Tummy Tuck Q&A
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What Expectations Should I Have for the Recovery Process for an Extended Tummy Tuck?
asked 9 months ago by anon
Latest answer by Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD
Question viewed 129 times
Tags: aftercare, expectation, recovery
Just curious on what the recovery and pain will be like for an extended tummy tuck? Is it much different than a regular tummy tuck?
4 answers to What Expectations Should I Have for the Recovery Process for an Extended Tummy Tuck?
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Recovery of tummy tuck and extended tummy tuck
An extended tummy tuck simply involves an incision which is slightly longer than a traditional tummy tuck incision. This allows removal of more skin and tissue laterally (toward the sides). The recovery and pain is essentially the same as a traditional tummy tuck with most patients taking one week off of work with no heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks.
Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine which procedure you are the best candidate for.
Best wishes,
Dr.Bruno
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+1
Tummy tuck recovery
Because a tummy tuck tightens loose or stretched abdominal muscles and a lot of excess skin is removed, the recovery for this surgery is notably long, but you can generally return to work in 2 weeks. This surgery takes about 3 hours and can often can be performed as an outpatient procedure under twilight sedation, instead of general anesthesia, and you will be able to go home shortly thereafter. After surgery, you may walk and sit a little hunched over for a few days and should not even try...
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Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD
New York Plastic Surgeon
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1
Extended and regulary tummy tuck recoveries similar
The recovery from a regular tummy tuck and an extended tummy tuck where more skin is removed are very similar. Most of the pain from a tummy tuck comes from the muscle repair which is usually done in both procedures, therefore, there isn't that much difference in the discomfort. It is possible that your drains may stay in a little longer but these typically do not cause any discomfort.
One thing that can be done to reduce your pain with surgery is to have tumescent fluid...
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+1
Standard versus Extended Tummy Tuck Recovery?
Thank you for the question.
I do not find a significant difference in the recovery between standard and extended tummy tuck procedures.
I do however have a word of advice for you. Patients who are about to undergo tummy tuck surgery spend a lot of time thinking about the physical preparation for the procedure (for example weight loss issues) but do not spend a lot of time thinking about the emotional aspects.
It is not uncommon for patients who undergo the procedure to experience...
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