Recovery Period for Hybrid Tummy Tuck?

Question

I am considering having a hybrid tummy tuck. I do not have much loose skin, just muscle that needs to be tightened. I have a 4 year old and 1.5 year old. I am worried about the recovery. How long will it be before I will be able to pick up and carry my child? When will I be able to work-out again? I work from my home office; will I be able to resume computer/phone work after about 5 days? Thank you so much for your time.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

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.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

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.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there- I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "hybrid" tummy tuck, as there seem to be many different names for the described procedures now, but as the technique is going to involve muscle tightening and this will determine the majority of your experience, I would say that you should plan on limitation and discomfort for a few weeks. Most of my patients take the prescription pain meds for a week or so, and I would not want you lifting or carrying your child for 6 weeks after surgery (if someone can place him/her in your lap you'll be good). Similarly, you should plan on being unable to workout for about 6 weeks as well, but working at your home office will probably be possible within a week (as long as you are off of the meds).
Hope that helps- I'm sure you'll love your new shape!

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,
It is the muscular repair of a Tummy Tuck that keeps patients from doing much for a while. It hurts. When you say "hybrid tummy tuck," understand that the term is not standard. You need to discuss with your surgeon what he is planning to do and what kind of activity schedule he desires. Light activity in 5 days may work especially if you have a pain pump and need fewer oral narcotics for pain.

Recovery Period for Hybrid Tummy Tuck?

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Answer: Difficult to answer without knowing the details of the technique planned, but...

Answer: Some generalizations on Tummy Tuck recovery

Answer: Some generalizations on Tummy Tuck recovery

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Recovery Period for Hybrid Tummy Tuck?

Answers (5)

Answer: Difficult to answer without knowing the details of the technique planned, but...

Answer: Difficult to answer without knowing the details of the technique planned, but...

Answer: Some generalizations on Tummy Tuck recovery

Answer: Some generalizations on Tummy Tuck recovery

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.