When can I lift a 30lb toddler after a full tummy tuck with muscle repair? (photo)

Question

I had an extended tummy tuck with muscle repair on 24th Feb (just over 12 weeks ago) and I am wondering when it will be safe for me to starting lifting my toddler again. He's 2 years old and around 30lbs.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your recent surgery. Most patients are cleared to perform heavy lifting (including children) four to six weeks following a tummy tuck, Please discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon for recommendations regarding what you should and should not be doing. Good luck with your recovery.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

After
tummy tuck surgery, I advise the patients to take two weeks off from work. The
patients may return to work, but may not engage in any strenuous activity. At
two months, the patients start low impact cardio. At three months they can
engage in more strenuous physical activity. If anything hurts or causes
swelling, we ask them to back off somewhat. I prefer the patients to stay in
town for two weeks if they from more than 2-3 hours away.  I do not allow
patients to fly before 2 to 3 weeks at the very minimum.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

In my practice, I allow my tummy tuck patients to perform activities without restriction ( eg. listing a 30lbs toddler) after 6 to 8 weeks AFTER surgery. If activity restrictions are not following during the healing process, the internal stitches could "pop", thus creating a hernia-like effect in the area of muscle repair.Patients with questions and concerns about their tummy tuck healing process should address those concerns with the plastic surgeon that performed the operation.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Typically, most patients return to full activity after 6 weeks. Since you are 12 weeks out, you should be good to go. However, if you are feeling nervous, best to get checked out by your operating surgeon so you can be properly evaluated in person and given the a-ok for lifting! Good luck!!

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

Thank you for your question.From your picture it looks as if you have healed very well and have a good result following surgery.We normally recommend 6 weeks following surgery as a good time to start lifting again. It is important to listen to your body though and slow down if your tummy muscles become sore.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure.As you know the tummy tuck operation is a major operation;  every patient experiences a different recovery course. This makes it difficult to discuss “general rules of thumb”.  In my practice, I ask patients to stay away from activities involving 30 pound weight lifting for about 6 weeks. Your  plastic surgeon will help guide you  with activity level depending on how your recovery is proceeding.I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

When can I lift a 30lb toddler after a full tummy tuck with muscle repair? (photo)

Answers (6)

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