How Much Rest Do I Need After a Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for your question.After a #tummytuck #surgery, #swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area can become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.I suggest waiting 6 weeks before returning to full activity without restrictions.Ask your #BoardCertified #PlasticSurgeon what they recommend.

Following surgery, you will be walking in a bent-over position to keep tension off the newly tightened skin incision site. Although strenuous activity, and lifting more than ten pounds, must be avoided for 6 weeks, some people can return to work and daily activities as soon as 2 weeks after surgery. Softening of the surgical scars, return of sensation, and loosening of the tight sensation may take several months to a year or more.Abdominoplasty involves a recovery period of 10 to 14 days longer than most plastic surgical procedures. Initial discomfort and decreased mobility is typical. 3-5 days or more of assistance at home is usually indicated, which is the proper time to get plenty of rest.You will be encouraged to move and walk regularly starting the day of surgery. Wearing your TED stockings at all times, except while washing, to prevent venous clots (deep vein thrombosis) is mandatory. Light activity is comfortable in 10-20 days. No sports or heavy lifting for 6 weeks or more – please discuss with your doctor for specific questions.

You shouldn't be lying around all day. You can leisurely walk around and be a little more physically active, but refrain from exercising or lifting anything for a few more weeks. You should ask your surgeon for specific advice pertaining to your situation.

Questions like this really need to be discussed with your surgeon. He or she knows your case so he or she would be able to give the best advice. 

The best advice I can give you is to use common sense.  Don't run a marathon or engage in a sit-up competition.  If you feel tired, take a nap.  You shouldn't lift anything heavier than 10lbs.  

You should still get up and walk around.  Don't stay in bed or in a chair all day - you don't want to get a DVT/clot.  

Warmest Regards,

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C)

After having an Abdominoplasty we recommend no heavy lifting for up to three months.  Most people take off from a sitting job for two weeks and can resume light activities .  Taking it easy means no lifting climbing etc.. Good luck

Most tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) involve repairing separated muscles, which have been pushed apart from prior pregnancy. Although this is not a true hernia, the recovery process is similar, and it typically takes about 6 weeks for it to heal strongly enough to support vigorous exercise. However, it is also helpful to increase normal daily activities such as walking especially beginning the second week. The main thing to be careful about is lifting abything heavy or straining the abdominal muscles.

Each surgeon has his or her own guidelines for postoperative care. Patients generally can return to light activity 7 to 10 post surgery. More strenuous activity can generally begin 2 to 6 months post surgery. Consult your surgeon has he or she understands the scope of the surgery and the specifics about you.

Rest means taking an afternoon nap when tired not working more than eight hours a day. Walking no running or jogging for the first 3 weeks. No Sit up no heavy lifting more than 15 to 20 lbs. Good luck with the recovery

Your activity level after a tummy tuck will vary depending on whether we repair your muscles or not.  “Diastasis Recti” or separation of the rectus muscles occurs in almost all women who have carried a child to term, so almost all of our tummy tucks involve repairing this separation.  This is similar to a hernia repair and the post-op instructions are therefore similar – no heavy lifting (not more than a gallon of milk, or about five pounds) for six weeks.  It is also very common to tire easily as your body is repairing and healing a large area, so don’t be too hard on yourself if your progress back to normal activity is a little slower than you had hoped.