Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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When Will I Feel Normal After Full Tummy Tuck?

I had my Full Tummy Tuck Lipo on hips ,waist under and sides of breasts Breast lift with implant .3 weeks ago after the operation I needed two blood transfusions had a chest infection so I had two lots of steroids .I still do not feel well ,tired al of the time weepy I still can't stand up straight still feel very tight and very swolen .when can I expect to feel a bit more normal ?

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28 Doctor Answers | Asked by mariaall in uk

Doctor Answers (28)
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The body takes time to heal after a Tummy Tuck!

Different people heal differently, and there are different type of Tummy Tuck procedures. But usually, most of my patients go back to their routine work activities in two weeks, and do light exericising in 4 weeks, with no sit ups. Most people feel their normal self in about 8-12 weeks, but will still have some bad days, here and there, for up to 6-8 months more.

Recovery from a Tummy Tuck

The recovery from a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) generally takes about 2-3 weeks to begin returning to normal activity. Some patients heal faster, and some take longer. In your case it seems like you had a rougher time than average. The chest infection definitely will weaken you making your recovery longer. Also, it is a bit unusual to need any transfusions with this surgery. In my experience the amount of bleeding is very little. In any case, you had a more difficult time than average.... more

Give it sometime, you had some adverse effects

It seems that you had some adverse effects following your surgery. This will make your recovery a little harder. In general 3 weeks following this procedure you will start feeling well. With a chest infection ,steroids on board etc... too many factors involved. Give it some time. Work with your doctors until you are back to normal.

Tummy tuck recovery

Typically, I tell my tummy tuck patients to plan on missing two weeks of work, no heavy lifting for at least four weeks, and that it will take a minimum of 6-8 weeks until they feel back to normal. When a tummy tuck is combined with other procedures the recovery period is not only more strenuous, but also longer in some cases. In addition, I think patients who undergo multiple procedures at once have a higher likelihood of experiencing a complication. Lastly, it's... more

Recovery: slow but steady

Sounds like you have had a very difficult post-operative course. It's normal to feel blue during recovery. Fatigue and irregular sleep contribute to emotional lows after surgery. Dehydration and inadequate nutrition make things worse, so be sure to drink lots of water and eat lots protein. When recovery is further slowed by complications, it can be very depressing. It s very important to know that you will heal, and you will feel yourself, again. Your... more

Recovery after a tummy tuck

When I see patients after a tummy tuck, I typically hear them complain that they are “exhausted”, they say “I feel like I was hit by a truck”, and “I feel tight”, but they don’t typically complain about pain after a tummy tuck. Don’t get me wrong, they all take some kind of pain medication, but the main complain is not typically the pain level. The worst part seems to be the first three days, after that they truly get better much faster. Most... more

Recovery from an Abdominoplasty/Lipo/Augmentation Mastopexy

The recovery from a straight abdominoplasty is 2-3 weeks and back to the gym in 4-6 weeks typically. When adding other procedures, the recovery may be longer especially in light of your complications. Being anemic enough to require transfusions as well as an overlying infection will drain you of energy. Trust your plastic surgeon to get you through this time and be patient. It may be up to 3 months before you're feeling like yourself again. more

Abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" recovery

Recovery from a full abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" depends on the patient's level of fitness, degree of excess skin and fat and abdominal wall laxity in need of treatment. The larger the change, the longer the recovery.

Abdominoplasty recovery

Sorry to hear about your difficult recovery. This process varies with age, nutritional status, and underlying health issues. Most of my patients return to work within 2 weeks following abdominoplasty. When this procedure is combined with others, recovery time is often slightly longer. Anemia (low blood count) may contribute to a prolonged recovery. When a complication is involved (hematoma, infection, wound dehisence), it may take several weeks to... more

Feeling normal after a tummy tuck

Most of my patients feel reasonalby good by 2-3 weeks but may still tire easily. I would say back to normal for 90% by 4-6 weeks.

Recovery following a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast augmentation mastopexy

It is normal to still feel tired and not quite yourself 3 weeks after a tummy tuck , liposuction, and breast implantation with a lift. You have had quite a rough recovery, but I would expect that you to start to feel better soon. I advise my patients having this combination of procedures to take 10 to 14 days off of work. They typically stat to feel better 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure and report feeling "normal" 6 weeks post-operatively. Your recovery may be... more

Recovering from a tummy tuck

Normally I advise my patients to take 2 weeks off work. Once your drains are removed you will feel alot better. You will be swollen and sore for up to six weeks after surgery. The recovery does take some time but the results are worth it.

Recovery after a tummy tuck

Feeling normal after a tummy tuck alone can take a minimum of four to six weeks for most patients. With the number of added procedures you had performed along with the complicated course so far, a longer recovery period of at least 2-3 months is much more realistic. Swelling usually takes several weeks to resolve especially when liposuction is added. The feeling of tightness is also normal at this stage. Some of the length of recovery also depends on how much of a... more

Recovery after a tummy tuck can take months

On average, I think most of my patients say they feel pretty much back to normal after about 6 weeks. However, you had more than just a tummy tuck done, AND you have had an ususual recovery, complicated by blood loss and infection. Your body is working to recover from those things at the same time, so it may take you months to feel "normal" again. Keep your chin up and hang in there--surely your final results will make it all worthwhile!

Carmen Kavali, MD

11 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Recovery may take as long as two or three months

It sounds like you really had a tough time with your recovery, considering the complications you've had and the treatment required include blood transfusions and steroids. Most patients recover and resume normal activity within 3-4 weeks, but I would imagine it's going to take you to possibly three months.Good luck with your recovery

Recovery time for Tummy Tuck

I recommend that my patients take at least 2 weeks off work. Tummy tucks are pretty long and involved and it takes time to recover from it. It usually takes 6 weeks for a full recovery and for you to feel normal again.

Full recovery from a tummy tuck is at least 3 months.

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a physiologically profound operation on the patient and the recovery will reflect this. Patients, although they may be walking around in a few days, will take much longer to obtain full recovery. Three months would be the most favorable recovery but it may be months longer depending on the patient and the magnitude of the particular operation.

Tummy Tuck recovery

Three weeks is a bit soon to expect full recovery after a tummy tuck. The tightness, fatigue, and weepiness are all normal. Most women are back to near normal activity by six weeks. However, it sounds like you have had some things that will certainly delay your recovery. Take it easy, get a little exercise, get out of the house, limit your pain medication, take vitamins, eat well, and drink plenty of fliuds. Talk to your doctor about how you feel. more

Tummy tuck recovery

Recovery after a tummy tuck needs about two weeks. By that time, you will be able to engage in many normal living activities. However, full recovery will take at least Six weeks.

Recovery After a Full Tummy Tuck

The majority of patients can return to work two weeks after a full tummy tuck. I have them wear a supportive binder for 4-6 weeks. Most people are back to full normal activity by 6 weeks, including lifting. It really takes 9 months to a year to see the final results, and to resolve areas of numbness. Your situation is unique, considering the large amount of surgery that you underwent, your need for transfusion, and your postoperative complications. I am not... more

Try to be patient

It sounds like you unfortunately have had a complicated course. It is not uncommon to experience some emotional lows, fatigue and discomfort for up to 6 weeks after an average abdominoplasty and breast augmentation/mastopexy surgery. You are only at 3 weeks and with your complicated course these findings are not at all surprsing. Be patient and speak with your plastic surgeon frequentlry so that he/she can reassure you that you are improving. Good luck :-). more

Recovery process after a tummy tuck

Tummy tucks are one of the most popular procedures in our practice. Patients love their new curves and how they look in their clothes. Patients should keep in mind the recovery process. We commonly tell our patients to walk as much as possible after the surgery and wait for 4 to 6 weeks before returning to the gym. To learn more about tummy tucks, see photos, and help you decide which one is best for you, please visit us at the link below: see video

Tummy Tuck Recovery

It can take a while to recover from this amount of surgery. It may take several months for the "tightness" to go away, especially of your muscles were tightened. The weepiness and sometimes depression is also not uncommon during this time after tummy tuck. It will get better. Hang in there...it will be worth it!

Tummy Tuck Recovery Prolonged with Steroids

The recovery process form a tummy tuck can be pretty involved and long. especially if you have anything done to your abdominal wall internally ( tightening up the muscles, etc.) It usually takes a few weeks before patients even feel as if they can stand up straight. It really is about 6-8 weeks before people feel relatievly normal. However, in your case, because of your infections, steroids, etc., your recovery has been delayed, and it is not unsual to feel quite... more

Tummy tuck recovery process is extended but doable

Most of my patients that are working full-time are back at work within two weeks of a 'full' tummy tuck. The recovery seems to be dictated by the fascial plication. Patients that require a little plication tend to bounce back more quickly than patients that are very lax and need substantial tightening. I encourage patients to resume light exercise as soon as they feel ready. This has both physical and psychological benefits for patients.

Post-op tummy tuck

Sorry to hear that you are having such a rough time. Usually my patients are back to daily stuff within about 2 weeks. I have them hold off on aerobic-type exercise for about 3-4 weeks and heavy lifting for 6 weeks or more.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Feeling normal after a tummy tuck

Each healing process really depends on that patients individuals needs. The normal healing process is 4-6 weeks. If you don't feel right after 7 weeks I would consult your doctor or surgeon. It sounds like you have been through quite a bit during and after your procedures. I would wait out the 6 weeks and then take it from there. I hope your procedure turns out to be exactly what you wanted.

Prolonged tummy tuck recovery

You appear to have had a more complicated course than is typical. It is quite common to experience almost a post-partum depression like syndrom 3 weeks after a tummy tuck. This may take an additional 3 weeks to improve. Difficulty sleeping is also quite common. see video