How to Lift After a Tummy Tuck

The key to lifting an item during the first few weeks after a tummy tuck is to not put too much stress on your recovering stomach muscles. After the first day, a little exercise, such as walking, can actually help reduce swelling and prevent blood clots; but ideally you should not lift anything heavier than nine pounds until eight weeks after your surgery. Lifting heavier objects can cause your internal stitches to break open and possibly cause a hernia. Even when lifting lighter objects, do it in a way that puts the least amount of strain on your core area.

Things You'll Need

• Compression girdle

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Instructions

• 1

  Put on your compression girdle.

• 2

  Bend your knees until you can reach the item to be lifted. Try to keep your upper body up straight in as relaxed a position as possible throughout the entire movement.

• 3

  Pick up the item without bending forward. Lift it to chest level, bearing the weight of the object in your shoulders and forearms.

• 4

  Breathe out slowly as you lift up slowly from your knees, keeping your top half in an upright and relaxed position.

• 5

  Sit the item down at your first opportunity, ideally on a surface level with your chest height.