Can walking too far too soon damage your tummy tuck? (Photos)

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point (3 weeks post-po) the swelling is normal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

It's difficult to say without examining you, but I think it's unlikely that you would break a suture by walking. There are typically multiple layers of strong sutures that can withstand normal day-to-day activities. In my office, I asked patients to refrain from heavy activities (lifting or working out) for six weeks. Whenever there is any question about your surgery, it's a good idea to get in touch with your surgeon so that they can decide whether to have you return to clinic for an examination. Congratulations on your recent surgery.

Although it is possible to break a suture with activity, it is unusual to do so with walking. Your surgeon knows exactly what was done and you should see him/her for follow up.

In general, I ask my patients to refrain from anything strenuous for the 1st six weeks.  I would not really consider walking strenuous activity, unless it is causing you to raise your heart rate and cause you to become short of breath or start to breathe hard.Given how early you are in the recovery period, the only recommendation here is to continue with your follow ups with your plastic surgeon during your healing and reassess things when you are 4 months out.Hope that helps.

It is unlikely that simple walking would have ripped a suture.  It is possible that the tissues pulled apart somewhat, or simply stretched a bit, or that there is a fluid collection, or some focal skin laxity, etc.  These things can only be determined with an in-person physical exam so I would discuss this further with your plastic surgeon.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs and congratulations on your tummy tuck procedure.  Though your walk was unlikely to have caused the bulge, or resulted in breaking one of your muscle repair stitches, I would voice your concern to your surgeon and have an in-person evaluation performed.  They can help diagnose the source of your discomfort and offer treatment recommendations.  Best wishes.

I appreciate your question.



I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.



The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.



Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.



Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz



Board Certified Plastic Surgeon



#RealSelf100Surgeon

It's good that you're taking precautions. Continue monitoring the swelling and pain. Also, please follow up closely with your plastic surgeon. Hope the recovery gets better.

Sorry to hear about your problem. At this point only time will tell. Follow your surgeon's instructions carefully.  Once all swelling goes down at about 2-3 months your surgeon will be able to give you a better opinion. Best wishes.

Thank you for submitting your question!It is unlikely that you would have damaged your operative repair with the activity described. I would suggest that you be seen and assessed by your plastic surgeon to see if there is cause for concern.