How Long is Downtime for Tummy Tuck?

My patients are back to work in 1-2 weeks after abdominoplasty. I do a nerve block which significantly decreases post-op pain. I also use progressive tension sutures to avoid the use of drains. I follow my patients for one year and encourage them to come back for follow ups every few months.  Attached is my peer reviewed ten year study and research paper on the progressive tension suture technique.

Hello tyella,

Thank you for reaching out with your question.

The downtime for a tummy tuck can vary depending on individual factors such as the extent of the procedure and your overall health. Typically, it's recommended to allow yourself a full 2 months of recovery before returning to full activity levels. However, for those with less physically demanding jobs, returning to work can be possible within 2 or 3 weeks post-surgery.

Considering you're an LPN and your wedding is in July, I would advise against undergoing a tummy tuck at this time. June would be too close to your wedding date to allow for proper recovery. It's essential to prioritize your health and allow yourself enough time to heal fully before engaging in significant activities or events.

I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your timeline and goals.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, and I wish you all the best on your journey towards achieving your aesthetic goals.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

 Thank you for your question! For my patients having a tummy tuck procedure, I recommend that they take 10 days off of work, three weeks off of cardio at the gym, and six weeks off of weight training and yoga exercise. If you have a job that requires heavy lifting over 10 pounds, I recommend that you work on light duty until you are six weeks post surgery.  As far as having an event post surgery, I recommend that you schedule your surgery date at least 12 weeks prior to the event, so that most of your swelling has gone down by that time. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your Board-certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck!