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.
