How Long Will I Be Hunched Over After Tummy Tuck?

As part of the recovery process, patients will need to hunch or bend over at the waist when walking for about a week after a tummy tuck. This is a temporary precaution, although an understandable concern of prospective patients. 

In this article, we’ll provide more information on hunching over after a tummy tuck, along with tips to help you have a more comfortable recovery. 

Why Do You Need to Walk Hunched Over After Tummy Tuck?

You will be advised to walk hunched over after a tummy tuck for the first week, but patients usually do this out of instinct because the skin and muscle tightening prevents them from straightening up.

Additionally, it’s a more comfortable position, particularly for those who had a tummy tuck with muscle repair, as stretching the abdomen can be painful at the start. 

Recovery One Week After Tummy Tuck

It’s common to feel significant relief one week after a tummy tuck, as you will be able to walk in a more upright position, which places less strain on the back.

Additionally, by this time, the post-surgical swelling will begin to dissipate, enabling patients to resume certain activities. To ensure a smooth recovery, be sure to follow our tummy tuck survival guide and recovery tips.

What to Expect When Straightening After Tummy Tuck

Straightening Happens Gradually

You should bear in mind that you won’t be able to lift yourself into a completely upright position immediately after one week. Rather, straightening after tummy tuck is a slow and gradual process, with most patients recovering their straightened posture in 2-3 weeks. 

Don’t Push Past Uncomfortable

Your body will signal to you the extent to which it can straighten each day, and you shouldn’t force yourself into an upright position if it’s uncomfortable. As not all patients will recover at the same pace, it’s important to listen to your body when recovering. 

Attend Your Follow-Up Appointment

Your first follow-up appointment will be scheduled within 1-2 weeks of the surgery, during which you can raise any concerns about your posture and recovery process. Your surgeon will also assess your incisions to ensure that your scars aren’t impacted as you straighten your posture. 

Don’t Do Any Heavy Lifting

As you recover from a tummy tuck, it’s important to avoid any heavy lifting as this will place strain on the abdomen, which in turn can interfere with the healing of incisions and the formation of scars. Depending on the type of tummy tuck you underwent, you will need to avoid any heavy lifting for 3-8 weeks. 

Sleep While Elevated

Patients are advised to sleep elevated after tummy tuck and on their back when recovering from a tummy tuck, which can be achieved using pillows or a recliner. Sleeping in this position will protect your incisions, avoid straining your abdomen, and will help prevent post-surgical complications. 

Is a Tummy Tuck Worth It?

As with any cosmetic surgery, there are pros and cons to getting a tummy tuck. Overall, most tummy tuck patients consider the procedure worthwhile as it provides a dramatic transformation, particularly after drastic weight loss or pregnancy. Additionally, the surgery provides a range of medical benefits that can improve a patient’s quality of life. 

Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today

If you are considering a tummy tuck, book a consultation with Dr Omar Tillo to discuss your suitability for the procedure. Dr Tillo is a double board-certified body contouring expert specialising in all types of tummy tucks.

He will design a bespoke treatment plan and discuss the procedure and recovery process with you in further detail.