The amount of time it takes to recover from this procedure depends on many factors including age, overall health, and how much weight you lose after surgery. Most patients return to normal activities within 2 weeks but may experience soreness for up to 6 weeks after surgery.
A tummy tuck and liposuction will take about 1-2 hours. The length of the procedure depends on the extent of the work. For example, if you have a lot of fat to remove, it may take longer than someone who only has a little fat to remove. After the procedure, you will be taken to recovery where a nurse will watch over you until your vital signs are stable. Once stable, you will be discharged home with a prescription for pain medication and antibiotics.
Read on to learn more. How Long Does A Tummy Tuck And Lipo Take, Tummy Tuck Complications Years Later and How Long Does A Tummy Tuck Recovery Take
How Long Does A Tummy Tuck And Lipo Take
Changes to the skin and muscles in the belly can happen due to aging, pregnancy, or a large amount of weight loss. Cosmetic surgery can help restore the belly skin and muscles to their natural shape and position. Abdominoplasty and liposuction are two cosmetic procedures. Abdominoplasty is also call a “tummy tuck.” They can be done together to improve the look of your waist and belly. During a tummy tuck, extra fat and skin can be removed from your belly (abdomen). And certain muscles can be repositioned to improve belly weakness. Liposuction removes extra fat from under the skin. It allows for greater fat removal and contouring (shaping) than can be done with a tummy tuck alone.
Be aware that, for lasting results, you will have to control your weight. And for some areas of the body, these procedures can’t be combined. Talk with your surgeon about your cosmetic goals and the options available to you.
Preparing for surgery
Get ready for the surgery as you have been told. In addition:
- Tell your surgeon about all medicines you take. This includes herbs and other supplements and any illegal or illicit drugs. It also includes any blood thinners such as warfarin, certain anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin, and clopidogrel. You may need to stop taking some or all of them before surgery.
- Follow any directions you are given for not eating or drinking before surgery. (If you have been instructed to take medicines, take them with a small sip of water.)
- Don’t smoke before surgery. Smoking reduces the blood flow in the skin, and increases the risk for wound healing problems. Nicotine from any source (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, patches, chewing tobacco) slows healing. Your healthcare provider may delay your surgery if you are smoking. Join a stop-smoking program to improve your chances of success.
The day of surgery
The surgery takes about 2 to 4 hours. You may go home the same day. Or you may stay overnight in a hospital or outpatient surgical center.
Before the surgery begins
- An IV (intravenous) line is put into a vein in your arm or hand. This line delivers fluids and medicines.
- You will be given medicine to keep you pain free during surgery. This may be general anesthesia, which puts you into a state like deep sleep. (A tube may be inserted into your throat to help you breathe.) Or you may have sedation, which makes you relaxed and sleepy. If you have sedation, local anesthetic will be injected to numb the areas being worked on. The anesthesiologist will discuss your options with you.
For liposuction
- During traditional liposuction, a special fluid is injected into the belly so that it’s firm and swollen. This makes it easier to remove fat. The fluid also contains medicine to numb the belly and to reduce pain and bleeding caused by the surgery.
- One or more tiny cuts (incisions) are made in the lower belly. Or they are made near the bellybutton (navel). You and your surgeon will discuss the incisions to be used before the surgery.
- A thin metal tube called a cannula is placed through the incisions to reach the fat layer under the skin. The cannula is attached to a small vacuum or syringe. As the cannula is moved back and forth, it suctions excess fat from the belly and waist. Other tools may be used as well. These use ultrasound, laser, or mechanical power to help loosen or remove fat.
- Incisions are closed with stitches, surgical glue, or both.
Your surgeon may discuss other types of liposuction that are available.
For the tummy tuck
- A cut (incision) is made in the belly from hipbone to hipbone. This is often along the lower part of the belly just above the pubic hairline. You and your surgeon will choose the exact incision site before surgery. An incision is also made around the bellybutton.
- The skin and fat beneath are lifted to expose the abdominal wall beneath. The abdominal wall includes fibrous tissue and muscles.
- If needed, the belly muscles are pulled together to tighten the abdominal wall. Stitches are used down the middle of the belly, to hold the muscles in their new position.
- After the abdominal wall is tightened, the skin and fat are pulled back down. Extra fat and skin are then removed from the belly.
- Once the skin and fat are pulled down, the bellybutton may be covered up. In such cases, an incision is made so the bellybutton can be seen. The skin is then sewn into place around the bellybutton.
- Small tubes (drains) may be placed near the incisions. These drain excess fluid that may build up as the wound heals.
- Any incisions made during the surgery are closed with stitches, surgical glue, or both. If stitches are used, they may dissolve on their own. Or they may need to be removed by the surgeon at a later date.
After the surgery
You will be taken to a recovery room to wake up from the anesthesia. You may feel sleepy and nauseated. If a breathing tube was used during your surgery, your throat may be sore at first. You will be given medicine to help prevent infection and manage pain. You will also likely be given compression garments to wear. These reduce swelling and help form a smooth shape. If you need to stay overnight, you will be moved to another room. Once you are ready to go home, you will be released to an adult family member or friend. Have someone stay with you for the next couple of days to help care for you as your healing begins.
Recovering at home
Once home, follow any instructions you are given. Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to your normal routine. During your recovery:
- Take any prescribed medicines exactly as directed.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow and slows wound healing.
- Walk slightly bent at the waist, if suggested by your surgeon. Stay in a flexed position when you sleep. This helps protect the abdominal wall as it heals.
- Care for your incisions and the dressing (bandage) over them as instructed by your surgeon.
- Don’t shower for 48 hours after surgery, or as instructed by your healthcare provider. Don’t swim, take a bath, use a hot tub, or do other activities that cause the incisions to be covered with water until your surgeon says it’s OK.
- If advised by your surgeon, use a cold pack wrapped in a thin towel to relieve discomfort and control swelling. It’s important not to leave the cold pack on for too long, or your skin could be damaged. Put the pack over your bandages for no more than 20 minutes at a time or as directed by your provider. Then, leave it off for at least 20 minutes or as directed by your provider. Repeat this as often as needed during waking hours until swelling starts to improve. Don’t fall asleep with the cold pack on. If you’re not sure how to safely use the cold pack, ask your surgeon.
- When you shower, gently wash your incision sites. Then pat the incisions dry. Don’t apply lotions, oils, or creams to the incisions until after they are fully healed.
- Don’t lift, push, or pull anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least 14 days.
- Don’t do strenuous activity. Exercise as directed. Talk with your surgeon about light exercise such as walking that you can do to maintain your weight until you’re fully healed.
- Wear compression garments as directed. Doing so is important for a good cosmetic result.
- Walk at least a few times daily. But don’t push yourself too hard.
- Don’t drive until you are no longer taking prescription pain medicine and your surgeon says it’s OK. When riding in a car, carefully position the seatbelt so that it doesn’t compress your belly.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your surgeon/healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
- Extreme chest pain or trouble breathing (call 911)
- Fever of 100.4° F ( 38°C ) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
- Irregular heartbeat
- Symptoms of infection at an incision site such as increased redness or swelling, warmth, worsening pain, or foul-smelling drainage
- Pain not relieved by medicines
- Not urinating within 24 hours
- Pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in your leg, calf, or thigh
Follow-up
You will have follow-up visits so your surgeon can see how well you’re healing. If needed, stitches or drains will be removed at one of these visits. During these visits, you and your surgeon can discuss the results of your surgery. Let your surgeon know if you have any questions or concerns.
Risks and possible complications
Risks and possible complications include:
- Bleeding or infection
- Blood clots
- Fat clots
- Excessive scarring
- Poor wound healing
- Changes in sensation, such as numbness or pain
- Skin discoloration
- Abnormal collection of fluid (seroma)
- Death of fat cells deep in the skin (fat necrosis)
- Injury to nearby nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and organs
- Contour (body shape) irregularities
- Not happy with cosmetic results
- Risks of anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will discuss these with you.
How Long Does A Tummy Tuck Recovery Take
While recovery from abdominoplasty is different for every individual, there is a general tummy tuck recovery timeline that is applicable in most cases. While it may be six to eight weeks before you can resume all normal activities following tummy tuck surgery, you should be able to:
- Resume working a non-strenuous job within five to seven days
- Resume most household and work duties within four weeks
- Adopt an exercise routine within four to six weeks
It is recommended that you wear a compression garment for at least six weeks post abdominoplasty. However, it should not interfere with general comfort or abilities.
The First Few Weeks
It is important that you get plenty of rest in the days following tummy tuck surgery. Having a family member or friend help with household duties during this time is ideal. It can also be helpful to set up a rest area prior to your procedure to make sure you have a comfortable place to just relax. Think about books, magazines, and other things you may want to pass the time and allow yourself the opportunity to relax and recover during this period. This can have a profound impact on your long-term results.
Some swelling and mild discomfort may be present for the first few weeks. Our doctors will provide you with medications to deal with discomfort. Swelling can be reduced by wearing your compression garment and taking several walks throughout the day. These walks can be started the day after your procedure and you are free to take as many as you like – so long as you don’t exhaust yourself.
Week Six and Beyond
By weeks six, you may be able to resume a majority of your normal activities, though it could be one or two more weeks before you are completely healed. During your recovery, you will return to our office for follow-up visits to make sure you are progressing appropriately. These visits also give us an opportunity to answer any questions you might have and address any concerns.
You can help reduce risks and improve your experience by keeping these appointments and following all of our pre and postoperative directions. These will include not smoking, getting plenty of rest, and only resuming activities after we give you the okay. Simply following these instructions can have a big impact on your comfort and results. We will cover these things in greater detail during your tummy tuck consultation and review as needed while you are in our care.
Final Results
Full recovery can be expected with eight weeks, but results may take a bit longer to be realized. Swelling and bruising typically subside within this time frame, but full slimming of the midline can take a few additional months.
Be patient during this time and take care of your body to help ensure your results are both pleasing and long-lasting. This includes eating properly, exercising regularly, and taking steps to improve your health and enhance your results. We will discuss all of this in greater detail during your initial consultation to make sure you understand what will be required for the most rewarding experience.
Tummy Tuck Complications Years Later
The most common complication of a tummy tuck is wound separation. This occurs when the wound opens up at some point after surgery. This can be treated with simple suturing to close the wound.
Other possible complications include infection, bleeding and seroma (an accumulation of fluid under the skin).
Seromas will usually resolve on their own without treatment, but they may require aspiration to remove the excess fluid. The removal of seromas is usually performed several months after surgery.
Bleeding can occur during or after surgery and needs to be controlled quickly by your surgeon using pressure or other techniques. If bleeding cannot be stopped, you may need blood transfusions or a return visit to the operating room for additional surgery.
The most common complaint I hear from my patients is that they wish they would have done their tummy tuck sooner.
Unfortunately, this is a very common complication of a tummy tuck, especially in women who are over 40 years old.
The good news is that there are ways to minimize the risk of this happening to you.
First, it’s important to choose your surgeon carefully. A board-certified plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of tummy tucks each year is your best bet for long-lasting results with minimal scarring and complications.
You should also be sure to discuss all of your options with your doctor before undergoing any cosmetic procedure. For example, if you’re considering having liposuction performed at the same time as your tummy tuck, be sure that you know what kind of anesthesia will be used (general or local), and how much time will pass between the two procedures so that you can decide whether or not it’s safe for you to undergo both at once or if it might be better for you to book them on separate days instead.
In addition, don’t let anyone pressure you into undergoing surgery when you’re not ready for it — if something doesn’t feel right about a certain doctor or clinic, trust your gut
I had a tummy tuck with lipo done 3 years ago. I’m still healing and I have some questions about what could be causing my pain.
I’ve been in constant pain since the surgery, but the pain has gotten worse over time. The incision is still red and swollen, but it’s healed well otherwise. I’ve had multiple infections, but they’ve all responded to antibiotics. However, there are several lumps around my belly button that are painful when touched. They’re not hard lumps, just soft tissue with a little bit of fluid inside them. They seem to have appeared after my most recent infection (which was treated with antibiotics).
The doctor said she’s never seen anything like this before and doesn’t know what it is or how to treat it! She thinks it might be scar tissue, but she also said that scar tissue should be smooth over time as opposed to lumpy like this…
I’d really appreciate any advice you can give me on what might be causing these lumps and how to get rid of them without surgery…