A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. It can help achieve a flatter, more toned stomach after pregnancy or significant weight loss. While a tummy tuck offers dramatic results, the recovery process is crucial for proper healing and minimizing complications. Certain actions should be avoided during the initial healing period to ensure optimal results.
Avoid Strenuous Activity
Vigorous exercise and physical activity should be avoided for 4-6 weeks after a tummy tuck. Actions that involve heavy lifting, bending, straining, or stretching place stress on the incisions and can disrupt proper healing. Specific activities to avoid include:
- Lifting anything over 5 pounds
- High-impact exercise like running, aerobics, weight lifting
- Crunches, sit-ups, pilates
- Yoga, dancing, tennis, golf
- Cardio machines like stair climbers, elliptical, treadmill
Light walking is encouraged starting 1-2 weeks after surgery to improve circulation and prevent blood clots. Any strenuous activity too soon can cause wound dehiscence (reopening), seroma (fluid build-up), swelling, bleeding, and poor scar formation. Wait at least 1 month before introducing lower-impact exercises like swimming, light cardio, and yoga.
Avoid Lifting Children
Lifting infants, toddlers, and small children is not recommended for at least 4-6 weeks after a tummy tuck. Children often unintentionally kick, hit, or wiggle in ways that can strain the abdomen and incision sites. Wait until approved by your surgeon before picking up a child. Use caution when bending down to tend to a child – kneel instead of bending at the waist.
Avoid Smoking and Second-Hand Smoke
Smoking severely inhibits blood flow which can lead to major postsurgical complications. Those who smoke are at higher risk for issues like:
- Infection
- Delayed wound healing
- Skin necrosis
- Seroma
- Hematoma
- Dehiscence
- Excessive scarring
Smoking and second-hand smoke exposure should be avoided for at least 6 weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine patches and gum should also not be used during this period.
Avoid Sleeping on Stomach
Sleeping on the stomach places direct pressure on the abdomen which can shift surgical results. Sleep on your back using pillows under the knees to maintain a neutral spine alignment. Sleeping upright in a recliner chair is often most comfortable in the first weeks after a tummy tuck. Use pillows under the arms, behind the lower back, and under the calves for support.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Direct sun exposure can damage and discolor healing incisions. Wear protective clothing and use a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses outdoors. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ to help shield scars from UV damage which can worsen scarring. Avoid sunbathing and tanning beds for 2-3 months after a tummy tuck.
Avoid Heavy Housework
Vigorous housework like vacuuming, mopping, sweeping should be avoided initially after surgery. Restrict activities that involve repetitive motions, frequent bending, lifting, and reaching. Get help keeping up with household chores and caring for children during the first weeks of recovery. Ease back into light housework after about 2-3 weeks.
Avoid Driving
Driving should be avoided for at least 2 weeks after a tummy tuck. Sitting upright and making sudden braking motions can strain the incision sites. Additionally, pain medication taken after surgery delays reaction time and impairs cognitive function needed for safe driving. Wait until pain has reduced and mobility has improved before attempting to drive.
Avoid Baths, Hot Tubs, Pools
Baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, and other immersion water activities are restricted for 4-6 weeks after a tummy tuck. Submerging the incisions can increase risk for infection and disrupt proper healing. Showers are fine after about a week but avoid aiming the showerhead directly on the incision sites.
Avoid Sexual Intercourse
Sexual activity should be avoided for 3-4 weeks following a tummy tuck. The exertion can put strain on the incisions and abdominal region. Sensory changes after surgery may also temporarily decrease genital sensitivity or comfort. Discuss when to resume sexual activity with your plastic surgeon.
Avoid Constipation and Straining
Anesthesia medication and prescription painkillers often cause constipation after surgery. Straining to have a bowel movement can damage the delicate healing tissues. Stay hydrated, eat high-fiber foods, and use stool softeners to avoid constipation. Support the incision site with a pillow when using the bathroom.
Avoid Wearing Restrictive Clothing
Tight-fitting pants, belts, shapewear should be avoided in the initial weeks after a tummy tuck. Compression garments from the surgeon are usually worn for 4-6 weeks to provide support. However, any clothing that digs into the abdomen or puts pressure on the incisions can impair healing. Wear loose, breathable clothing while recovering.
Avoid Sleeping Face Down
Sleeping face down applies pressure to the abdomen and should be avoided for 1-2 months after surgery. Use extra pillows for comfort sleeping on your back or inclined at a 30-45 degree angle. Keeping the head elevated helps reduce swelling. Do not sleep on your side until approved by your surgeon, around 3-4 weeks.
Avoid Caffeine
Caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and soda can have a mild diuretic effect. Staying hydrated is crucial after surgery to help minimize swelling, bruising, and other side effects. Avoid caffeine for at least 1-2 weeks post-surgery and drink plenty of water and non-caffeinated beverages.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol consumption should be avoided for a minimum of 3 weeks after a tummy tuck but longer abstinence from drinking is ideal. Alcohol can negatively interact with prescribed pain medication. It also causes dehydration and thins the blood which can increase post-op bleeding and bruising.
Avoid Revealing Clothing
Loose, comfortable clothing that does not rub or irritate the incisions is best while healing after a tummy tuck. Avoid snug clothes and swimsuits for 1-2 months until swelling subsides and sensibility has improved. The abdomen remains tender, lumpy, and swollen as it heals.
Conclusion
Following your surgeon’s postoperative instructions is crucial after a tummy tuck. While the limitations may seem strict initially, they are important to minimize risks and achieve optimal results. Allowing proper time to rest and heal helps ensure the abdomen gains strength and stability. Take things slow, listen to your body, and avoid activities that could compromise your recovery.
Here is a summary table of what not to do after a tummy tuck:
| Activity to Avoid | Duration to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Strenuous exercise | 4-6 weeks |
| Lifting children | 4-6 weeks |
| Smoking | At least 6 weeks |
| Sleeping on stomach | 1-2 months |
| Sun exposure | 2-3 months |
| Heavy housework | 2-3 weeks |
| Driving | At least 2 weeks |
| Baths, hot tubs, pools | 4-6 weeks |
| Sexual activity | 3-4 weeks |
| Constipation/straining | Ongoing recovery |
| Restrictive clothing | Initial weeks of recovery |
| Caffeine | 1-2 weeks |
| Alcohol | At least 3 weeks |
| Revealing clothing | 1-2 months |
Listen to Your Surgeon
Always follow your surgeon’s specific guidelines for avoiding activities and managing recovery after a tummy tuck. Every patient’s condition and healing process is unique. While you may feel ready to resume normal activities, it is crucial to get your doctor’s approval first to prevent complications. Patience and care during recovery can help you fully experience the dramatic, slimming results of your tummy tuck.