The level of pain you experience will also vary depending on whether or not you had liposuction done at the same time as your tummy tuck. Liposuction is usually performed under local anesthesia, while the tummy tuck itself is typically performed under general anesthesia. If both procedures are performed together, it’s important that they be done by the same surgeon in order to avoid complications such as skin necrosis (tissue death).
How long does pain last after tummy tuck? Pain after a tummy tuck can last anywhere from three to 12 months. The pain you feel during your recovery depends on how much skin and fat you have removed, as well as the location of the incisions that were made to remove those tissues. It also depends on your tolerance for pain and how well you follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions.
Read on to learn more on How Long Does Pain Last After Tummy Tuck, How Long Is A Tummy Tuck And Lipo Surgery and How Long Is A Tummy Tuck Procedure
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.
How Long Is A Tummy Tuck And Lipo Surgery
Tummy tuck and liposuction are two of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed in the United States. Both procedures can produce amazing results, but they should not be performed lightly or without proper consideration.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from your abdomen, leaving you with a flat and toned stomach. The procedure also tightens muscles in your abdomen, giving you a more defined waistline. After surgery, you may have some loose skin on your lower abdomen and upper thighs, but this will tighten over time as your body heals. Most patients return to work or strenuous activity after three weeks of rest following surgery.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes fat from specific areas of your body by suctioning out unwanted cells through small incisions made in the area being treated. Liposuction can be used alone to treat certain areas such as love handles or chin fat or in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries such as breast augmentation or tummy tucks. Liposuction is often used on larger areas such as hips and thighs but can also be used on smaller areas like underarms and knees.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove fat from the body. Liposuction is performed using a long tube called a cannula, which is inserted through small cuts in the skin. The cannula is connected to a narrow suction tube, which removes fat through tiny holes in the cannula. This method is called “tumescent liposuction,” because it uses a large amount of fluid (called tumescent solution) that helps to dissolve fat for easier removal.
The most common areas for liposuction include:
Thighs (love handles)
Flanks (lower abdomen)
Underarms (armpits)
Back fat
Breasts
The procedure can take up to 6 hours. The length of the surgery depends on how large the area to be treated is, and how many areas need to be treated.
How do I prepare for my tummy tuck surgery?
The day before your surgery, you will need to stop taking all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen sodium (Aleve®), or aspirin. You should also stop smoking because these activities can increase your risk of bleeding during surgery.
You will need to have someone drive you home after your procedure. Your surgeon may ask you not to have food or drink after midnight on the day of surgery.