GeneralHow Long Does It Take to Recover from Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to tighten loose abdominal muscles, reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and remove excess fat and skin in the abdominal area. A tummy tuck can help those who have undergone pregnancy, experienced weight loss, or noticed significant physical changes due to aging achieve their desired silhouette.

However, a tummy tuck surgery requires post-surgical recovery time and aftercare to ensure the incision site heals properly and there are no adverse effects from the procedure. This recovery window can vary from person to person, and an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is the best person to consult with regarding your expected recovery time.

What to expect after a tummy tuck

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure, and like any surgery, it requires a certain amount of recovery time. A full tummy tuck recovery can take up to 6-8 weeks.

24 hours after surgery

Immediately after the procedure, most patients can expect to experience at least some discomfort, but the plastic surgeon should prescribe pain medications to help reduce any discomfort. Additionally, patients will be given a compression garment to wear around their abdomen. This compression garment must be worn for several weeks post-surgery to reduce swelling and provide abdominal support.

Many plastic surgeons require tummy tuck patients to receive close monitoring by a Registered Nurse for at least 24 hours after surgery to ensure no complications arise.

1–7 days after surgery

Once the patient returns home, they may require in-home care for several days. Patients may need help bathing, transferring from chairs to standing, and driving until they no longer require pain medications. It is recommended that tummy tuck patients take at least a week off so they can be seen for follow-ups before returning to work.

During this time, patients should avoid any strenuous activity, although light walking is encouraged. It is important to stay moderately active to prevent the formation of post-surgical blood clots.

Most patients should continue to wear their compression garments during this interval. They may dress in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to avoid putting pressure on the incision site.

1–4 weeks after surgery

Although abdominal swelling may persist, it will typically start to subside during this interval. If swelling increases or the patient experiences signs of infection, including redness, tenderness, or fever, they should contact their plastic surgeon immediately.

Patients can slowly increase activity levels during this time, although heavy lifting should be avoided for at least six weeks. Lighter activity such as brisk walking, spinning, and stretching is encouraged as soon as it has been cleared by the plastic surgeon, typically within a couple of weeks.

Possible complications from tummy tuck surgery

Some people experience minor complications from tummy tuck surgery, including:

• Abdominal numbness. Because a tummy tuck procedure involves repositioning and suturing abdominal tissue, some patients experience post-procedure numbness in their abdomen or upper thighs. This generally fades after 6-9 months.
• Abdominal scarring. Tummy tuck scars extend from hip to hip below the bikini line. By following the post-surgical scar protocol recommended by your plastic surgeon, you can improve scar appearance and reduce redness.
• Seroma. Fluid buildup and swelling under the skin is called a seroma. A plastic surgeon might place drainage tubes to help prevent fluid buildup. If necessary, fluid can be drained using a syringe.
• All cosmetic procedures involve the risk of infection at the surgical site. To reduce your risk, keep the incision clean and dry and follow instructions. Your plastic surgeon may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics immediately after the procedure.

Tips for recovery

Recovery from a tummy tuck procedure takes time, but following these general guidelines can help your body recover more quickly and minimize your chances of experiencing complications.

• Refrain from smoking, since smoking delays wound healing.
• If you are taking pain medication, avoid consuming alcohol.
• Start light exercise such as walking as soon as possible after the procedure to help prevent blood clot development.
• Adhere to your surgeon’s post-surgical scar treatment regimen to reduce the severity of scarring.
• Sleep at a slight incline to reduce abdominal swelling.

Choosing your surgeon

When scheduling a tummy tuck procedure, it is essential to choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon capable of providing the highest level of patient care. Specifically, you should look for a surgeon who offers complimentary follow-up visits, so they can monitor your recovery and address any potential complications. The right surgeon should also have an extensive portfolio of previous work, so you can view and assess their previous results before choosing to work with them.

This is a sponsored post