How long you will need to have someone take care of you after a tummy tuck?

The first 24-48 hours are crucial-- someone needs to take you home after your surgery, and take care of you. The longer you can have someone stay with you the better. 

If you could have someone with you for a week, that would be best.  You need someone to help you around, drive you, help you take care of your home.  2-3 days would be fine, but a week would be ideal.

It is advisable to have full-time help for at least the first 48 hours  and someone to help with normal house duties for several weeks. I recommend no heavy lifting or exercise for the first 6 weeks. You cannot drive until you are off pain pills. If you have younger children some form of childcare is very advisable.

Great question and an important one in planning for surgery.  The first week after surgery is the most difficult after a tummy tuck.  Generally, you will have a drain in place and will be walking around slightly hunched over.  You will need help getting in and out of bed.  You also won't be able to drive anywhere as you likely will be taking pain medications.  Beyond one week, it depends on what kind of help you need at home.  If you have small children, you may need help longer because even though you will be feeling better after 1-2 weeks, you will have difficulty caring for them.  Good luck!

You need someone who could help you in your diary task, such as cooking (and prepare you the meals), do the laundry (and help you to dress), etc. Someone who help you with the drains until you get use to them. Remember that you need rest to recover as you would with any other operation. Don't drive if you are taking narcotics.Take care and have a nice day!

If you just do an abdominoplasty alone, we typically recommend 7-10 days of assistance at home.   If you do additional procedures, this can require assistance up to 3 weeks.   I wish you a safe recovery and an outstanding result!!Dr. Paul GillThe Woodlands, TX

On average, most patients need 10 to 14 days of recovery to return to a desk job from an abdominoplasty.  During the first 3 days a patient may need assistance from loved ones to help with daily chores.  Once drains are removed patients feel more mobile and are permitted to drive as long as they are not on pain medication.  At 8 weeks patient can return to regular exercise, the only limitation is core exercises for an additional 2 months. 

That varies to how your recovery is. Usually 1 week should be enough time but again over the internet only generalized terms can apply....

  The tummy tuck is a major operation associated with a major physical and emotional recovery time often underestimated by patients and their surgeons. As you can imagine, every patient's experience differs after the procedures.   I would advise you to have help at home for one to 2 weeks after the procedure planned. You will be surprised how much help you will need simply getting out of a bed or recliner ( using your “core”). Some words of advice:  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.

That depends on you and the details of your surgery. People are usually not able to drive for 7-14 days. As far as help around the house, you will be self sufficient in 2-3 days in most cases. If you have small children, you will need help for 2-4 weeks.