Tummy Tuck 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?

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58 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

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+33

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

+16

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

+13

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

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.

+12

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

+11

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

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

+10

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

+10

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

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