Safe to Use Stairs Two Days After Tummy Tuck?

Stairs are not a problem following a tummy tuck  for most and recommended as long as you use a hand rail, have assistance nearby, and slightly bent. In fact, walking and taking stairs slowly is safe as long as you are not dizzy and  may help prevent complications like blood clots in your leg veins (DVT) .

It is very important to walk after a tummy tuck as this pumps the blood through your leg veins with your muscles and helps to decrease the risk of deep venous thrombosis or a blood clot. I encourage my patients to walk the night of the operation and recommend at least 5 times for patients to get up walk each day after. Stairs are ok if you have help and remember to walk in the bent position to protect your incision. I hope this helps. 

I encourage my patients to ambulate after surgery, but like them to limit stair climbing for several days. Since you state you are having a hernia repair,  you may have poor quality abdominal  wall tissue that lead to this condition. If you have a mesh repair, I would limit excessive activity and let discomfort be your guide.

You can walk up stairs the day after a tummy tuck, be careful, you may need some assistance to do so at first. You should also be flexed at the waist a bit to take some of the tension off your abdominal wall. Walking in general is encouraged after a tummy tuck as it will help prevent the formation of blood clots in your legs.

Consult with your plastic surgeon if you have any questions about your activity level.

Best wishes,

Dr.Bruno

Walking is a great way to prevent blot clots and feel free to walks as much as possible. Two days after a tummy tuck you will likely still be on narcotic pain meds. Go slow up the stairs....if you are unsteady or have increased pain then do not climb stairs. In a few weeks you can almost do anything you like. Do not risk a complication.

The cliche answer to this question is: "Slow and steady wins the race!" You can go up stairs the day of your surgery. You will need assistance and you may need to rest going up, but you can if you must. With each passing day after surgery, activities will become easier.

I will tell my patients to avoid stairs after a tummy tuck. You will be pulling on the inferior part of the plication which at an early date can affect it. Avoid the stairs but walk, walk , walk. Make sure to keep your Plastic Surgeon informed of any changes or concerns. Good Luck.

RE : "I am getting hernia repair , muscle repair , tummy tuck and lipo on flanks . Is it ok to walk upstairs to my bedroom the 2nd day if i have assistance with me ."

Walking the night of surgery and after wards is a great way to lower the risk of blood clots and pneumonia. You should walk and could go up the stairs as long as someone was there with you just in case. What I would not be happy with is a major exertion. If you really have to bear down when you walk, your pressure will go up and you may start bleeding. So - it is best to initiate major physical activity just like you take a hot bath - step into it slowly.

Dr. Peter A Aldea

You should be able to climb stairs 2 days after surgery, especially if you have assistance.   You will probably still be hunched over and uncomfortable, but could tolerate this if you take your time.  I feel that activity within  reason is very importantr after a tummy tuck.  You want to avoid blood clots and maintain your fitness level.

Ambulation is encouraged after a tummy tuck.  Take the stairs one at a time putting both feet on each step and hold a handrail.  I hope this helps.