How Long Is The Recovery After A Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tucks offer powerful transformations that can improve your daily comfort, abilities, and confidence. Many people choose these surgeries to help themselves look and feel better. When you imagine your amazing results, it’s also important to consider the tummy tuck recovery process. Perimeter Plastic Surgery can help you learn about what to expect after your tummy tuck surgery, including recovery times, common side effects, and tips for success.

Everyone’s Recovery Timeline Is Unique

Tummy tucks are safe and common procedures, but your recovery timeline will be unique. Depending on the type of tummy tuck you undergo, your recuperation period will depend on a few different elements. Your age, body weight, medical history, and overall health all influence your recovery experience. Your body needs time, rest, and care to heal.

The post-surgery process also varies between patients. Some people can go home a few hours after their tummy tuck, while others have a more extended recovery time. The Perimeter Plastic Surgery team will help you know what to expect based on your unique case. Most people generally recover fully within 6-8 weeks after a tummy tuck.

Tummy Tuck Aftercare Process

The aftercare process is similar for most tummy tuck patients. Spend some time before your surgery making a plan for your recovery period. It’s natural to want to return to your normal routines as quickly as possible. However, you need to give yourself enough time to heal properly. You’ll have the best results if you respect the healing process and give yourself plenty of time to recover.

You’ll need someone to drive you home from your surgery as well as to help you with aftercare for at least the first few days at home.

After surgery, your surgeon will leave drains in place. Your medical team will show you how to care for the drains and empty them at home. These drains will be removed a few days into your recovery period. You can expect to take several medications while the drains are still in place.

You can shower beginning 48 hours after your drains are removed. Your doctor may recommend using a waterproof chair in the shower so you can sit down.

After a few weeks, you’ll be cleared to drive again. Plan to be able to stay home, book rides, or have someone drive you for the first part of your recovery.

You should wear an abdominal binder/ compression garment for around 6-8 weeks post-surgery. These binders help prevent swelling and provide valuable support for your core.

Tummy tuck surgery patients must avoid vigorous activity for at least six weeks after surgery. This includes exercise and heavy lifting, including picking up children.

Recovering from a Tummy Tuck at Home

Most of your recovery process will take place at home. Here are some frequently asked questions about tummy tuck recovery. Your Perimeter Plastic Surgery team will teach you tummy tuck recovery skills, including:

• Caring for incisions and drains
• How to spot infection
• Activity to avoid
• How long to wear your binder
• When to rest
• What foods are safe to eat

You’ll also build a medical recovery plan. These steps will help you experience the smoothest recovery and best results possible. Your plan will include:

• Your next visit to the plastic surgeon
• Medication, possibly including antibiotics, anticoagulants, topical medications, and pain management
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco use for at least six weeks
• Comfortable sleeping and resting arrangements
• Low-impact exercise

Set up a comfortable place at home where you can recover. This may be your bedroom, living room, den, or another spot where you can relax and easily meet your needs. Keep a water bottle nearby and try to eat lots of fruit and vegetables to stay hydrated.

Common Side Effects

A tummy tuck is major abdominal surgery, so you can expect some side effects. The most intense physical pain will occur in the first several days post-surgery. Our medical team will provide you with pain medication to help manage your symptoms.

Swelling and bruises are common for up to three months after surgery. Wearing an abdominal binder will help reduce swelling and also provide support for your core and back.

Other frequent side effects include numbness in the abdomen, raised scar tissue, and feeling like your tummy is being tugged on when you stand up straight. These symptoms should eventually fade over time.

Streamline Your Recovery with Perimeter Plastic Surgery

Your tummy tuck will be empowering and transformative, especially after you fully recover. Give yourself the time and space you need to heal. With some simple planning, support from loved ones, and expert services from Dr. Deutsch at Perimeter Plastic Surgery, you can easily recuperate from a tummy tuck.