A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. It can also be used to tighten muscles, correct diastasis recti (abdominal separation), and repair umbilical hernias. It may also be used to remove excess skin in patients who have undergone massive weight loss.
The tummy tuck procedure involves removing excess fat, skin, and sometimes muscle tissue from the abdomen. It is usually done as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, with minimal discomfort to the patient. The surgeon will make an incision around your navel, which will then be stitched closed with dissolvable stitches. Any excess skin will be removed, then the remaining tissue is pulled together and sutured back into place. The surgeon will then close the remaining incision sites with dissolvable stitches or staples. You may experience some swelling after surgery that can last up to three weeks depending on your body’s reaction to healing.
Read on to learn more on How Long To Heal After Tummy Tuck Warning Signs After Tummy Tuck AND How Long Before I Can Stand Straight After Tummy Tuck
How Long To Heal After Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck procedure can be done as an outpatient procedure or as an inpatient procedure. In an outpatient tummy tuck, you will go home the same day as the surgery. In an inpatient tummy tuck, you will stay overnight at the hospital.
You should plan to be off work for at least a week after your tummy tuck. You may need more time than that if you have had major weight loss or are older than 40 years old.
After your tummy tuck, you will have some discomfort and swelling for up to a week or two. You may also experience some bruising for several weeks after your surgery. The doctor will give you instructions on caring for yourself at home after surgery. You should follow these instructions carefully to ensure that you heal properly from your surgery and have minimal scarring.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Details
The procedure will take approximately 2-3 hours.
After you return home from your tummy tuck surgery, you may feel groggy and want to sleep. The following day, we encourage you to walk around the house.
Returning to work can be somewhat variable depending on your job. If your job is sedentary you will be able to return to work in 10 to 14 days. If your job is labor intensive it may take up to 6 weeks to return.
You may resume light exercise that does not require abdominal activity at approximately four weeks. Abdominal activity, however, should not be attempted prior to 8 weeks and should only be done when there is absolutely no pain.
The majority of the bruising and swelling from the tummy tuck will have subsided by 3 weeks, but complete resolution will take at least 6 months to occur.
Typically, scars heal in a very methodical manner. For the first 6 to 8 weeks the scar becomes red as the body heals. After that stage, however, the scar becomes much less red and thinner. By one year, the scar is usually very light and easily hidden by underwear or a bikini.
AFTER SURGERY
- Get plenty of rest and limit yourself to light activities the first 10 days after surgery. When resting or sleeping, your head should be slightly elevated for the first 3 days.
- You may take a cool shower the day after surgery. If you don’t feel up to it, sponge bath until you are ready. Make sure you have someone helping you. Use a shower chair. Let water run gently over the drains exits. Dab dry. Place gauze over drain exit. Put your binder back on.
- Walk every hour while awake for the first day and then every 2 hours. Avoid stairs.
- Take all medications as directed. If you need a refill on pain medications call the office.
- Empty drains every 8 hours or when they become full and write down the amount of drainage.
- Do not be concerned if the fluid from the body comes around drain. If the drain clogs you will need to milk it. If you are not sure how, call the office for instructions.
- At one week start wearing a girdle under the binder. The girdle should be snug but not too tight. Wear both items for 6 weeks.
- At 2-3 weeks after surgery take your steri-strips off. Apply ScarLess®, allow it to dry and then re-apply silicone sheets twice a day for two months.
- Sutures will dissolve on their own.
- Do not drive for the first week or while on pain medications. Do not do heavy housework (this includes vacuuming). Do not work out at all for the first 3 weeks, and once you resume working out, do not do abdominal exercises for at least 8 weeks.
- Avoid lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds for 2 weeks.
- Please avoid exposing the incision to sunlight for at least 6 weeks. This will help the scar to heal without being noticeable.
- After 6 weeks, apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) to the area of the incision, if you will be in the sun for extended periods of time.
- Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
- Do not use aspirin-containing products for at least 1 week. You may take Tylenol or pain medication as prescribed.
- You may apply ice or frozen peas or corn on the abdomen for the first 48 hours to decrease swelling. Do not apply it directly on your skin.
- It is not uncommon for a small part of incision to open up and look like a pimple at 4-8 weeks. This is called a Stitch Abscess – it is caused by a suture which is expelled by the body. Simply wash it with soap and water and apply Neosporin or Polysporin on it. If the redness is larger than a dime call the office.
- Remember it may take up to 3-4 months to completely get your energy back. Do not get frustrated if you get tired easily.
Warning Signs After Tummy Tuck
If you have had a tummy tuck, you may be wondering what the warning signs are if anything goes wrong.
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your surgeon as soon as possible so they can help you.
Pain in the area around the wound: This can be caused by swelling or infection. The pain should subside within a couple of weeks, but in severe cases could require antibiotics or surgery.
Bleeding from the incision: This is usually minor and can be treated with pressure and ice. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes, contact your surgeon immediately.
Fever: It is normal for your temperature to rise slightly during recovery due to inflammation, but if it stays high for several days or increases significantly then contact your surgeon immediately.
There are some warning signs that you should be aware of after surgery.
- Bleeding
If there is any bleeding, you need to inform your doctor immediately. The doctor will check the wound and may stitch it again if necessary.
- Infection
Infection can occur as a result of poor hygiene or lack of medical attention during your recovery period. It can also happen if you have an open wound that gets exposed to dirt and germs while healing. If you think you might be suffering from an infection, contact your doctor right away.
- Pain that gets worse over time
Pain that gets worse over time can be a sign of internal bleeding or infection in the abdominal wall or muscles beneath the skin flap. This type of pain may require additional treatment from your surgeon or plastic surgeon to prevent further complications from occurring.
How Long Before I Can Stand Straight After Tummy Tuck
How long before I can stand straight after tummy tuck?
Most patients are able to walk without assistance within a few hours after surgery. However, it takes longer for them to be able to stand up straight. This is because the muscles that are used in standing have been cut during surgery and need time to heal before they can support the patient’s weight. Patients should not attempt to stand up straight for at least two weeks following tummy tuck surgery.
The recovery process for a tummy tuck will vary from patient to patient depending on their overall health and their previous experiences with surgery. In general, most patients will require about 10 days off from work and school after undergoing this procedure. They should also plan on having someone around who can help them with daily activities for about two weeks after their surgery.