients, which will be prolonged if there are any complications. Softening of the surgical scars, return of sensation, and loosening of the tight sensation may take several months. Abdominoplasty recovery can be in some cases slow and uncomfortable requiring more time for a full recovery.