Tummy tucks require two to three weeks of rest and relaxation after surgery. The time it takes to feel like yourself again can vary widely depending on a variety of things, all of which you should bear in mind. The length of time it takes to recuperate from surgery depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the procedure and how healthy you are before it.
The first week after a belly tuck is often the most difficult, and you may feel some pain or discomfort then. It’s possible that you’ll experience some bruising and swelling at the site of your incision. In the days following surgery, you should feel better from these side effects. Talk to your doctor right away if you experience any unexpected pain or discomfort following your stomach tuck.
Read on to learn more on How Long Recovery After Tummy Tuck, How Painful Is A Tummy Tuck Recovery and How Long Before I Can Stand Straight After Tummy Tuck
How Long Recovery After Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a highly effective and popular procedure as patients are aware that it can deliver dramatic improvements – a flatter abdomen, more defined waistline and improved body contours. They also may have concerns over the tummy tuck recovery process and how lengthy it will be.
A tummy tuck involves repositioning and tightening the muscles up the length of the abdominal wall, removing excess skin and fat and then potentially repositioning the umbilicus. A tummy tuck is often combined with liposuction for optimal results. As a result, the recovery can be challenging than after other cosmetic surgery procedures.
Being fully aware of what to expect can help you prepare for a smooth tummy tuck recovery.
TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY TIPS
Stevie, our highly experienced surgical nurse, gives her tips on how best to manage your tummy tuck recovery period.
OUR TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY TIMELINE
A tummy tuck is a very invasive cosmetic surgery procedure as the muscles, skin and fatty tissue of the abdomen are manipulated to produce a more pleasing appearance. Recovery depends on the individual, the extent of the procedure and whether other procedures were performed in combination with an abdominoplasty.
The first 24 hours: patients typically stay at least one night in hospital after a tummy tuck. You will have a compression garment wrapped around your waist and abdomen to reduce swelling and bleeding. Typically, there will be two drains placed just under the skin to remove any fluid build-up; these are usually removed the next day.
The stomach area will feel uncomfortable and the muscles in the midline may feel tight and sore. You will be encouraged to become mobile quickly to boost your circulation in the legs. You may feel a ‘pulling’ sensation in the abdomen.
The first week: you will experience swelling and some bruising in the abdomen. The stitches we use are dissolvable so you do not need to return to have them removed. It is important you rest during the first couple of weeks as your body requires lots of energy to heal. Having someone on hand to help is also essential, as you should keep lifting and stretching to a minimum.
The first month: the bruising should dissipate after three weeks but subtle swelling can be present in the lower abdomen for many months after surgery. The area around the incision will feel firm to the touch as scar tissue forms and you’re encouraged to massage the area. Most patients return to work after two to three weeks, unless their job requires heavy lifting.
Full recovery: most patients experience a reduction in sensation to the skin in the lower abdomen, but that should resolve itself after a few months. The tummy tuck scar can extend from hip to hip across the abdomen and it can take 12 to 18 months before it has fully flattened and faded.
How Painful Is A Tummy Tuck Recovery
Tummy tucks, or abdominoplasty, are a common cosmetic procedure that can be performed on both men and women to improve the appearance of the abdomen. During this procedure, excess skin and fat are removed, while muscle tissue may also be tightened. This can help patients achieve a more toned appearance with a flatter abdomen and improved contour.
The recovery after tummy tuck surgery is usually one to two weeks before you go back to work and three to four weeks before exercising regularly again. However, it may be longer depending on how much skin was removed during the procedure and your overall health conditions.
The following are some of the common side effects associated with tummy tuck surgery:
Bruising — Bumps and bruises may occur in areas where there was surgery or incisions were made during the procedure. Bruising will fade over time but may last up to six months depending on the severity of bruising or if there are complications such as infection or bleeding.
After your tummy tuck operation you will be given painkillers to help with the immediate postoperative discomfort.
The pain does not necessarily mean that something has gone wrong or that you are experiencing complications. The pain may come from the surgical incisions, but it is also possible that some of the internal organs in your abdomen have been displaced or damaged during surgery.
If you experience severe abdominal pain after an abdominoplasty, call 911 immediately. You should also contact your doctor if you develop a fever or signs of infection such as chills, nausea or vomiting after your tummy tuck procedure.
The most common symptoms following tummy tuck surgery include:
Pain at incision sites
Abdominal swelling (edema)
Moderate bleeding from incision sites with drainage material coming out of them through tubes placed into your body during surgery called drains (If this happens, do not panic! This is pretty normal and usually subsides within a few days).
How Long Before I Can Stand Straight After Tummy Tuck
The tummy tuck procedure is done through an incision that runs from the pubic area, around the umbilicus and down to the pubis bone. The length of this scar varies from person to person. Once the tummy tuck is completed, you will have a better idea of how long it will take for you to “bounce back” after surgery. In general, it takes about three months for most people to fully recover from a tummy tuck procedure.
If you had liposuction along with your tummy tuck, then it may take longer for your body to heal. This is because liposuction can leave behind small holes in your skin that need time to heal properly before returning to normal activities such as exercise or sex.
I have had several surgeries and I am a registered nurse. I can tell you from experience that the first week is very painful but it gets better.
You will be able to stand up straight after 2 weeks.
I would not recommend doing any physical activity until 6 weeks after surgery. This includes walking, jogging, and any other exercise that might put strain on the incision sites and internal sutures or staples.
You should not lift anything over 10 pounds for 6 weeks (and even then, with caution).