What is the Average Recovery Time for a Mini Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question.

You should plan on at least 2 to 4 weeks of “recovery time” after tummy tuck surgery. I remind patients that any type of tummy tuck operation involves significant physical and “emotional” recovery and offer the following 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 helps.

To a significant degree, the recovery interval after a mini tummy tuck depends on the extent of undermining for the tummy and whether the muscles have been repaired or not.With repair of the muscles, you should consider 10 to 14 days for the recovery and longer for more strenuous physical activity.If the mini tummy tuck is effectively just removing strip of excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen recovery is much quicker and at 7 days patients would typically feel quite active. It doesn't necessarily mean that it is in their best interest to push things quicker because infection is still a risk, but they would not feel so restricted. 

Healing after a mini tummy tuck is generally 3-4 weeks for normal day-to-day activities and 6 weeks for exercise. If muscle tightening was done the healing and activity restrictions can potentially be longer. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in tummy tuck procedures to see exactly what they anticipate your post surgery recovery restrictions will be. Good luck!