How Long is the Recovery Period for Full Tummy Tuck?

A full tummy tuck involves extensive surgery and the recovery can be prolonged, specifically if the surgery involved rectus diastasis repair, liposuction, or a combination of procedures in other areas. In the first 48 hours you can feel a bit uncomfortable and tired as you recover from the general anesthetic and get used to your new abdomen. You should expect to take some simple over the counter pain medication such as paracetamol in this first week. I personally use a drainless abdominoplasty technique, and during the early recovery period I encourage my patients to mobilise as much as possible but without putting the surgical wounds under excessive pressure. For those patients who had muscle tightening, there can be some twinges and tenderness of the muscles for 2-4 weeks, specifically when getting up from a lying position as the muscles activate. The more severe the rectus diastasis was, the longer will take to recover. In my practice I encourage patients to work on their abs and increase their core strength before surgery, in order to speed up the recovery as well as enhance the outcome from surgery. After a maximum of 4 weeks you will be expected to stand up straight and walk with minimal discomfort and with no need for painkillers.In order to support your core muscles during the recovery, we advise to wear a pressure garment. This acts not only as a support, but also to help prevent any collection of fluid in the abdomen – a seroma. The garment is to be worn continuously for 6 weeks. If your procedure was combined with Liposuction, I will encourage you to have lymphatic drainage treatment. This will help with the swelling and shape and can start as early as 1 week after surgery.During this first 6 weeks I advise against high intensity exercise or heavy weight lifting. Gentle walking and yoga are acceptable.

Hello and thank you for your question. Because the Tummy Tuck procedure is personalized, recovery time will differ from patient to patient. However, many people are able to resume everyday activities after 2-4 weeks, and should be able to stand up straight within a couple of days. Any tight or tugging sensations at the treatment site should be gone by 4-6 weeks. The majority of swelling will resolve after several weeks and sensation will usually come back gradually over the course of several weeks to months. I hope this helps!

Every person will experience a different pain based on their tolerance. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is associated with discomfort. We recommend two nights in hospital to have a nurse available to care for you before returning home. You will be prescribed painkillers to help with the discomfort. You may not be able to stand up completely straight at this stage.Weeks 1 - 2: We recommend you relax from daily responsibilities and arrange for extra help around the house. You will have a waterproof dressing on so you will be able to shower. It would be helpful for you to sleep with a pillow under your knees during this time, and at least two pillows under your head. Some people find it easier to sleep in a reclining arm chair for the first week to keep the bent position. You will be required to wear your compression garment day and night during this time. Your initial follow-up appointment will be within one week of discharge from hospital. You are encouraged to take short frequent walks during this time.Week 2 – 4: You should be able to stand up straight now and you will be able to return to driving if comfortable enough. We will discuss when you can return to work during this time, depending on the type of work you do. Most patients require three to four weeks off before being able to return. If your job involves heavy lifting (more than 10kg), you may require 6 weeks or more off work. You are still required to wear your compression garment during this recovery time. Weeks 4 – 6: You should have resumed work if you are able to avoid heavy lifting (more than 10kg). The compression garment may be worn during the day only now.Week 6 - 8: You will now have no restrictions. You can recommence your normal exercise routine and remove your compression garment. Following week 8 you will be back to feeling somewhat completely normal. The numbness has gone and your feeling more yourself as you were prior to surgery. Your scars will fade overtime but you can enjoy your new look.