Should I sit or lay down the majority of time after a Tummy Tuck?

Most doctors are going to want you in a "lawnchair" or reclined position for the first week or so after surgery.  I provide an electric lift chair for my patients at our overnight facility, and they can also easily be rented by the month from many places.  Prolonged sitting can add to the swelling of the abdomen and is a blood clot risk. I also encourage patients to walk several times a day and do certain very simple exercises to aid in blood flow to the legs.

The first thing to do is follow your surgeon's advice.   However, being immobile puts you at increased risk for blood clots, so it is important to move your legs around and get up out of bed or a chair multiple times a day.   The first couple weeks after surgery, activity is usually quite low -  the main goal is to keep from sitting in one place too long. Every couple days it gets easier and you will find yourself moving more.    Keeping hydrated is also important.  I tell my patients that the first day after surgery, I want them walking to get a glass of water, drinking, and going to the bathroom every few hours.   (If you are lying down, you will need help getting out of bed).Best wishes on a speedy recovery!Dr. Michelle Spring

A little stroll is okay and you shouldn't lie around in bed all day. Some leisurely physical activity will minimize the risk of deep blood clots in your legs. Increase the time you spend strolling around as your recovery progresses, but try not to jump out of bed the day of your surgery. Take it easy and increase activity.

Its Very important to get up and move around after a tummy tuck….I recommend every 4 hours while awake or more frequently. This reduces the incident of  blood clots that could become dangerous in the post op period. Sitting or laying down with a flex position is OK but you need to get up and move….also leg exercises while immobile are beneficial too.

It is important to walk and change positions while in the recovery period after a tummy tuck.  This will keep your blood circulating and reduce the chances of getting a blood clot. Having said that, you should not overdo things either.  Avoid standing fully upright initially because this places more tension on your incision and can be more painful.  Sitting is fine, but not for prolonged periods of time.  Follow your surgeons recommendations. Best wishes during your recovery.

You should do neither. It's best to keep mobile with a tummy tuck. If you have prolonged sitting or lying down this can promote a blood clot in your leg. Only rest when it's appropriate (I.e. sleeping, eating)

The best person to answer this question would really be your surgeon. That being said i recommend to my patients that they lie on their back or side and that they are flexed forward at the waist. it usually is a couple of weeks before they can straighten up completely.

Typically I prefer my patients to be up and getting around soon after surgery, with a little more each day. When walking and sitting, its best to have a slight bend at the waist to take tension off the incision, or a pillow under the legs when laying down. Activity without intensity is what I try to get them to do. Obviously this starts small, but should get better as time goes on. The sooner you are up and getting around the faster everything will resolve; swelling, pain, bowel activity, etc...you'll feel better and be back to yourself sooner. If you just lay for a few days you're really just putting off the inevitable and delaying the recovery process.

Hello, Thank you for your question. You should be on a flexed position after a TT, if you are on a sit make sure your legs are elevated, but don't forget to  get up and walk as much as you can.

It is very important that after an abdominoplasty that you are walking and mobile to prevent DVT or PE.  You can sit and stand as you wish, but when sitting try to push the gas pedals to stimulate blood flow in your feet.  I have my patients stay flexed for about 2 weeks.  Good luck