Disconfort and tenderness are common after a tummy tuck. The duration of these symptoms vary depending on the patient's body ability to heal and pain tolerance. In average these symptoms last for 2 weeks, in some patients they could last longer or shorter.
I usually tell my patients that significant discomfort is limited to the first week, maybe two, after an invasive tummy tuck, tightening, and lipo. I only expect patients to have very significant pain over the first few days, and generally after two or three days they are off of Percocet. The next several days they're still very sore, and moving a bit slower than normal. The second week Tylenol and ibuprofen is usually enough to do the trick, and they're moving about doing most tasks that do not require any stress or strain. By the third week, there will still be some soreness, especially over areas of liposuction. By the fourth and fifth week, this has continued to subside where in most patients it is not much of a bother at all anymore. So, it is different for everyone, and gradual. Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA
