Tummy tuck before & after photos
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Tummy Tuck Final Results

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?

Sort 22 expert answers by:
+12

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

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, but can persist for several weeks. If you are planning a big vacation to the beach to show off your new figure, I’d recommend leaving as much time as possible for the results to... more
Nick Slenkovich, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon
+10

Results from a tummy tuck

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a significant operation and takes a little time to completely recover from. Though you may not feel great, you will see a significant difference right away. Any hanging excess skin will be gone immediately after your surgery. You can use that for encouragement as you go through the initial 2-3 weeks of healing. As with most operations there is a three stage healing process. You really will see immediate improvement from your procedure. Once you get past the... more
Adam Rubinstein, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+4

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

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.   
John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon
+3

3 months to see the results of a tummy tuck

It takes 3 months to see the final results.  Expect 2-4 weeks for the swelling to go away, and then for the duration of about 3 months the wounds on the inside continue to heal and as they do they contract.  Your abdomen shape will continue to change slightly during those 3 months.  For the scars, you want to wait about a year.  It takes about a year for scars in general to complete healing.  Initially they will be red, raised, noticeable.  Then they will... more
Martin Jugenburg, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon
+3

Tummy tuck results show after swelling subsides

After any surgical procedure, you will have swelling for several weeks.  Most of this swelling will resolves by about the 6th week after your surgeon.  The remaining 10% or so, will take several months to be completely gone.  Compression graments and early massaging will help to resolve early swelling.
Siamak Agha, MD, PhD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+3

Several weeks required after Tummy Tuck to see final result

A tummy tuck divides the lympatic channels that normally would drain fluid from the lower abdomen. This creates swelling and thickness to the abdominal flap. This can sometimes be appreciated as a step off between the tissue immediately above and below your incision line. This can take several weeks to resolve. If liposuction was performed at the same time as your tummy tuck, there may be even more swelling that takes longer to resolve. Make sure you see your surgeon frequently to make sure... more
Jeffrey Horowitz, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+2

Noticeable Improvement VS FINAL Results from a Tummy Tuck

The extent of undermining, muscle tightening and associated liposuction done with a Tummy Tuck would prolong swelling. But you should see a noticeable improvement immediately after a tummy tuck which would improve as the swelling subsides. By 4 months after surgery much of the swelling should have resolved and by 6-8 months you should be able to see the final results.
Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+2

How long after Tummy Tuck will I see my final results?

Hi there- You will see a dramatic improvement immediately, but of course should expect some swelling for a few weeks to months, depending on the details of your surgery. As with all swelling, it subsides gradually, and so you will find yourself looking better almost daily after the first few days, but expect the final result to take a month or two. 
Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon
+2

When can you see your Tummy Tuck results

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.
C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
+2

Difficulty buttoning pants after tummy tuck can last a few months

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 you are able to stand fully upright and straight the sides of your abdomen will stretch, your posture will improve and the problem buttoning your pants should go away.
Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon
+2

Length of time to see results of a tummy tuck

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 the length of the incision, extent of liposuction and muscle repair. Furthermore the results can be enhanced with an exercise regimen. see video
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Tummy Tuck Results

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 may be a small amount of variability in your swelling which can change as the drains are removed and as your activity level increases. I hope this helps.
Steven H. Williams, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck final results should take 3 to 6 months

This is one of the most common questions that my tummy tuck patients ask. The answer, honestly, depends on the type of tummy tuck that you have received. All of the tummy tucks that we perform at Miami Aesthetic Surgery include liposuction. This will help you get a better shape but will prolong the time for you to see the final result. Our patients also get two tummy tuck garments which will help with the swelling and let them reach their final shape more quickly. You should expect your... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

How long to result of tummy tuck

It usually takes at least 3 months to see the result; in some patients it may take longer than 3 months.   The final result is apparent only after all the swelling is gone.  While all patients have swelling initially, some patients have swelling that takes a while to resolve.  You may have difficulty fitting into your pre-surgery clothes.  Once the swelling has dissipated, your clothes will fit again and, in some cases, you will wear a smaller size. ... more
Tracy Pfeifer, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Timing for tummy tuck results

The majority of your results should be fairly immediate in terms of the contour and shape of your abdomen. Swelling may persist for several months, but can be lessened by wearing postoperative garments or binders. Incisions typically heal in the first 4-6 weeks and stop changing in appearance by 1 year.
David Bogue, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

Final Tummy Tuck results

Before and after photos would greatly help us determine how your healing or lack there of is progressing. You could be having a complication, like seroma. If interested, please post photos. Regards.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Many months for final result from tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)

Most patients resume fairly normal activity by 6 weeks after and abdominoplasty. However, the resulting scar from the opearion will continue to change for many months after the operation. It make take 2 years for the final result to be achieved.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Results of Tummy Tuck

After Tummy Tuck you should see the results immediatly, but this is not the final results. The final result depend on the extent of the surgery and may take up to six months.
Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck final results

It is very common to have swelling after tummy tuck surgery. The majority of swelling should go away after about 3-6 weeks but there will be residual swelling for months especially after activity.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Results of a tummy tuck

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 instructions, you should heal just fine.
Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

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

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.
Sanjay Grover MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck results

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 part of a tummy tuck that is good is as long as you maintain your weight you maintain your results.
Bahram Ghaderi, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
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