POST-OP MOMMY MAKEOVER & TUMMY TUCK

The guidance & care you need post-op

First off, congratulations! You’ve made the big decision to have a tummy tuck or mommy makeover. Here is a free pdf guide on how to choose and what to ask a plastic surgeon when doing your initial consult. I ALWAYS recommend you consult with more than one, even if you know who you are going to see- to solidify your surgeon pick.

There is no denying it, post-op rehab for tummy tuck, mommy makeover, or any surgical procedure for that matter is NOT a walk in the park. Recovery can be really intense and hard mentally, emotionally, and physically.

The temporary restrictions and limitations can be really difficult to navigate, especially if you are also trying to fulfill your normal life roles as a mom at the same time. Dr. Kristin knows the equipment/tools that can be life savers when you’re in the midst of recovery and can’t lift, bend, twist, or exercise.

Here is my LIST of 7 pieces of equipment my patients get before having their surgery (with links)!

Dr. Kristin has the extra education to understand the surgery and rehab- making your post-operative recovery planned out and smooth as possible. We know all the tips and tricks to help with getting comfortable, getting out of a chair, bed, or the passenger seat in those early days. Patients love having lymphatic drainage massage done post-op to help with all of the swelling, all in their home! Learn about what lymphatic drainage looks like with R3 Mobile PT here.

What do the phases of tummy tuck or mommy makeover rehab look like post-op? Well, it really depends on your surgeon and their restrictions. Every single one has different protocols and I will be in communication with them throughout it all.

Phase 1, weeks 1-6 post-op

-Begin to regain feeling/sensation back to your tummy/pubic area

-Begin to restore your abdominal muscle connection and pelvic floor muscle mobility & strength (yes this is affected), learn safe movements and strategies for getting around the house, toileting, etc.

-Begin to renew your body with lymphatic drainage massage that will help your body regulate the swelling that is occurring throughout the body.

See what I did there? The 3 R’s of R3!

Okay- so that’s phase 1 of post-op, usually beginning the plan of care week 2 post op with a few sessions throughout the next 4 weeks.

Phase 2, 6-12 weeks

Phase 2 is usually when you’re cleared for exercise we start bi-weekly PT sessions so we can progress you appropriately, this is a majority of our plan of care typically.

Please understand that just because you are cleared to do anything, doesn’t mean your body is ready or strong enough for it (yet). Just because you had a tummy tuck / mommy makeover, doesn’t mean your abdominal muscles are all of the sudden strong. This phase is SO important for working on:

-Begin challenging the different core layers for rebuilding endurance and strength in all of the positions we do life in

-Scar mobilizations, working through any adhesions that have formed, any scar “shelf” that has formed, or “dog ears” at the ends of the scar. We use cupping therapy and deep tissue release techniques on the scar.

-Regaining sensation on and around any incisions is continued in this phase

-Continued swelling management using lymphatic drainage massage, decreasing uncomfortable stiffness in the abdomen that is still there

One of the results of the mommy makeover and tummy tuck is a restored pressure system in your abdomen because they stitched up your diastasis recti- back to what it was like pre-babies. This is FABULOUS! But that means now you have to understand how to manage the pressure in your abdomen, pelvic floor, and core so you don’t create problems for your pelvic floor and core later.

Phase 3, 3-6 months

In this phase we’ll typically see you a few sessions throughout the time frame up to 6 months. By now, you’re nearly back to doing what you love, but need a little monitoring along the way as you make the transition.

-Continued higher level full body strength exercises

-Continued higher level mobility exercises

-Continued scar care and mobilizations

-Changing ribcage flare and decreasing the angle to enhance your curves for better post-op results!

-Addressing any other aches/ pains you had prior to surgery such as postural concerns, neck or back pain, bladder leakage, pain with insertion, knee pain, the list goes on!