5'6, 155lbs, does 16 weeks seems like an excessive wait time for heavy lifting after a mommy makeover?

Question

I am looking at having an extended tummy tuck w/ diastasis repair along with a breast lift (no implants). I’ve met with a surgeon I really love, & she recommends I wait 12-16 weeks after the procedure before doing any heavy lifting. I have small children (28 & 32 lbs.) so going this long without picking them up is concerning & causing me to consider delaying the surgery. I’m 5’6”, 155 lbs, & in good health. Does this seem like an excessive amount of time to wait to heavy lift?

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

The incisions on your breast should be healed at 3 to 4 weeks.  The next area, your abdomen, has two different areas, each with its optimal recovery time. The first is healing of the abdominal skin flap that has been elevated and trimmed.  This flap has a potential space under it and the flap needs to heal back down in place so that potential space is closed and can’t collect any fluid.  This should be healed in 4-6 weeks.  The last area is your diastasis repair.  This is accomplished by suturing your rectus fascia together in 2 layers.  This repair will be strong enough for you to return to regular activity at 6-8 weeks.  While waiting 12-16 weeks is completely OK, it may be a bit too cautious.  Best wishes.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

While that is longer than would be considered typical for lifting, it is important to note that every surgeon has a bit different protocol based on their own experiences. If you have found a surgeon whose goals align with yours, I would recommend trying to stick to her protocol as best as you can. While these can be difficult, your surgeon has your best interest and safety in mind.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

The appropriate wait time before resuming heavy lifting after a mommy makeover can vary depending on the specific procedures performed, individual healing rates, and the recommendations of your surgeon. However, 16 weeks (approximately 4 months) is not necessarily an excessive wait time for heavy lifting following a mommy makeover.

In general, mommy makeover procedures often involve surgeries such as breast augmentation, breast lift, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and liposuction. These procedures can impact the abdominal muscles, breast tissue, and surrounding areas. Proper healing and tissue recovery are crucial for optimal results and to reduce the risk of complications.

Your surgeon will likely provide specific guidelines for activity and lifting restrictions based on your individual case. These guidelines are designed to protect the surgical sites, minimize the risk of complications such as bleeding, wound separation, or damage to the surgical results, and promote optimal healing.

Heavy lifting and strenuous activities can put strain on the surgical areas, potentially disrupting the healing process or causing complications. Waiting approximately 16 weeks before resuming heavy lifting allows for sufficient time for tissues to heal, regain strength, and reduce the risk of complications.

It's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully and adhere to the recommended timeline for activity restrictions. If you have any concerns or questions about your recovery or activity limitations, it's best to discuss them directly with your surgeon for personalized guidance. They can provide recommendations based on your specific procedures and individual healing progress.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear KaytFreeze84,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi KayTfreeze84,

Thank you for your question regarding whether waiting 16 weeks seems like an excessive wait time for heavy lifting after a mommy makeover. During an extended tummy tuck with rectus abdominis muscle diastasis repair, a significant amount of dissection is done from the lower abdomen to the rib cage and sternum. Additionally, extensive work and repair are done to fix the weakened rectus muscle. 16 weeks or four months does not seem like an excessively long wait time to resume heavy lifting after a mommy makeover. Indeed, most plastic surgeons suggest that their mommy makeover patients wait 16 to 24 weeks before engaging in any heavy lifting. It's crucial to remember that the strength of the rectus muscle repair is primarily dependent on the sutures, as not much scar tissue forms between the muscles. Thus, there's a risk of tearing the muscle repair if you lift heavy objects prematurely. Therefore, waiting 16 weeks or four months after a mommy makeover does not seem like an excessively long time to avoid heavy lifting.

Good luck.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question.
You need time for your body to heal. Every surgeon has a different protocol regarding post operative restrictions and care. Reach out to your surgeon to discuss this issue in detail. Best wishes!

5'6, 155lbs, does 16 weeks seems like an excessive wait time for heavy lifting after a mommy makeover?

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Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: Guidance on Post-Operative Heavy Lifting After a Mommy Makeover

Answer: Guidance on Post-Operative Heavy Lifting After a Mommy Makeover

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5'6, 155lbs, does 16 weeks seems like an excessive wait time for heavy lifting after a mommy makeover?

Answers (12)

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: Guidance on Post-Operative Heavy Lifting After a Mommy Makeover

Answer: Guidance on Post-Operative Heavy Lifting After a Mommy Makeover

Answer: Mommy Makeover

Answer: Mommy Makeover

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Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

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