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How Long To Recover After Tummy Tuck

The recovery time for a tummy tuck depends on the fullness of your skin and how much muscle has been removed. If you are in good physical condition and have a healthy lifestyle, you will recover faster than someone who is overweight or inactive. After surgery, a compression garment is often worn for up to 6 weeks after surgery as this helps to minimize swelling and bruising. Patients may also be required to wear a girdle for up to 6 weeks after surgery as this will help to minimize any residual tension in the abdominal wall.

The swelling that follows tummy tuck surgery usually peaks within 2-3 days after surgery, but it may take up to 3 months before the swelling subsides completely. The scarring that occurs around the incision site will continue to improve for many months after surgery.

Read on to learn more on How Long To Recover After Tummy Tuck, How Tight Should Your Garment Be After Liposuction?

How Long To Recover After Tummy Tuck

How Long To Recover After Tummy Tuck

It can take 6 to 8 weeks to recover from abdominoplasty, with fatigue and discomfort being common directly after the surgery and during the healing process.

During this time it’s vital you get adequate rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least the first week after surgery. Many individuals consult our clinic with common questions regarding the abdominoplasty recovery process which we intend to address throughout this article.

What can I expect after abdominoplasty?

Fatigue, joint pain and swelling may be experienced directly after the surgery and the few weeks proceeding. It’s vital you give your body time to heal by avoiding strenuous tasks and listening to the advice of your surgeon. You will be told how to care for the incision, what to be aware of with regards to possible infections and how much you should be resting/eating during the recovery process.

What is the fastest way to recover from a tummy tuck?

The fastest way to recover from a tummy tuck is to ensure you’re keeping to a healthy lifestyle and taking adequate rest time. Depending on the surgery, you may be prescribed antibiotics and be advised to avoid alcohol and nicotine for a set length of time. Time off work may be needed (depending on the job) and individuals should avoid heavy lifting for the weeks directly after the surgery to ensure the body is given the optimal amount of recovery time.

How painful is tummy tuck recovery?

Generally speaking the pain after the tummy tuck procedure is mild when the correct recovery procedures are followed. Mild discomfort may be experienced in the area of the incision for a small period of time after the procedure. Painkillers can be taken for the coming weeks after surgery and we advise you to consult a professional for the exact steps to take to ensure optimal recovery after the surgery.

Although the thought of an incision may sound painful, with the use of an anaesthetic the process is pain-free. Any unusually strong pain should be reported to your surgeon immediately so the necessary actions can be taken.

When can I drive after abdominal surgery?

It is strongly advised you don’t drive after the surgery for several weeks following surgery. Patients should also refrain from intense physical exercise directly after the procedure, opting for smaller, less intensive exercises instead.

Sleeping With Compression Garment After Tummy Tuck

If you have a liposuction or are planning to have a cosmetic surgery, it is possible that your surgeon has recommended some imp sources and the use of a compression garment.

After surgery, your surgeon will give you all the instructions related to how to manage your recovery process. The correct use of a garment with the right compression is important for your recovery. Garments are expensive and uncomfortable to wear; therefore, invest in a good quality one for better comfort.  As experts in this field, we want to answer some of the most common questions about the importance of wearing them. and how it can impact the final results. 

What are compression garments? 

Compression garments are pieces of clothing that fit tightly your skin. They are made of an elastic fabric (lycra or latex) and cloth. It is elastic and sturdy at the same time. They apply constant and uniform pressure to the treated area. They are sized to fit the contours of your body and according to the type of surgery you have.

How long should I wear the compression garment?

It depends on the type of surgery you have and your surgeon’s recommendations. For most procedures you will be required to wear the garment for at least 4 to 6 weeks.  The compression garment must be worn 24/7 even when you sleep, you will be only allowed to take it off when you shower. It is recommended to have two garments, so you can have one for change. . Invest in a good quality garment as this influences the outcome of the surgery.

What surgeries need a compression garment to be worn?

Some of the more common surgeries are:

  • Tummy tuck surgery
  • BBL
  • Breast augmentation surgery
  • All liposuctions related treatments
  • Breast lift surgery
  • Gynecomastia
  • And more

Why should I wear a compression garment after surgery?

To protect your incisions

It works as one more layer to protect your healing incisions even when they are covered with surgical tape, gauze or bandages. It keeps bacteria away from the incision. Besides, it works providing padding if there is an unexpected bump in the surgery area.

It improves your circulation

Blood clots are one of the most dangerous risks after surgery. They can develop anywhere due to bad circulation. However, compression garments improve your circulation reducing the risk of blood clots. In addition, they reduce inflammation, haemorrhage and post- op pain.

It maintains your new contour

The compression garment applies pressure on the treated area, helping to ensure that your body contour heals with the desired shape.

It reduces pain

The pressure applied by the garment helps you reduce the pain or make it more bearable when you cough, laugh or sneeze.

It also helps:

  • The uniform healing of the skin.
  • It helps the skin to attach to the muscle.  
  • To reduce fibrosis. 
  • Reduce inflammation.
  • To hold the tissue in place.
  • Preventing seroma and lymphedema.
  • Reducing bruises.
  • Correcting your posture.
  • Keeping grafts in proper position.
  • Reducing fluid build-up.

What happens if you don’t wear a compression garment after liposuction?

It will affect the desired result of your surgery as the garment will help you with contouring; pain management; water retention; inflammation; blood clot and overall healing. Remember the compression garment will help you to hold the tissue together while the tissue is healing. 

How Tight Should Your Garment Be After Liposuction?

The garment should be tight enough to give you body contouring, and enough compression to reduce water retention and reduce inflammation. You should be able to do daily tasks without feeling too much discomfort and this can be achieved with a moderated compression garment in the first week. After the second to 3rd week, you should move to a higher compression garment for better results. 

Can I sleep without my compression garment?

Yes, You will need to wear a compression garment to bed for the first four weeks.  For most procedures like tummy tucks, BBLs, lipo and body lifts, you will wear it full time for four weeks including when you sleep. You can take the garment off to go to sleep after 4 weeks.  

Remember that before wearing your compression garment, you should cover the incisions with gauze, bandages, or silicone strips to avoid any irritation. The proper use of it will lead you to the expected outcomes.

Stage 1,2,3 compression garment tummy tuck

So you are searching for information on post-surgery faja compression garments. You keep coming across the term; stage 1 or stage 2 or stage 3 or fajas, and you wonder what all this means? Welcome! You are not alone. 

After our write-up on liposuction, we received a flurry of questions and inquiries about compression garments, especially fajas for post-op. Questions- what is stage 2 or 3 compressions? Why do I need a faja? What is a faja? 

As you know, we have your back. We have compiled this ultimate guide to answer your most pressing questions on this topic, so sit back, read, get informed and make the best choices for your health and well-being. Remember, the goal is to be in health even as you always look fabulous.



Wondering why, when, or which Stage 1,2,3 Faja compression garments you should wear at all?

Faja is a compression shapewear used for recovery after liposuction, tummy tuck, or BBL patients to heal scars neatly, control the swelling and guarantee that the skin tightens appropriately. With fajas, we are talking severe but comfortable compression levels. The compression level is in three stages: stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3 compression.



A faja or compression garment is required to experience a healthy recovery after liposuction; it lowers the discomfort and enhances outcomes following surgery. You must understand that the Post-Op recovery period is as important as the surgery as well. Nevertheless, we understand your anxiety about the effects or advantages of wearing compression clothing after liposuction.



Here are a few benefits to wearing compression fajas.

  • Aids the attaching of flabby skin to the muscle.
  • Lessens inflammation in the tissue.
  • Reduces the discomfort and agony after liposuction.
  • Fluid retention prevention.
  • It stops bleeding.
  • Sagging is reduced.
  • It improves your posture.
  • Gives you control and assistance with your recovery.
  • Increases circulation and decreases inflammation.
  • It contains Vitamin E, which aids in mending and smoothing your skin, therefore preventing scarring.

The sort of surgery you have will decide which post-operative compression garments you will need to wear, i.e., needing stage 1, 2, or 3 fajas. These garments are available in a wide range of sizes and designs to fit various cosmetic treatments. This is why your doctor’s advice is essential hence why they should be in the know on every detail and process of your surgery.

Why Faja Compression Shapewears?

Fajas are intended to aid the body’s recovery by reducing swelling(Oedema) throughout the healing process. After a surgical procedure, many doctors advise wearing a binder for the first two weeks to help control the Oedema and incisions. These garments help you speed up recovery after liposuction, tummy tucks, Brazilian butt lifts (bbl.), and other procedures, as stated earlier.

Medical expert and plastic surgeon Carolina Ruiz discusses why post-surgery fajas are required following treatments like liposuction, tummy tucks, and dermolipectomy.



According to Carolina, “When you introduce the cannula (thin tube) under subcutaneous cellular tissue, you create a hollow space between the aponeurosis and the skin that should not exist. During this procedure, you break certain structures such as lymphatic and blood vessels, which causes bleeding. The girdle compresses the area to reduce that space. If this does not happen, temporary pockets of fluid (seromas) can be formed under the skin. Plus, it is also necessary to reduce bleeding.”

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