Tummy Tuck Q&A
94%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers
that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not.
See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings
or Add Your Review
View Before and Afters
Average Tummy Tuck Cost: $7,925
Learn about Tummy Tuck
7,660 people and 860 doctors are talking about Tummy Tuck
Get Free Email Updates
Tummy Tuck Recovery
asked 2 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Gregory A. Wiener, MD, FACS
Question viewed 66,668 times
Tags: abdomen, aftercare, downtime, pain, recovery
What is tummy tuck recovery generally like? If I get it done, what can I expect post-op care, checkups, pain? How long does complete recovery from a tummy tuck take?
45 answers to Tummy Tuck Recovery
+6
Abdominoplasty recovery
Most patients will take off 1-2 weeks from work to recover from an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. Usually after one week, most patients are no longer requiring narcotics and can usually control the pain with Tylenol. Patients are instructed to avoid heavy lifting for four to six weeks. It may take several months before you're back to a complete recovery and resuming normal activities and exercise.
You will have two plastic drains that are placed under the abdominal skin which will be removed...
more
+5
Recovery from a full tummy tuck
For full tummy tucks, patients in our practice receive an On-Q pain pump which delivers local anesthetic into the surgical area. All patients spend a night (and sometimes more) at a licensed Aftercare facility. These two factors have made recovery from a tummy tuck much more civilized. Most patients require little or no narcotic pain shots, although they are available. They describe being sore when they are too active for about a week.
All sutures are self-dissolving.
Patients generally...
more
+3
Tummy tuck recovery in Los Angeles
Recovery after a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is usually about 2 weeks, but this can vary depending on the extent and type of tummy tuck as well as the patient's general health and age. usually thin people who are young experienced the fastest recovery. In the reference below you can find important information about tummy tuck recovery.
+14
Recovery after a tummy tuck
A tummy tuck which is also referred to as an abdominoplasty is a procedure to enhance the appearance of the abdomen. It consists of 3 basic steps:
Skin removal and tightening
Subcuataneous fat removal
Muscle tightening
The recovery is very similar to a C-Section or Hysterectomy recovery. The first week lifting is limited to 15 lbs maximum and the patients usually walk slowly and bend over. The second week the weight limitaion is increased to...
more
+10
How will I recover from my tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck recovery can certainly vary from patient to patient. It can also vary depending upon which type of tummy tuck you have. Whether mini or full tummy tuck muscle tightening, or tightening of the abdominal wall is generally the part of the procedure that causes the most discomfort. The average patient in my practice with a full muscle tightening tummy tuck will usually take off about two weeks from work. Recall though, that this is an average some patients...
more
+10
What to Expect for Tummy Tuck Recovery
Mini Abdominoplasty:
Mini tummy tucks are recommended if only a small lower abdominal skin excess is present. A mini tummy tuck has a quicker recovery. After a mini tummy tuck procedure, moderate discomfort can be treated with oral pain medication. Patients can usually return to work a week after surgery.
Standard Abdominoplasty:
After standard abdominoplasty patients should take care in movement for the first week, walking in a somewhat forward flexed position at the waist. Pain...
more
+9
Tummy tuck recovery
Tummy tucks is a big surgery and there is a very high satisfaction rate. However, you do have to budget time for the recovery. Many patients go home the same day but you can also plan on staying overnight. Walking is very important, however, you will need to keep your hips flexed (like you have a cane or are skiing). Over the next week or so, you slowly straighten up. In addition, you should sleep with pillows under the legs or in a recliner position. Pain...
more
+9
Tummy Tuck Pain
The pain of a tummy tuck will vary from one patient to the next and will be a bit more if the muscles are tightened, a common part of the procedure. Most patients are feeling the worst is over after the first 3 days and are getting back into normal activities in about 10-14 days. However vigorous activities will probably not be comfortable for 6-8 weeks.
+9
Tummy tuck recovery
I think it is best to prepare for a “recovery” of 4 weeks after tummy tuck surgery. Descriptions of recovery times shorter than this, in my opinion, is over-promising.
I do have another 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...
more
+9
Recovery after a tummy tuck
Immediately after a tummy tuck you will feel tight, swollen, and not be able to stand fully upright. Your tummy will hurt but the pain can be controlled with pain pills. In my practice we offer a pain pump to my patients that slowly infuses local anesthesia in the area of the surgery (under the skin) to help reduce the pain. I have found that the pain pumps really take the edge off and make my patients' experience a lot better.
The usual progression is that you will walk hunched over a bit...
more
Adam Rubinstein, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+8
Recovery after Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty
The recovery after a tummy tuck varies among patients and the type of procedure they have. A tummy tuck involves one, some, or all of the following components:
1. Removal of skin and fat
2. Liposuction of the abdomen & Hips
3. Repair of separated muscles (diastasis recti)
Patients that do not require muscle repair have the fastest recovery, while patients undergoing all three components take longer to recovery. The recovery ranges from 2-4 weeks depending on the...
more
Ankit Desai, MD
Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+7
Tummy tuck recovery
There is discomfort from a tummy tuck but it is not too bad if you are a calm and positive person. With pain killers and muscle relaxants, it is manageable. In my practice, I tell patients they will feel 85% normal after one month and totally normal between 2-3 months after surgery. I see all patients the next day and the next visit is to remove their single drain, usually at 7-10 days postop. All sutures are dissolvable. Next visit is at 8 weeks at which time all exercises are permitted.
more
+7
Recovering from a tummy tuck
After a full tummy tuck, expect some discomfort that should be controlled by oral pain medicine. Expect to walk bent over for 1-2 weeks because of the skin that is removed to make a flat contour to your abdomen. Visit after are usually at 1, 2, and 6 weeks after followed by 3, 6, and 12 months. You will most likely have drains placed to remove any excess fluid that build up, but these are removed 1-2 weeks later in the office. I usually recommend 2 weeks off of work and 6 weeks of...
more
+6
Recover after a tummy tuck
Tummy tucks require much less recovery time than most people think. Most people resume work and somewhat regular activity after 10-14 days. By 4-6 weeks, most are back to full activity. Furthermore, many women who have previously undergone C-sections claim that the tummy tuck recovery was much easier.
Gary D. Breslow, MD
Paramus Plastic Surgeon
Paramus Plastic Surgeon
+6
Faster tummy tuck recovery
As the previous posts point out, recovery for tummy tuck varies depending on the patient and the extent of surgery. Pain can be minimized by the use of a "pain pump" such as the On-Q system which slowy infuses numbing medication (lidocaine, non-narcotic) through a tiny catheter into the surgical site for a few days. Another thing that I have found very helpful is the use of a technique called progressive tension sutures, which minimize the amount of time that the drain tube needs...
more
+5
Tummy tuck recovery
Tummy tucks can be performed as an outpatient procedure (the majority of the time for my patients) or with a brief, typically overnight, stay in the hospital or at a recovery center. Like the other authors here, I advise my patients that they will be walking doubled over (like they have a tummy ache, which they do, in a manner of speaking) for the first 5-10 days depending on how tight the closure is and how much skin was removed. Depending on the surgeon, you may have drains that remain in...
more
Tim Abou-Sayed, MD
Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
+5
Tummy tuck recovery - not as bad as you think
Although the recovery can vary greatly from patient to patient, these are the guidelines that I give at the time of the consultation:
walking in a stooped position for 3 or 4 days
standing normally and able to go for short walks after day 4
return to work (desk job) after two weeks
light exercise (not using the abs) after four weeks
full activities (gradually) after six weeks
The most common comment I get from my patients after a tummy-tuck is...
more
Arie Benchetrit, MD
Montreal Plastic Surgeon
Montreal Plastic Surgeon
+5
Tummy Tuck Recovery
The recovery for each individual is different. I generally tell my patients to take 1-2 weeks off from work depending on how physical your job is. The first week is limited to activities of daily living. Week 2 you may start to drive, shop, work with limited activity. Week 3-4 you may begin walking for exercise. At about 4-6 weeks you may resume regular activity and increase your workouts according to how you feel. At 6 weeks your body's tissues are well healed and should tolerate...
more
Anthony Dardano, DO
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+5
Recovery and healing after tummy tuck
There are variations on the tummy tuck operation which will have variable recovery rates. the main factor is whether the muscle has been tightened. It is the muscle manipulation which slows the recovery. I tell my patients surgery on skin is less painful than muscle.
As a general rule, patients are off the pain medications by 5-7 days. Surgical drains need to be removed and this is usually between days 5 and 10. I will begin non core exercise after 2 weeks and wait 4-6 weeks before beginning...
more
+4
Tumescent fluid speeds recovery
There are a lot of factors that effect your recovery with a tummy tuck. For most patients, the worst discomfort is the first two to three days and it gradually gets better after that. Most normal activities and be returned to in about two weeks but six weeks for heavy lifting, abdominal exercises or strenuous activity. This is because it takes six weeks to build up enough scar tissue that you are no longer relying on the stitches in the muscle to hold things together.
Many surgeons...
more
+4
Tummy Tuck recovery...
After having a tummy tuck you should expect to have some bruising and swelling. You may experience some pain in your abdomen, but that is to be expected. Your surgeon will perscribe pain medication, and you should take it as needed. The postop visits are usually weekly until the drains are removed. Healing from a tummy tuck is an individual matter, but in general you should plan to miss about 7-10 days of work with more activity being possible...
more
+4
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Recovery will vary from person to person based on the exact nature of the procedure and how well the patient heals. I typically recommend for my patients to take two weeks off from work and an additional four weeks minimum from strenuous exercise. Most patient will remain a little tired for up to six weeks.
Christine Sullivan, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon
Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+4
Recovery from a Tummy Tuck
The early stage phase of healing from a tummy tuck is within 10-14 days where most of the pain, discomfort and limitation in activity occurs. After this period patients slowly return to their daily activities, including light jobs, driving, etc. Of course within the following 4-6 weeks the residual swelling will resolve and the scars will continue to fade for up to one year. Patients vary with regard to pain threshold but most do not require medication after 10 days...
more
Pedy Ganchi, MD
Ridgewood Plastic Surgeon
Ridgewood Plastic Surgeon
+4
Tummy Tuck Recovery
A tummy tuck can be outpatient surgery or may require an overnight stay. I have my patients ambulating immediately after surgery. However, immediately after surgery, you will be walking flexed at your waist (in the skier's position). Each day, you will be gradually able to straighten. It generally takes 5-10 days (on average 7 days) for my patients to walk straight. I do instruct my patients to sleep in a recliner or sleep in their bed propped up with...
more
+4
Tummy tuck recovery 10 days-2 weeks
For most patients, recovery after a tummy-tuck is 10 days to two-weeks. Of course, back-to-work depends on the type of work you do. In a high-demand physical job, you may not feel comfortable returning to work full-time for at least two weeks. However, in a office type setting, 10 days may be sufficient.
The recovery time varies from body shape to body shape, and from person to person depending on pain tolerance, anxiety level, etc.
Navin K. Singh, MD
Washington DC Plastic Surgeon
Washington DC Plastic Surgeon
+3
Recovery from tummy tuck surgery...
For a tummy tuck surgery, we typically tell patients that recovery generally takes about 2 weeks. You will have to walk bent over for the first 1-2 weeks to avoid tension on the incision. You will also have 2 drains in place over your pubic bone which are typically in place for 1-2 weeks depending on the drainage. We will provide you with a supportive abdominal binder to wear for 4 weeks. Patients can resume everyday activity within 1-2 weeks after surgery and can resume exercise...
more
Robert Heck, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon
Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+3
Tummy Tuck "Aftermath"
Hello,
Tummy Tuck surgery is one of the larger procedures plastic surgeons offer. Then again some of us are better at them than others. Check out my wife 5 hours after I did hers in the video below. Pain pumps are pretty nice when used properly.
Overall recovery is usually quoted to be 6-8 weeks but can be longer for more extreme exertion-related activities. Each practice runs the process a bit differently. Just ask before you decide.
Best Regards,
John Di Saia...
more
+3
Tummy Tuck Postoperative Recovery
Routine post operative check ups are usually on the first postoperative day and then at one week, two weeks and six weeks after surgery. An appointment is also usuallly made for 3-4 months out from surgery as well. Most patients are advised to take 2 weeks off of work after a tummy tuck but I've had patients go back to work in a week as long as their jobs were sedentary. Pain after surgery is quite manageable and with the use of a pain pump which adminsters local anaesthesia under the...
more
+3
Tummy tuck recovery
Everyone recovers differently from surgery, everyone handles pain differently. My patients are usually walking slightly bent forward to take tension off of the incision for the first 2 weeks . Drains are in for average of 2 weeks, some are removed sooner some later. It depends on the drainage in 24 hour period that will dictate when to remove the drain(less than 30 cc in 24 hours). It can be hard to drive with drain tubes in , so you may need a driver during this time. At a month...
more
+3
Tummy tuck recovery
Recovering from a tummy tuck is different for everyone since everyone pretty much gets a custom operation. In general, though, the recovery takes about 1-2 weeks before heading back to work. Then there are several phases to the recovery that ultimately takes about 6-8 weeks for the initial major recovery and then by 3-6 months, full recovery.
Jay Calvert, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+3
Recovery From a Tummy Tuck
Recovery time with any procedure depends on what you're having done. Usually Tummy Tuck are done on an outpatient basis. Most surgeons use a pain pump to help keep the patients comfortable. Anywhere from one to three drains will be used and removed about 5 days after surgery. Dependent on the patient sometimes one drain will stay in a bit longer to help with the drainage. Wearing of a garment is vital for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Sometimes patients desire to wear them...
more
+3
3-4 week recovery period is necessary
Patients are typically discharged home the day of surgery with On-Q pain pumps in place. Help will be needed for 2-3 days following surgery. The pain pump is removed at home by the pain 4-5 days after surgery and the drains are removed 1-2 weeks after surgery. Patients may drive when they are off pain medication for 48 hours - generally 2-3 weeks after surgery. Full physical activity may be resumed 4-6 weeks after surgery.
Marisa Lawrence, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+3
Tummy tuck recovery time.
Recovery times vary, but patients are generally able to return to work in one to two weeks, light exercise in three to four weeks, and full exercise in five to six weeks.
+3
Tummy tuck recovery
The surgery takes 3 hours or more and if you’re having the procedure as an outpatient, you’ll be able to go home shortly thereafter. There is a special technique--a pain pump-- that speeds up the recovery and minimizes postoperative discomfort by releasing pain medication in the abdomen during the first few days after surgery. You should ask your doctor if they use this because it can make a big difference in the speed and ease of recovery.
My patients...
more
Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD
New York Plastic Surgeon
New York Plastic Surgeon
+3
Tummy Tuck recovery
Usually recovery after a tummy tuck may take 10 to 14 days. You will have pain and swelling for about 5 days. Most of the pain will be gone by 7 days and most of the bruising will resolve within 2 weeks. Complete healing can take several months but your incisions should be sealed by 6 weeks. For more information,you cna visit my tummy tuck recovery page below.
+3
Abdominoplasty recovery will vary from patient to patient
As Dr. Placik stated the recovery will vary depending on the extend of the surgery and also you pre-op shape. Most of my patients go back to work 10 days after surgery.
+3
Complete recovery from abdominoplasty at 6 weeks
Tummy tucks can vary tremendously in their extent ranging from 1 hour to 5 hour procedures and from mini to full. Accordingly the recoveries will vary as well.
We typically see patients at 3-5 days, 10 days, 3 weeks, & 3 months. Most patients return to non-strenous activity at 2 weeks and unrestricted activity at 6 weeks.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2
Tummy tuck recovery
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is one of the more painful and longer recoveries when it comes to cosmetic surgery. I generally tell patients to plan on being not themselves for about 6 weeks. During that time frame they wear a compression garment over the abdomen, avoid lifting object over 10#s and plan to not be able to stand up straight for several weeks. There are generally 2-4 drains which stay in for 1-3 weeks. No aggressive physical activities can be performed...
more
+2
TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY,
Recovery after tummy tuck is lengthy but activity can be increased gradually to allow for increase in exercise and work needs. Unfortunately this is one of the most uncomfortable operations we have, mainly because of the extensive amount of abdominal wall work that is required. It is also one of the most rewarding operations we do.
All the best,
Tal Raine MD FACS
Talmage J. Raine, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2
Tummy tuck recovery
Tummy tuck is a great surgery to remove excess skin and fat, and to tighten muscles. Recovery time varies with each patient. I like to see my patients post op day one, then approximately twice a week for a few weeks. The pain is typically well controlled by muscle relaxers and pain medication. Most of my patients are pleasantly surprised by how how manageable the discomfort is after this surgery!
+2
Tummy tuck recovery
Recovery from tummy tuck varies from patient to patient. Most of my patients take pain medication about 1-2 weeks. You should be able to ambulate on the same day of the surgery or the next day with your waist flexed. You will gradually gain your strength and mobility in 2-3 weeks. However, a heavy exercise (lifting, straining, sit-ups) should be avoided for 6 weeks.
+2
Tummy Tuck Recovery
At my practice, we usually say that tummy tuck recovery is between 7 and 10 days. The incision will continue to heal after that and checkups will be very regularly. Usually within the first 2 weeks of surgery you will see the surgeon about 2 to 3 times. The recovery is longer than other procedures like breast augmentation. Healing is a very personal process but it is possible that you could expect to be moving around like before surgery within a month.
Amy K. Alderman, M.D., M.P.H.
Alpharetta Plastic Surgeon
Alpharetta Plastic Surgeon
+1
Tummy Tuck
Most patients feel tired and sore after surgery there will be some degree of bruising and swelling. Small plastic drains are in place and are removed in several days. A post-surgical garment is worn for several weeks. Most patients return to work within 10-14 days. More strenuous activities can be resumed in 6-8 weeks.
Gregory A. Wiener, MD, FACS
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Following the tummy tuck procedure, you should be in a flexed position to minimize tension on the incision sites by to bending at the hips (waist) in order to reduce tension on the newly tightened skin. A recliner chair is perfect for this purpose but a pillow beneath your knees and several at the head of the bed will work well also. Immediately after surgery, within the first few hours, the patients will walk in a slightly bent-over position. During the 6 weeks after surgery,...
more
+1
There are different types of tummy tucks but most experience a variation of the following:
Hello,
Thank you for your question. Although there are a variety of different types of tummy tucks, different techniques among plastic surgeons, and different pain tolerances among patients the following is what most people can expect:
most:
-commonly performed tummy tuck is the full tummy tuck
-tummy tucks also include abdominal wall tightening (muscle repair)
-plastic surgeons inject numbing medication
-plastic surgeons use one or more drains as well as and...
more
Doctors Nearby
William Bruno, MD
32 recommendations
and
1,097 answers
View Website
Brent Moelleken, MD
34 recommendations
and
1,328 answers
View Website
S. Sean Younai, MD
10 recommendations
and
311 answers
View Website
RealSelf Sponsors
ADVERTISEMENT