Recovery time for diastasis repair & TT? When can I workout or lift 25lb child?

Hi Beautiful5231,
With a tummy tuck, you are making an investment in yourself. Compliance with postop restrictions helps to ensure you get the result that you want.
My typical postop protocol is 10 weeks of no lifting over five pounds and no repetitive core-based activities (think vaccuming). My goal in these restrictions is to allow the plication (right to left tightening) to heal, tightening the abdominal wall on a long term basis.
At ten weeks, I see patients and encourage them to slowly resume their day-to-day activities--most patients take two weeks or so to fully get back to their baseline.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

You're right that recovery time can vary greatly from person to person, and it's important to consider individual factors when estimating how long it will take to return to your normal activities following diastasis repair and a tummy tuck. I understand your concerns about resuming your daily routine, especially when it comes to caring for your children and maintaining your fitness regimen.

While it's difficult to provide a definitive timeline, it is generally recommended that patients avoid heavy lifting (anything over 10-15 pounds) for the first 6 weeks post-surgery. This includes lifting children, as the strain could compromise your healing process. However, it's essential to consult with your surgeon to determine when it would be safe for you to lift your child based on your specific recovery progress.

As for exercise, light walking is typically encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. More strenuous activities like yoga and weightlifting should be gradually reintroduced as your body heals and with your surgeon's approval. Many patients can return to their regular workout routines within 6-12 weeks after surgery, but this timeline can vary depending on your individual healing process and the intensity of your workouts.

Remember that open communication with your surgeon is crucial during your recovery. They will be able to provide personalized guidance and recommendations based on your progress and any concerns that may arise.

Thank you for your question, and I wish you a smooth recovery and a successful return to your daily activities.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

I have patients wait 6 weeks prior to resuming a more intensive workout regimen (anything lifting over 10 pounds). Most people feel up to returning to a non-strenuous job at the 2 week mark and pretty much back to themselves around a month.

Each surgeon has a slightly different postop protocol. At our clinic we recommend that you do not lift anything heavier than 5lb for 6 weeks, avoid any strenuous physical activity for 6 week. For abs (sit ups and crunches) we recommend that you avoid them for 3 months.

Every surgeon differs in their postoperative instructions. I typically counsel my patients to wait 6 weeks after surgery before lifting anything heavier than 15 lbs or working out and activating the rectus muscles.

Many patients may want assistance in the home for a week or two particularly if they have young children. I advise that no strenuous activity be performed for at least 6 weeks following a tummy tuck with diastasis repair. You need to listen to your body, start out gradually, and increase your workout as your body permits. Your plastic surgeon will be able to determine how you are healing and can provide advice on when you can drive, shop, and return to work.

Hello and thank you for your question. In my practice, I request that my patients refrain from cardio exercise for 3 weeks and no lifting over 10 pounds or intense exercise for 6 weeks. Best of luck to you.

Dear Beautiful5231,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You should expect about two weeks before doing all normal daily activities, with exception to lift your child and exercise. By two weeks, it would be a careful trial of seeing how lifting your child feels. In all likelihood, you'll be able to do so in or around that time comfortably. With regards to exercise, I prescribe early walking (post op day one) that can become more vigorous and low weight resistance exercise after three weeks. Core exercise should be avoided for 10 to 12 weeks. A recent article published in our scientific journals indicates that early exercise as I've outlined does not increase the risk of complications.

We advise a period of 2 weeks for really taking it easy after the Surgery. For more intense activities like yoga and weight-lifting, 4 to 6 weeks is the general guideline. You are correct, though, the every patient is different. With elective Plastic Surgery, you want to do everything you possibly can to achieve a phenomenal result, so this means waiting to return to those activities according to the guidance provided by your Surgical Team.