During the third week, you will begin to feel more like yourself again and will be able to walk around without restrictions on your activities. By the fourth week, most patients can resume working out at the gym or doing other forms of exercise that don’t involve heavy lifting. If you have any questions about how long it will take for your body to heal after a tummy tuck procedure, please contact our office.
It takes most patients between 3 and 6 weeks to recover from a tummy tuck. The first two weeks are the most difficult, as your body needs time to recover from surgery. During this time, you’ll be encouraged to rest as much as possible and avoid any strenuous activities. You might also have some discomfort when you cough or sneeze.
Read on to learn more about How Long Does It Take To Recover From Tummy Tuck, Recovery From Tummy Tuck With Muscle Repair AND Tummy Tuck Recovery Time Off Work
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Tummy Tuck
The tummy tuck surgery, aka abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the abdomen. Poor skin elasticity or weakening of the ligament might cause excessive fat deposition in the abdominal area. Also pregnancy, dramatic changes in weight, aging, genetic predisposition, abdominal surgeries like c-section and the natural body type might be listed among the effective factors.
Abdominoplasty can be defined as a cosmetic or reconstructive surgical procedure that is done to remove the fat and excess skin that occur in the abdominal area due to various reasons and also to tighten the loose muscles in the area. It can also be applied to give the muscles a tighter form after they have gotten loose and separated due to dramatic weight losses or pregnancy, and to remove the loose skin and excess fat in the abdominal area.
The excess skin and fat are removed and the skin is sown in the tummy tuck plastic surgeries. This way, the appearance of the abdomen is made to become flatter. The muscles underneath might also be surgically fixed to get a tight look.
The locations of the incisions to be made by the plastic surgeon, the center of the body, and the naval to be relocated are determined before starting the surgery. The incision is made from on hip bone to the other and above the groin bump. Then, an incision is made around the naval and the skin is made to loosen up from the abdominal wall up to the ribcage. The fascia of the abdominal muscles is sown and brought to a tighter position. Thus, the muscular repairing part of the surgery is completed. After the abdominal muscles are sown, the excess fat deposition in the area is removed using liposuction or other methods. The excess skin is taken out after the abdominal skin is stretched over the incision line. Although the skin around the belly has been moved, the belly stays virtually in the same location. A new naval is created with the hole that is made in the stretched skin.
The techniques to be applied might vary depending on factors like the patient’s anatomic properties, the area with the excess skin and the amount of the excess skin. The tummy tuck plastic surgery is usually done as a mini tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck and Fleur-de-Lys abdominoplasty.
Who Gets Tummy Tuck Surgeries?
A tummy tuck surgery can be applied for those who;
- Have fat deposition in the abdominal area that is resistant to regular diet and exercise,
- Have deformed abdominal shape due to pregnancy or extreme weight loss,
- Have deformities or stretch marks in the abdominal area,
- And have weakness in the abdominal muscles due to various reasons.
How long the tummy tuck surgery will take; and which technique will be used for the operation might vary depending on the properties of the area of application, the patient’s needs and the scope of the procedure. A mini tummy tuck surgery usually takes 1-2 hours, while a full tummy tuck surgery takes 2-5 hours.
A tummy tuck surgery is a surgical procedure that can be done for people between the ages of 30-60. However, this does not mean not everyone between those ages can get this surgery done. The patient should go through a thorough examination and their general state of health should be evaluated meticulously in order for the decision for a surgery is made.
Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery is a Procedure that Increases One’s Comfort
As the tummy tuck plastic surgery is done under general anesthesia, the patient cannot feel any aches or pains during the operation. However, as with all other surgical procedures, it is normal for the patient to feel some aches or pain after the surgery. But the pain is usually to the extent that can be eased with the use of simple painkillers that the doctor prescribes.
Some amount of bruising and swelling can be seen in the area of application after the tummy tuck surgery. This resolves on its own within several weeks. There might be nausea and dizziness when the anesthesia wears off after the surgery. Also, the abdominal area gets sensitive and pain might be felt. The patient is advised to wear compression clothing for several weeks to reduce the swelling and support the skin to tighten up after the surgery.
Although it varies from patient to patient, the recovery usually takes 6 months. For the first few days, the goal is to manage the pain and prevent possible complications. The incisions start to heal and the body starts adapting to its new shape within 1-3 weeks. It is important for the patient not to take some anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin after the surgery. A break should be taken from smoking, if any, as it might cause coughing and bleeding. Again for 4-6 weeks, the patient should avoid weight lifting and exhausting exercise.
Patients usually start physical activities within several weeks. This duration can be shorter when the patient is physically in a better condition and have strong abdominal muscles. Not only does light exercise has a positive effect on the recovery process, but it also helps reduce the risk of embolism and swelling. But one should make sure to get the doctor’s approval specific for the person for this as well.
The sagging does not recur after the surgery unless there is an extreme change in the patient’s weight. However, some sagging is considered to be natural with time with the effects of aging and gravity
Recovery From Tummy Tuck With Muscle Repair
You can expect to be in the hospital for 1 to 2 days after surgery, depending on your overall health. You may also need to stay overnight in a rehabilitation facility or hotel after your discharge from the hospital. You will have drains (tubing attached to suction devices) in place to remove excess fluid and blood from your body. The drains are removed before you are discharged from the hospital.
Your incisions will be dressed with bandages or surgical pads. Do not remove them until you’ve been given permission by your doctor. Most patients wear an elastic compression garment for several weeks after their operation. Your doctor will tell you when it’s safe to bathe, shower, shampoo and wash your hair again as well as when you can return to work and exercise.
Most people experience some swelling of the abdomen after surgery due to fluid accumulation under the skin surface. This usually subsides within 1 to 2 weeks but may take longer in women who have had larger babies or who had pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus or preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy). The incisions may also be tender for several days after surgery but should begin feeling better within a week or two of surgery
The recovery time depends on the type of tummy tuck surgery you have. The most common type is the mini tummy tuck, which is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes around two hours to complete.
This procedure involves removing excess skin, fat and tissue from your abdomen and tightening the muscles that run horizontally at the bottom of your stomach. It leaves a scar between three and six inches long on your lower abdomen.
The recovery process will take about one to two weeks, depending on how quickly your body heals. The first week after surgery is when most people experience pain and discomfort. You’ll be able to move around by yourself but should avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for six weeks after surgery. You may also need help bathing and dressing during this period.
You’ll wear compression garments over your incisions for six weeks after surgery so that they heal properly without getting infected or bruised. Your doctor will advise you on what kind of garments are best for you based on your body type and surgical site.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Time Off Work
The length of time it takes you to recover from a tummy tuck procedure depends on your overall health and the extent of the surgery. You should plan on taking at least one week off from work and resuming your usual activities in three to four weeks.
This is because the first week after your procedure is dedicated to healing and resting, while the second and third weeks are spent gradually increasing your activity level. By the fourth week, you’ll be able to resume ordinary activities without difficulty.
If your job requires physical exertion or significant movement, such as construction work or manual labor, you may need to wait longer before returning to work than someone who works at a desk job with minimal physical activity. However, this is only a general guideline; every patient’s recovery will be different depending on their individual circumstances.
You should also keep in mind that there are certain positions that are not recommended for women who have had a tummy tuck procedure performed because they put too much pressure on their abdomens — including jobs that involve lifting heavy objects or standing for long periods of time.