How long for muscle, outer skin, and fascia to all adhere again after tummy tuck?

Question

Approximately how long does it take for everything to get all connected together again after a tummy tuck? I'm researching the recovery aspects of the procedure and am curious about this part.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The actual healing after any operation takes many months. In my own practice I permit patients to begin light activities such as walking immediately after the operation. They are asked to avoid exercise the targets the abdominal muscles for about six weeks. I then allow the patients to gradually increase activity over the next six weeks to whatever level they wish. There is still healing in front of the patient at three months but they could not do anything at that point to jeopardize the results of the procedure.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Your recent posts indicate that you were scheduled for surgery on the 29th of August. Swelling after tummy tuck usually lasts 3 to 6 months, but most of the swelling is gone after a few weeks. Healthy people at their ideal weight should have the best overall recovery, but some of this will depend upon the surgical technique and adherence to postoperative protocols. Best to ask this question of the board certified PS who performed your surgery as he/she will know the extent of the procedure and how well you are healing.

John Rosdeutscher, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your question. I always explain to people that despite the cute nickname, abdominoplasty is a bid deal. Expect to be pretty out of commission for a couple weeks & probably not back to any sense of normal for 1-2 months. I encourage activity, but no heavy-lifting or straining for at least 2 weeks then ease back in to normal activity. While full recovery including all swelling takes 6-12 months to completely resolve, by ~ 12 weeks you should be close to where you are finally going to be. Tissue should be healed and layers adhered by then. Drains may be used to encourage tissue adherence & prevention of fluid collection. Remember nothing substitutes for an in-person consultation & evaluation by a board-certified plastic surgeon.Best of luck!Sincerely,
John David Rosdeutscher, M.D.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Most patients are free from lifting restrictions and can resume all activities by three months.  Full healing from a tummy tuck can take up to one year.  Your surgeon will guide you on resuming activities as you progress through recovery.

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

That's a very pertinent question. Would healing continues for about a year. However, collagen has most of it's strength back in 3 months or so. Practically speaking, according to the technique used for your tummy tuck, most activities can be resumed after 2-3 weeks, with the exception of abdominal exercises and strenuous lifting.

I highly recommend the no-drain (drainless) tummy tuck. This required a special suturing technique called Progressive Tension Sutures which closes the empty space resulting from a TT and speeds up the adherence you asked about. This also dramatically reduces the risk of a seroma, shortens the recovery time and discomfort, tightens the skin even more, and you don't have drains for 5-10 days, which patients claim to dislike.

I hope this has helped answer your question. Thank you for your interesting question, and best of luck to you.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

During a tummy tuck the skin and fat layer is separated from the muscle fascia from the incision all the way to above the costal margin or rib cage.

This creates a potential space with potential fluid buildup between the two surfaces.

On average that space is probably 12”X15”. 
Raw surfaces typically create fluid and both the muscle fascia and the cut fat surface will do this after the procedure. Until the two surfaces are adhered there can be a potential fluid buildup in the area called a seroma.

This is why surgeons place drains during a tummy tuck procedure.

The drains continuously eliminate the fluid so that the fat layer is in constant contact with the muscle fascia.

Once the two surfaces are adhered the potential space has been eliminated And the fluid buildup is no longer possible.

At this point the drains are ready to be removed. In my practice this typically happens around 11 days from the date of surgery. I’ve seen surgeons remove drains after a few days and I’ve seen drains staying for six weeks.

From here on the healing process continues with scar tissue formation that needs to go through maturation Taking six months or longer.

The skin incision will continue to improve or change for up to 18 months.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Manuel Belen, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for sharing the information, it is a pleasure for me to answer your question.
It is difficult to evaluate the options without seeing photos,
Yes, you can combine the procedures perfectly, to make mommy makeover, if your state of health allows it,
Definitely the most appropriate is to start (tummy tuck, liposuction and BBL can also be included), you are a candidate perfect, for the procedure, with this you can eliminate all localized fat and flaccidity, you will get the best results and have a defined appearance according to your body. everything depends on your BMI, if it is within the normal range, above 35 it can generate risks.
It is advisable to consult with a certified plastic surgeon, for a good evaluation, to provide you with all the information you need to know about the appropriate recommendations, so that you can achieve the desired goals in your body.

I hope this answer will help you
My best wishes for you...

How long for muscle, outer skin, and fascia to all adhere again after tummy tuck?

Answers (7)

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