The average tummy tuck recovery time is 8-10 weeks, but each patient is different. Your anatomy will define the length of time your recovery takes. Normally, a tummy tuck postoperative recovery period lasts for 6-8 weeks. The amount of time that you will spend recovering varies depending on your choice of surgeon. This procedure involves removing excess fat and skin from the abdomen in order to expose a more sculptured look.
Tummy tucks are one of the most common operations performed on women in the UK. It is also one of the most popular operations, with around 5,000 procedures carried out every year. This plastic surgery procedure helps to get rid of loose skin and excess fat from around the waistline, stomach, and hips. It can help restore your body back to its original shape after pregnancy or weight loss.
Read on to learn more on How Long Is Recovery From Tummy Tuck , Recovery From Tummy Tuck With Muscle Repair and What Is The Fastest Way To Recover From A Tummy Tuck
How Long Is Recovery From Tummy Tuck
Recovery from tummy tuck surgery is a process that can take several weeks or months to complete. Most people can return home after 2-3 days and then return to work within 3-5 days.
During the first few days after your surgery you will have some swelling, bruising and tenderness in your lower abdomen. Tummy tuck healing is not complete until 6 weeks after surgery. During this time you will experience more swelling and your scars will start to fade, tighten and flatten as they heal.
It is important that you follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding activity level during recovery. Your surgeon will advise you on what you can do at home as well as when it is safe to return to work, exercise and other activities.
Tummy Tuck Healing Schedule:
Day 1: Post-operative day number one begins immediately following surgery and lasts 24 hours; this includes all procedures performed the same day (if any). You are expected to stay in the hospital overnight for observation before returning home the next day unless otherwise directed by your plastic surgeon
Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty is a technique involving the removal of excess fat and skin from the abdomen whilst strengthening the underlying muscle tissue. This process provides patients, both male and female, with a more aesthetically desirable appearance, and improved confidence following significant weight-loss.
Before making the decision to undergo any medical or surgical procedure, it is essential that all patients have a detailed understanding of the recovery process so that consent can be properly informed. Here we shine a spotlight on tummy tuck recovery and answer some FAQs.
Tummy tuck recovery time
As with any procedure, recovery time can vary based on several factors including:
- Overall health
- Age
- Fitness level
- The surgical approach used
Your expert Surgeon will work with you on a person-centred basis to formulate a recovery plan and provide a more specific timeline for you to plan around.
As a guide, recovery time usually ranges from 6 to 8 weeks. Although it can be tempting to return to normality soon after surgery, it is important to allow your body enough time and space to rest, avoid any postoperative complications and achieve the best possible results.
Tummy tuck aftercare
- Immediately after surgery
In the days following surgery, it is crucial to rest according to your surgeon’s advice. Many patients will spend the first night in hospital where they will be monitored by clinical professionals. It is expected that bruising and swelling will occur post-surgery and it is important to avoid positions that will place pressure on or aggravate the incision.
- The first few days at home
Once you have been discharged, you will require somebody to take you home. It may help reduce stress and anxiety to make these arrangements in advance. Once you’re back home, you will likely need some assistance as your mobility will be reduced, so tasks involving bending or lifting must be avoided. You will also have been provided with a compression garment and wound care guidance to help.
- Initial weeks
At this time, excitement will be building in anticipation of your results, but it is important to remain focused on your recovery. All strenuous exercise should be avoided for the first 6 weeks and time away from work should be arranged for the initial fortnight. By this point you will have become accustomed to your compression garment, wound care routine and relaxed lifestyle.
- Follow- up
It is important that you attend your post-operative follow up appointments to discuss your progress with your Surgeon and ask any questions you may have.
How long should I wear my compression bandage after tummy tuck?
Compression garments are an essential element of the recovery process. By improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to healing tissue, and promoting venous and lymphatic drainage, compression garments help to reduce swelling, aid the healing process and minimise scarring.
These garments must be worn throughout the recovery process for at least the initial 4 weeks, although timings and specific guidance will be provided by your Surgeon.
Traditionally, compression garments are considered uncomfortable and unsightly. However, at The Harley Medical Group we collaborate with a leading provider of high-quality, handmade medical grade garments to provide our patients with comfortable, well-fitting options.
How long does it take for a tummy tuck incision to heal?
Immediately after surgery, abdominal incisions will be covered with surgical dressings. There may also be specialist tubes inserted to drain any accumulating fluid from underneath the skin, but these will usually be removed within the first few days.
The incision healing process takes 1-2 months. Proper use of compression garments and avoidance of strenuous movements and positions can help to minimise the length of this process. Part of the aftercare experience at The Harley Medical Group involves guidance on caring for the healing incision, and your personal Nurse Counsellor will be on hand to answer any questions throughout the recovery process. The best way to ensure a seamless transition back to normal is to seek advice when unsure and attend your postoperative follow-up appointments with your Harley Medical Group Surgeon.
Mini tummy tuck recovery period
Whilst a mini tummy tuck is an excellent alternative to full abdominoplasty for suitable patients who have excess skin below the belly button only, the procedure is invasive and still requires a shortened period of recovery. This will depend on whether muscle tissue has been tightened during the procedure, however strenuous activity should generally be avoided for the first 6 weeks regardless.
Recovery From Tummy Tuck With Muscle Repair
Tummy tuck recovery is a relatively quick process, but it does take time. The first few days are the most painful, but all of your pain will be gone in about 4 weeks.
After surgery, you will be given pain medication and antibiotics to help with any infection or swelling. You will also be fitted with surgical drains that will be removed in 1 to 3 days after surgery. These drains collect excess fluid from your abdomen so it doesn’t build up inside your body.
You’ll probably need help at home for the first couple of weeks after your surgery. You may feel as if you’re close to normal within a month after surgery, although you should wait at least 3 months before exercising strenuously or doing other activities that could cause injury or strain your abdominal muscles.
The procedure usually takes between 2 and 5 hours depending on how much tissue needs to be removed, how long the scar is and whether muscle repair is done at the same time as the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).
Recovery time depends on several factors including:
Your overall health before surgery
The extent of your surgery (how much fat or skin removed)
The type of anesthesia used during surgery (general vs local)
The recovery time for a tummy tuck with muscle repair is about 3 weeks. You will have some swelling, bruising and tenderness in the first week. The swelling is usually worse at the end of the day and improves as the day goes on. The next 2 weeks are spent gradually increasing your activity level to include walking and light stretching exercise. You should be able to return to work after about 6 weeks if you do not have any complications.
The length of time until you can exercise depends on the procedure that was performed. If liposuction was done along with the tummy tuck, then you may need to wait 3 months until you can resume exercising at full capacity.
The most important thing is to follow your surgeon’s instructions closely so that you heal well without any problems or complications.
What Is The Fastest Way To Recover From A Tummy Tuck
The fastest way to recover from a tummy tuck is to have an abdominoplasty. This surgery removes excess skin and fat, as well as tightens muscles that have stretched out over time. The procedure also improves the appearance of the belly button, which can be pulled down during pregnancy or with weight loss.
Tummy tuck recovery time depends on the type of tummy tuck you had and your overall health. Some people can return to work within a week or two; others need up to six weeks off work before they feel ready to go back.
You may experience some pain after your tummy tuck, but it will fade over time. You’ll feel better if you stay active during recovery and make sure to get plenty of rest each night so your body has time to heal properly.