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Extensive Abdominoplasty - Recovery More Than 3 Months?

I had surgery 3 1/2 months ago. I thought recovery would be after several weeks, not months. Drainage tubes in for 3 weeks. My abdomen feels like a cinder block, and my best exercise is trying to get out a recliner and stand up. My stomach is very tight, and I cannot stand up completely straight yet. My movements are limited. why so long? I do plan to ask my surgeon also, but any extra opinions would be helpful. I have another week before I see him again.

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4 months post-op recovery

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15 Doctor Answers | Asked by marianne2641

Doctor Answers (15)
Community Comments (1)

Prolonged Tummy Tuck Recovery

Every patient's recovery is different. In my experience it is a bit unusual to have some of the issues you are having at 3 months. I really do not think you can get a solid answer in this forum. The best answer will only come from your plastic surgeon. Dr. ES

4 months post tummy tuck

The simple answer is - no this is not entirely normal. While I have not examined you so a complete answer is not possible, I do have some helpful information. This does happen 1-5% after extensive tummy tuck surgeries. If you had massive weight loss like gastric bypass surgery, than you are more likely to have longer standing drains and slower recovery. If you smoke or are around second hand smoke than this is very common, and you should quit. Lastly,... more

Changes after an abdominoplasty

Most likely you will see some significant change in the softness of your abdomen over the next 3 months. Continue with massage of abdomen as well as stretching exercises to speed your recovery. Everyone is different and you will eventually recovery and get back to normal.

Recovery from abdominoplasty

Not being able to stand up straight and feeling like a "cinder block" is not normal. Unfortunately an exam in person would be helpful. Best for you to ask these questions to your surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear of your difficulties after your surgery. Without knowing all the details of your surgery and postoperative recovery, I cannot determine the reason for your prolonged recovery. However, it is likely that your body has become deconditioned from the decrease in activity and your back muscles are stiff from bending over for so long. Your surgeon should be able to help you with your recovery. A certified massage... more

Road To Recovery

I am sorry to hear that you have had such a difficult recovery. The experience you are describing is out of the ordinary for this procedure. You should discuss your concerns further with your physician to determine if there are no other confounding variables affecting your recovery. All the best.

Recovery after a tummy tuck

Hi Most patients recover well by 4-6 weeks. It takes longer if a lot of skin was removed, the muscles were particularly weak and needed extensive repair, or if there was any complication (infection, bleeding etc.). Drains do not usually need to stayn in for 3 weeks, I normally take them out after a day or two. However your surgeon is the best one to advice you as he knows how big the procedure was and what is to be expected.

Anindya Lahiri, MBBS

4 reviews

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

Recovery after Extended tummy tuck

Thanks for the question . I think like others to go quickly to your PS rather then to wait. Its not normal to be in this situation unless there is hematoma of extensive nature which is getting organized and making all the tummy very hard to palpation and may be some trauma to muscles. Having said all this your PS is the best jugged and the answers is this forum should not confront you with your PS. You still must present with respect and honor to take out his best. Wishing you good luck. more

Long Recovery after Tummy Tuck

Sorry to hear about your long recovery. You should discuss this with your surgeon and see if some physical therapy may be helpful.

Recovery after tummy tuck

Thanks for your question. Your description of your recovery does sound out of the ordinary. Without an in person exam, it is difficult to answer your questions very well. You should try to get in to see your surgeon as soon as possible.

Long Tummy Tuck Recovery

Hi Marianne, Without photos and specific details (e.g., your height, weight, tummy tuck or total body lift, amount of liposuction?, etc.) I can only answer in general terms: The "average" patient after tummy tuck ( as opposed to total body lift) has fully recovered by 4-8 weeks. Most patients can stand up straight in 5-10 days. Drain tube use will vary from PS to PS. For routine tummy tuck, some use no drains and others will remove them from a few days... more

Prolonged Recovery after Tummy Tuck?

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you have had after tummy tuck surgery. As you can imagine, every patient expenses of different "recovery" after tummy tuck surgery. Your description does sound somewhat beyond the “norm”. Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to providing you with specific advice; I think that you will be best off asking for an earlier than scheduled appointment. He/she will be able to rule out any... more

Extensive Abdominoplasty - Recovery More Than 3 Months?

This is outside of the norm for pace of recovery. Without photos and without an exam it will be hard to give an opinion as to the possible cause and remedy. At this point in time you might do well to have an evaluation by a physical therapist and to plan a routine to hasten your recovery.I would suggest calling to try to move up your appointment and get going. All the best.

Recovery After Tummy Tuck

It sounds like you really need to discuss this with your doctor. Without knowing the details of your surgery or seeing before or after pictures, it is impossible to know the extent of surgery that you had. Most patients take one to two weeks for recovery after tummy tuck. While, after two week, you may not be 100%, you are usually able to return to most of your daily activities. Good Luck.

Prolonged Recovery After Tummy Tuck

Everyone is an individual of course. Most people however are back to work 10 days after a tummy tuck, back to the gym for cardio at 3 weeks and back to yoga and weight training 6 weeks post op. Your story is atypical and you should definitely be seen by your surgeon to help determine why your recovery is slower. Good luck.

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Comments (1)

marianne2641 25 Jan 2013

I still sleep propped up in bed, a dentist tried to set the dental chair back on me to recline, and it hurt. It is hard to get in and out of bed also. I have coughed and sneezed every day since surgery, and this stresses my abdominal muscles. extra info...fyi...would this coughing and sneezing slow the progress? areas of abdomen still hurt

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