How long before you get final results from a tummy tuck?

I had a full tummy tuck early October. I'm still having a hard time getting my pants buttoned. When should I expect to see the final result?

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9 answers to “How long before you get final...”

A: When can you see your Tummy Tuck results

C. Bob Basu, MD

You should see your results immediately. If you are happy immediately after surgery, wait until you see your results 6-8 weeks after surgery once all the postoperative swelling resolves. Most plastic surgeons recommend an abdominal binder or compressive garment to help minimize the postoperative swelling.

A: Difficulty buttoning pants after tummy tuck can last a few months

Brooke R. Seckel, MD

You will see the results of your tummy tuck immediately. However, wound healing progresses for at least a year. Problem buttoning pants can be the result of pulling the abdominal skin down. The skin on your waist on the sides of your abdomen is also pulled down, so many patients have this problem. In time as... more

A: Results of a tummy tuck

Tom J. Pousti, MD

Usually, patients will see the final result of a tummy tuck procedure from 6 months to a year. There are many factors that can affect the recovery time and healing. depending on the severity or complexity of the case, swelling, bruising and results can last awhile. As long as you follow your plastic surgeon's... more

A: Length of time to see results of a tummy tuck

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

SEE VIDEO BELOW Generally, if this is any indication, we wait approximately 3 months before getting our pictures in order to assess the results of a tummy tuck. However, this can vary tremendously based on the extent of the procedure (i.e. mini will recover faster than a full tummy tuck) as well as... more

A: Tummy Tuck Results

Steven H. Williams, MD

Thanks for your question - You should notice an immediate improvement in contour and skin excess.  Any surgery is associated with swelling and scar maturation.  This part of the recovery can take 3-6 months to resolve.  Most of the improvement will take place in the first few weeks.  There... more

A: Immediate Tummy Tuck results the next day, 'final' results in 2-3 months

Sanjay Grover, MD

You will see immediate results the next day,  'final' results in 2-3 months.  Abdominoplasty patients are quite pleased the moment they see their tummy for the first time at their first dressing change. Of course, there will be some swelling that will resolve over the first several months.

A: Tummy Tuck results

Bahram Ghaderi, MD

You should see the results fairly quickly. Typically, the majority of the swelling resolves in the first two weeks and you can see the difference from prior to surgery. Also, if you have a lot of sagging skin, then the results are fairly immediate even when you have your first bandage change. The other... more

A: Final Tummy Tuck results show after 3-6 months on average

John P. Di Saia, MD

Hello, The answer depends upon the size of your operation and your healing capacity. Patients who smoke take longer to heal. Patients who have liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck may take longer for swelling to resolve afterward.  On average 3-6 months, but it can take a year.   

A: Much of the initial swelling after a tummy tuck resolves...

Nick Slenkovich, MD

Much of the initial swelling after a tummy tuck resolves in the first few weeks. However, it is common to have swelling or fullness in the lower abdomen or tummy area due to having the lymphatics divided as part of the surgery. This swelling is often improved with massage and wearing of a compression garment,... more

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