How long to before an event to have a tummy tuck?

Question

I'm 26 and currently down 30 of 65 lbs I'd like to lose total. Based on the deep stretch marks and already somewhat loose skin of my lower abdomen, I'm pretty convinced that I will need a tummy tuck when I reach my goal weight, which, if all goes according to plan, will be around April 1st. I'm a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding at the end of May, so how far in advance of her wedding should I plan on scheduling the surgery so that I won't be super swollen on the day of her wedding?

Robert P. Schmid, MD · Answer

Thanks for ur question! I get this quite a lot, really. I think that u should give yourself at least 6-8 weeks before any big event to have a tummy tuck: it's probably the longest recovery of any aesthetic plastic surgery that we ABPS plastic surgeons do! And of course, you've gotta realize that it's a real surgery with real risks, & u could always have a setback that could mean having to miss the event. That being said, & in my experience of doing >1,000 tummy tucks, odds r high that u should b good to go & look great for ur event. Best of luck to u!

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. It will be at least 6 weeks post op before you can do any strenuous activity and many patients still have some swelling at that point. The majority of pain and swelling should have resolved by 6-8 weeks however.I recommend that you discuss your plans and goals with your chosen Plastic Surgeon so that they can help you plan and meet your needs.All the best

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If all goes well and you allow yourself a minimum of 8 weeks between your surgery and your friend’s wedding, then that would probably be sufficient. The swelling won’t be totally gone, as it can take a full year for this to occur, but most of it should have subsided. At 8 weeks, you’ll also be able to enjoy yourself without limitations on activity. Of course, it’s always best to ask your surgeon for their advice, as it may be different.

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

Great job on your weight loss so far!  Surgery is best planned when you have reached a stable weight that is within 5-10 pounds of your goal.  At minimum, you want to have your surgery 6 weeks before an event.  Some patients will have persistent swelling for as long as 3-4 months but generally most of the swelling is resolved by 6 weeks.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, you should do your surgery at least six weeks before the wedding and better yet would be eight weeks. I have link to my website going over early recovery after tummy tuck and congratulations on your weight loss!

How long to before an event to have a tummy tuck?

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How long to before an event to have a tummy tuck?

Answers (10)

Answer: How long to before an event to have a tummy tuck?

Answer: How long to before an event to have a tummy tuck?

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.