Can I recover from my tummy tuck on my own?

AshDo not do this without some help. You will especially need assistance the first night after surgery, just getting out of bed to go to the bathroom. I am certain your surgeon can recommend a nurse or some sort of provider to help out for the first day or two. Good Luck

Thanks for the question. Generally, abdominoplasty involves a recovery period of longer than most plastic surgical procedures. It generally takes 3 weeks to get over the first phase of recovery. However, downtime for abdominoplasty can vary from patient to patient, depends on the size of the operated area of your body.The exact downtime will be determined by your surgeon according to your surgery results. I wish you all the best.

Personally, I don't think it's a good idea to go it alone. At the very least, you want someone around to pick you up from surgery and oversee the first day or two as you may be dopey from the anesthesia. If you don't have someone who can help, your surgeon can refer you to a facility with 24 hour nursing care for the first day or so. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Healing after a tummy tuck is usually retty straight forward. There is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery. The lateer phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens. It is after this time that we are getting close to the final result, though this varies patient to patient. Postoperatively, no specific position is indicated and we do not have any sitting restrictions. The pressure caused by sitting is not sufficient to affect viability of the fat cells and so the postsurgical position depends basically on comfort and any other operations that have been performed. Patients use girdles for 6 weeks and start therapeutic lymphatic drainage and ultrasound massages in the liposuctioned areas, which continue daily for a total of 10 sessions. Patients canreturn to light activities almost immediately after surgery, normal activities 2 weeks after surgery, and vigorous exercise 4 weeks after surgery. We usually experience a slow steady improvement for 3 months or so after surgery.

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend discussing this with your surgeon.  There are after care facilities you can go to for the first few nights to have some assistance.  Again, please discuss with your surgeon.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you will be healing following surgery.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

You will need an adult caregiver for AT LEAST the first 24 hours after surgery.  You can't just get in a cab and head home alone.  You will be on heavy pain meds and moving around (even just to the bathroom) will be difficult at first.  You will probably need help with your first dressing change. I will not discharge patients from my surgery center without an adult to care for them.  If you don't want to enlist a friend or family member, consider hiring a private duty nurse or going to a recovery center for the first few days after surgery.

There are many patients that wish to keep their surgery private. You will most certainly need someone to escort you home, and it is a good idea to have someone stay with you for the first night and maybe the next day. A nurse or escort can be arranged by your plastic surgeon's office. If you are not having muscle tightening, your recovery should be easier and you should be able to get around more easily on your own. You will not have to stay hidden for long as you can easily cover up with clothing!

Hello and thank you for reaching out. I would suggest to rethink your post op plan of having no help. Specifically, a requirement to undergo a surgical procedure at our office, is to have a ride home after surgery. General anesthesia can stay in your system for up to 24 hours, and can impair your ability to drive. As far as moving around and taking care of yourself afterwards, we also require that you have a caretaker for at least 3-5 days after any procedure, and with an anterior torsoplasty, requiring a little more help and a longer recovery. Depending on what type of abdominal procedure you have will determine how much help you need and for how long. I would let your surgeon know and be 100% honest and see what his or her requirements are for the type of surgery you have planned. Best Wishes. 

Recovery is totally different depending on what version of a "tummy tuck" you get.  Regardless, you definitely  need someone with you for the first 48-72 hours in case you have  complications.  After that, you may be doing great and can recover more independently.  Our policy is to make sure you have someone with you for at least that timeframe.  I have never put a post-operative patient in a cab.  Safety first.  We could give you better advice after examining you and figuring out what surgery you need to reach your goals.  Hope this helps.-JGH

Thank you for question. The tummy tuck operation is a major operation associate with a significant recovery. Generally, careful planning for postoperative care, both for yourself and your dependents, is an important part of the preoperative planning process. I would suggest that you have help during the first two weeks after surgery.

Generally speaking, I recommend patients plan on 2 to 4 weeks of recovery time, understanding that even at that point, they will only have approximately 70 to 80% of their energy level your great time okay you have a great time to understand this work that back. Upon returning to activity, I suggest that patients "go slow" and ease back into their activities of daily living, listening to their bodies carefully.

A few words of advice I provide to my patients undergoing mommy makeover surgery may be helpful to you:

1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself) and that you have realistic expectations. Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life situation. You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.
2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.
3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.
4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.
5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina of your caretakers.
6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.
7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.
8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).
9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience.
10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.
11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.
I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.