After that, it’s important to start stretching the muscles that were tightened during surgery. This will help alleviate any discomfort and help your body heal faster. You should also keep moving, even if it’s only doing small tasks like walking around your house or taking short trips outside. You’ll probably be able to return to work in about three weeks, but depending on your job, it might be best if you waited until after six weeks before returning.
It takes a few weeks to fully recover from a tummy tuck, but you can start moving around after just a day. The first thing you’ll notice is that you don’t have the same range of motion as before the surgery. Your doctor will likely recommend using crutches for a few days and avoiding stairs for two to three weeks.
Read on to learn more about How Long Does It Take To Stand Straight After Tummy Tuck, How Long Does Pain Last After Tummy Tuck and How Long Is A Tummy Tuck Procedure
How Long Does It Take To Stand Straight After Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck surgery – also known as abdominoplasty – is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat and strengthens weakened abdominal muscles to create a firmer and smoother abdominal profile. Abdominoplasty is one of the more popular cosmetic surgeries. In 2019, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that there were more than 123,000 of these procedures in the US.
If you have had a tummy tuck – or are considering getting one, it is very important that you understand the side effects that are involved, risks of the procedure, as well as what outcome to expect. Your plastic surgeon will give you most of the information you need during the initial consultation visit, but it is your responsibility to learn as much as you can about what a tummy tuck entails. This article explores the tummy tuck recovery journey and explains the common complaint of having a hard stomach after a tummy tuck.
Overview of the tummy tuck surgery
Abdominoplasty surgery is designed to tighten up loose skin, tissues, and muscles in the belly region, particularly for patients who are not getting the desired benefit from diet and exercise. Whether you are looking to alleviate a sagging belly pooch or have a plus size tummy tuck, Dr. LaBarbera has 3 different procedure types to suit the varying needs of his patients. These include:
- Complete tummy tuck – this is a type of abdominoplasty that improves firmness and smoothness above and below the belly button including repair of rectus diastasis, also commonly referred to as “muscle repair”, which is a widening of the abdominal “six-pack” muscles.
- Mini tummy tuck – this is a minimal tummy tuck treatment that only addresses the area below the belly button, particularly for patients who have stretch marks or a belly ‘pooch’.
- Extended tummy tuck – this is a more comprehensive procedure option that addresses the entire abdominal area, along with the hips and flanks.
The incision pattern used by your surgeon during surgery will depend on the type of procedure being performed. Plastic surgeons usually keep incisions to a minimum and make sure to conceal them along the natural folds of the skin. Once the incisions are created, the surgeon will lift up and tighten the skin and underlying tissue before suturing them into place. For patients who have excess fat in the belly area, the surgeon may also use liposuction in order to achieve the desired procedure outcome. Since tummy tuck is an outpatient plastic surgery procedure, patients are allowed to go home on the same day as the surgery.
Tummy tuck recovery timeline
Immediately after the surgery, tummy tuck patients are taken into the surgeon’s recovery room for further monitoring before they are allowed to go home. It is important to have someone to drive you home and help out with basic chores while you recover from the surgery.
Abdominoplasty patients often have drainage tubes that are used to relieve excess fluid from the treatment area. These need to be emptied, and the amount of fluid drained from the wound each day should be recorded. Your mobility will be limited during the first few days. Dr. LaBarbera recommends that you take a light walk as soon as you are able to in order to improve blood flow.
Many patients experience tightness around their belly and you will have to walk while hunched over for a week or two. Your incisions will likely feel sore over the first week. You may need to lie in bed at an angle, and you likely will have problems with standing, lifting things, and general movements.
Tuck tuck patients are able to resume work after about a month, particularly if they have a physically demanding job. However, you will be able to engage in routine daily activities within 1-2 weeks. Scarring is usually a major concern for patients who have just had a tummy tuck, but fades with time. Your surgeon may also recommend scar care ointments to help improve the appearance of your surgical scars.
What causes a pulling feeling after a tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty – just like any other surgical procedure – entails cutting into the body. This naturally leads to some nerve damage. Many abdominoplasty patients experience numbness over the lower abdominal area after tummy tuck due to the damaged nerves in the area. With time – as the nerves start to regenerate their proper pathways – the patient will start to experience gradual return of sensation.
Tummy tuck patients may also experience a tight feeling in their belly because the skin has been cut and put back together. More so, muscle tightening during the surgery can lead to a hardened tissue sensation during recovery.
Although you may feel worried about this tightness and pulling sensation, keep in mind that it is a normal part of the healing process. The majority of people who had an abdominoplasty can experience these side effects for up to 12 weeks post-op. In some cases, it takes up to 12 months for the nerves in the abdominal area to properly heal. Once the nerves regain their usual sensory function, it is highly unlikely that this kind of discomfort will return.
What is the treatment for hardened tissue after tummy tuck?
Nerve regeneration is a natural process that follows its own natural timeline. However, you may be able to quicken this process by taking part in the retraining process. Dr. LaBarbera recommends that you gently rub items of different textures across your abdomen. This may include such things as loofahs, washcloths, lotion, and cotton. The goal is to stimulate the nerves to find their proper pathways and heal much quicker. For patients with severe cases of nerve discomfort, the surgeon may recommend medications such as Neurontin. Make sure that you have explicit instructions and a prescription from your doctor before using medication to treat discomfort and a pulling sensation after abdominoplasty.
Tummy tuck recovery tips / FAQs
Now that you know what causes a hard stomach after a tummy tuck, below are some other commonly asked questions to improve your understanding of the recovery process:
WHEN WILL I FEEL NORMAL AFTER ABDOMINOPLASTY SURGERY?
Most patients feel groggy immediately after tummy tuck surgery, due to the anesthesia. There will also be post-op pain and bruising over the first 1-2 weeks. This pain can be alleviated using a medication, and the discomfort will improve each day. Over the first 2-3 weeks, you will be limited to light activities and may be able to return to a desk job. The average duration for people who have just had an abdominoplasty to feel normal again is 4-6 weeks. Keep in mind though that the precise healing duration will vary from one person to another depending on the type of tummy tuck they had, their age, the kind of post-op care they receive, and their general health.
HOW LONG WILL I BE HUNCHED OVER AFTER TUMMY TUCK?
You will be unable to stand up straight after a tummy tuck procedure. In fact, the surgeon will ask that you stay in a hunched over position in order to keep the treatment area intact. How long you need to stay in this position varies depending on whom you ask. Dr. LaBarbera recommends that his patients hunch over for 1-2 weeks (until they get a green light from him). Once you are allowed to straighten back up, this should be done gently and gradually until you regain your normal, upright posture.
HOW LONG WILL SWELLING LAST AFTER A TUMMY TUCK?
Swelling is a natural aspect of the body’s healing process as fluid collects around the treatment site in order to protect the healing tissues. Plastic surgeons often insert drains to drain away excess fluid and relieve pressure from your belly. These are typically removed after 10-14 days, depending on your progress. Once this is done, slight swelling may still persist for weeks or even months – obscuring the outcome of your tummy tuck. Following your surgeon’s instructions is important to ensure that post-op swelling resolves quickly and that you attain a favorable outcome from the surgery.
WHEN WILL I SEE FINAL RESULTS?
Following a tummy tuck surgery, the shape of your abdomen will improve gradually with recovery. Most patients are able to see a final impression of their new belly in 6 months. It takes about this long for the pink linear scar resulting from the procedure to fade. Dr. LaBarbera advises his patients to use high-quality scar care products to help quicken the fading of scars. These products should, however, only be used after the incision areas have fully healed (which can take up to a few months).
How Long Does Pain Last After Tummy Tuck
Once your tummy tuck surgery is completed, you must follow all the instructions given to you in order to heal properly and have a good outcome. Use this as a checklist of progress as you heal. Included are normal post-surgical experiences and key health considerations that may be a cause of concern.
NORMAL POST-OPERATIVE SYMPTOMS
Normal symptoms of abdominoplasty and signs to watch for following tummy tuck surgery include the following:
Tightness and stiffness in abdomen: Bruising, swelling and redness: Tingling, burning or intermittent shooting pain:
These are normal experiences as the skin, tissues and sensory nerves heal. Pain medication and muscle relaxants will help you cope with any discomfort. If you have drains, you may experience additional localized discomfort. Consistent sharp pain should be reported to Dr. Tanna immediately.
Skin firmness, hypersensitivity or lack of sensitivity:
This is normal and will gradually resolve over time.
Shiny skin or any itchy feeling:
Swelling can cause the skin in treated areas to appear shiny. As the healing process advances, you may also find a mild to severe itchy feeling. An antihistamine like Benadryl can help to alleviate severe, constant itchiness. If the skin becomes red and hot to the touch, contact our office immediately.
Asymmetry: both sides of your body heal differently:
One side of your body may look or feel quite different from the other in the days following surgery. This is expected. However, extreme asymmetry should be reported to Dr. Tanna immediately.
CALL THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
- A HIGH FEVER, (OVER 101º) SEVERE NAUSEA AND VOMITING, CONTINUED DIZZINESS OR INCOHERENT BEHAVIOR, SUCH AS HALLUCINATIONS.
- ANY PAIN THAT CANNOT BE CONTROLLED BY YOUR PAIN MEDICATION.
- BRIGHT RED SKIN THAT IS HOT TO THE TOUCH.
- EXCESSIVE BLEEDING OR FLUID SEEPING THROUGH THE INCISIONS.
- A SEVERELY MISSHAPEN REGION ANYWHERE ON YOUR ABDOMEN OR BRUISING THAT IS LOCALIZED TO ONE SPECIFIC POINT OF THE ABDOMEN.
- SHORTNESS OF BREATH, OR CALF PAIN.
TO ALLEVIATE ANY DISCOMFORT, AND TO REDUCE SWELLING, YOU MAY APPLY COOL, NOT COLD COMPRESSES TO THE TREATED REGION.
Crushed ice or ice packs must be wrapped in a towel before being applied to the skin. Do not apply ice or anything frozen directly to the skin. Apply cool compresses, for no longer than 20-minute intervals.
Keep dressings clean and dry. Your incisions will seep fluid and some blood for a short time after surgery. Do not remove any steri-strips over your stitches. You can replace any compressions garments over the gauze. If you have a drain placed in your incisions, carefully follow the instructions for drain care and record the amount of drained fluid. It is okay to shower with drains in place. It is also okay for the shower water to come in contact with your incision sites.Wear your compression garment around the clock. Remove the compression garment only when showering.
How Long Is A Tummy Tuck Procedure
If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight, either after pregnancy or through exercise and dietary changes, excess skin and weakened abdominal muscles can leave you self-conscious about your appearance. Dr. Paul G. Ruff IV, Dr. Catherine Hannan and Dr. Lauren Patrick specialize in body contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, at their Washington, D.C. practice. They have performed thousands of tummy tuck surgeries and will work with you to determine whether you are a good surgical candidate.
Abdominoplasty Candidates
If you have been unable to reduce your protruding stomach with weight loss or exercise, you are most likely a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Individuals who have stabilized at their desired weight or who plan no additional pregnancies have better success with tummy tuck surgery. A tummy tuck is often combined with either a breast lift or a breast augmentation and lift, in what’s often called a mommy makeover.
Abdominoplasty Consultation
Dr. Ruff, and our other board certified plastic surgeons, are dedicated to helping you achieve the body you want in a safe and appropriate way. Therefore, you will meet at length with staff before scheduling your tummy tuck surgery. At this meeting, your abdominal muscles will be evaluated and you will discuss how you want your abdomen to look after your surgery.
Your surgeon and the team at West End Plastic Surgery will:
- Review the various tummy tuck options with you
- Clearly discuss the potential risks of the procedure
- Outline in detail how the surgery is performed and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure
- Provide detailed cost and payment information
- Answer all your questions
You will need to provide:
- Details about your medical history
- A list of all medications you currently take, including over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, vitamins, and herbal supplements
- Information regarding your tobacco and alcohol use
Tummy Tuck Procedure
Your tummy tuck surgery may be performed as an outpatient or inpatient procedure. The surgery is performed under anesthesia and usually takes about 2 to 4 hours to complete. The doctor makes an incision across your abdomen; every effort is made to make the incision below the bikini line. In some cases, the incision extends vertically up the middle of the abdomen. The placement of your incision will be discussed with you during your initial consultation, especially as it relates to clothing styles and swimwear.
Once the incision is made, the doctor removes unwanted skin, fat, and tissue and tightens your abdominal muscles. He injects a local numbing medication called EXPAREL® into the surgical area to provide pain relief after surgery for approximately 72 hours. Stitches are then used to close the incision.
Once the incision is stitched, gauze dressings are applied and an elastic abdominal binder is placed around your abdomen. You will wear this binder for several weeks to facilitate the healing process.
Abdominoplasty Results
Tummy tuck surgery will result in a flatter and smoother abdomen because abdominal muscles and stretched skin are tightened during the procedure. The results of the surgery are permanent except in cases of large weight gain or pregnancy after surgery.
Types of Tummy Tucks
Tummy tucks are classified into 4 categories: standard, mini, reverse, and modified, with each category resulting in a different rate of healing. The type of tummy tuck that will be used will be discussed in detail during your meeting with Dr. Ruff and his staff so that the most appropriate technique is used for your body.
Mini Abdominoplasty & Reverse Abdominoplasty
I can’t say enough about my experience with Dr. Ruff and his team at West End. I chose him as my surgeon because he was able to answer all of my questions about lipo and tummy tuck. He took his time and was very assuring to me, explaining in depth of what to expect with having the procedures. I consulted with several surgeons but Dr Ruff was definitely the best! My results are awesome. I am a new woman and feel 100% better about my body. Thank you so much. – Wanda
Abdominoplasty Recovery
Tummy tuck surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, but a short hospital stay may be requested. Once you go home, you will want to have someone stay with you for the first few days. The application of EXPAREL during surgery provides pain relief for approximately the first 72 hours and eliminates the need for a pain pump. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to alleviate further discomfort as you may experience some degree of pain for the first 10 to 20 days after your surgery.