Is Tiredness Always a Factor After Tummy Tuck/Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Question

I am planning to get a TT and BA in the near future. I would like to know why so many women say that they are tired weeks post op? Is it from medication, limited ability to move around, pain? I am going to have 24/7 help for the first two weeks after surgery. Is this going to turn into weeks? YIKES :) ps. I am a Mom of 3, in my 30's, healthy, and SO excited to get this done!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Yes I would say tiredness and sometimes significant emotional &ldquo;mood swings&rdquo; are very common after tummy tuck surgery.

	Keep in mind, you are about to undergo a major operation which often involves a significant physical and emotional recovery. A few words of advice may be helpful: 

	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 &ldquo;problem area&rdquo; 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 &ldquo;normal&rdquo; 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.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Surgery is a traumatic experience that requires your body to recover from, investing its energy to do so. It's emotionally taxing as well since for most patients it is a step toward making their dream a reality. For this reason it can be very tiring. Depending on your natural energy levels you may rebound easily and actually feel energized by the experience because you can now go out there and show off your results! Best of luck.

Jonathan Saunders, MD · Answer

generally people dont have full energy for 6 weeks or so. you probably only need the full time help for 2 weeks .  this is a tough surgery and you will need to be patient afterwards. leave youself time to recover. you will not be ready to run your kids around to all their activities at 2 weeks. you will need to cut back or get some help

Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Tiredness after surgery is a combination of several things, anesthesia and healing. The anesthesia effect resolves rather quickly, usually within the first several days to a week. The tiredness most attributable to healing can take longer.

	Breast augmentation patients usually bounce back very quickly. Tummy tuck recovery can take a bit longer. Once the drains are removed, usually five to seven days you start to feel much better. At two weeks most patients are back to light activity. At three weeks, your will probably be a little tired around 3:00. Generally it takes most people four weeks to get their full energy back.

	I use pain pumps after mommy make over surgery, and my patients have little to no pain.

	If you have 24/7 help for two weeks, enjoy the vacation, you will do fine.

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a common combination of procedures. Most patients do feel some fatigue after a surgery of this magnitude - this is a combination of the anesthesia, healing, lack of exercise etc. in the post-op period. It is fantastic that you have 24/7 support for 2 weeks post-op. This is just what you need ! My advice is as soon as you feel ready, try to take a walk a couple of times a day, spend some time off of the bed/couch. Light activity seems to speed recovery.

Is Tiredness Always a Factor After Tummy Tuck/Breast Augmentation Surgery?

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Answer: Mommy Make Over Recovery

Answer: Mommy Make Over Recovery

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Is Tiredness Always a Factor After Tummy Tuck/Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Answers (8)

Answer: Mommy Make Over Recovery

Answer: Mommy Make Over Recovery

Answer: Recovery after TT/breas aug procedure

Answer: Recovery after TT/breas aug procedure

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.