You can walk on a treadmill as well as incorporate any other cardiovascular exercises six weeks after getting a tummy tuck.
Most patients are able to walk up-right within 2 weeks. Some patients may take longer. At my clinic, we do encourage the patients to try to walk upright after about 1 week. Speak to your surgeon regarding post-operative recovery and what you can expect.
If you have a “mini tummy tuck” with a smaller incision, you'll likely need between one and three weeks of elevated sleeping. On the other hand, full-tummy tuck patients require about four weeks, with six weeks of limiting any strenuous exercise or lifting.
At two weeks, you should be fine for a gentle walk. I would not recommend walking 1-2 miles. After six weeks, I encourage patients to slowly resume exercise routines *gradually*. Remember, during the six week postoperative period - you will be deconditioned.
In the first week after tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Patronella recommends patients take short walks of 10 minutes, gradually increasing this to one mile, twice daily by days 10 to 14 days after the procedure.
You may not be able to stand up straight when you first come home, but this will improve. You'll need to get up and walk every day to regain your normal movement. Between walks, move your feet and legs often. A tummy tuck leaves a long scar that will fade with time.
After a tummy tuck, getting low enough to sit down on the toilet can be difficult and uncomfortable. A toilet seat booster may just be your new best friend. This device can be purchased online and delivered to your home for your convenience.
Diet: Patients will be ready to go back to their regular diet the second week after surgery, but it is a good idea to continue to limit sodium this week. Side Effects: At this point, there is still swelling in the treatment area. However, the pain, bruising, and feeling of tightness are beginning to fade.
Can I bend over after tummy tuck? In general, you need to keep a straight abdomen with slight bending while recovering after your tummy tuck. You should avoid bending over too much (e.g. to pick up your child) for the first 4-6 weeks after your abdominoplasty.
Exercise helps prevent blood clots, so try to get up and walk around the room every hour. However, avoid activities that strain you, and avoid heavy lifting, and prolonged standing for the first week. You won't be able to lift weights, lift your kids, or do crunches for several weeks.
Answer: Returning to Driving After Tummy Tuck
As a general rule it takes about two weeks before you can straighten up due to the significant abdominal tightness. Therefore, you shouldn't even consider driving for the first two weeks. After two weeks, common sense should be used.
Answer: Postop fatigue for number of days after abdominoplasty is common. After surgery the body investors energy in healing the operative site. Patients often feel listless and require excess sleep. Sleep is much as you wish but you should but periodically to exercise the extremities.
Answer: Tummy tuck and recovery
Every patient heals a bit differently. I usually do not want my patients to do any exertional activity for about 3-4 weeks minimum.
Constipation is a common complication after surgery and can cause unwanted strain on the abdominal muscles. Avoiding constipation goes hand in hand with a proper diet. To prevent constipation, add high fiber foods to your diet both before and after the surgery to make it easier for the bowels to empty.
After a tummy tuck procedure constipation can be an issue, because opioid pain medications will slow down your bowels. After a muscle repair, there can be pain with straining if you are constipated.
The best sleeping position after tummy tuck surgery is on your back with your upper body elevated to create a slight bend or angle. Using pillows or sleeping in a recliner is ideal to achieve this position.
Answer: Resting Position After 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.
Stay mobile: While it is essential that patients get plenty of rest during tummy tuck recovery, it is also important to incorporate very light walking into your daily routine. This helps to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and minimize the risk of postoperative complications, such as blood clots.
Don't overexert yourself after the Tummy Tuck procedure
You can take a short walk after a few days and light exercise after a few weeks. The more you are active, the more prompt the recovery. Staying active will help to reduce swelling, minimize the risk of blood clots and make you feel better too.
Most patients return to work after a tummy tuck within 7-10 days and resume strenuous exercise in about 4-6 weeks. By 3 to 6 months post-op, most patients are enjoying their permanent results.
There is no need to hold in your abdominal muscles after a tummy tuck. You can relax them and be comfortable. After your surgeon clears you, you can return to an exercise routine that can include abdominal exercise. It is fine to do kegel exercises after a tummy tuck.
We suggest scar massage many times throughout the day for 5-10 minutes each session. It is important to strictly follow your post-operative tummy tuck instructions. We encourage you to walk around immediately in the post- operative period.
Removing drains too soon may result in fluid buildup, seroma, and the need for fluid aspiration and/or a second surgery. Generally speaking, most patients who require tummy tuck drains are able to have them removed after about 1 – 3 weeks.
Usually after tummy tuck you are able to get back into normal clothes at 3 weeks. You will still be swollen it takes 6-9 months for it to completely subside. Use a compression garment to help with the swelling.