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?
November 1, 2023
Answer: Postoperative protocol 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
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November 1, 2023
Answer: Postoperative protocol 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
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October 25, 2023
Answer: Guidance on Post-Operative Heavy Lifting After a Mommy Makeover 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
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October 25, 2023
Answer: Guidance on Post-Operative Heavy Lifting After a Mommy Makeover 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
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October 16, 2023
Answer: Mommy Makeover 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!
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October 16, 2023
Answer: Mommy Makeover 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!
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