Does the mini tummy tuck require much downtime for recovery?

Question

Does the mini tummy tuck require much down time for recovery?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to visit my website which breaks down what you can expect to return to certain activities after a tummy tuck.  Typically patients can return to non physically demanding work after about two weeks.  You can begin low impact exercise after about four weeks, and strenuous activity after about six weeks.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

With a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck, the main determinant of recovery time is whether a muscle repair is done. This would depend on whether you have a muscle separation, which can be completely repaired with either. If you don't need the muscle repair your recovery and return to normal activity is faster.

Mark A. Deuber, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question; I think many patients assume a mini tummy tuck is a smaller, similar operation than a full and desire a mini because the recovery "must" be easier.  In reality, in most mini tummy tucks what happens "on the inside" (under the skin) to the muscles is the same.  In general, in both a mini and a full the abdomen muscles are plicated (are sewn back together) - actually it's the fascia lining the muscles to correct any diastasis resulting from prior pregnancies.  The difference between a mini and full is how much skin is removed (less in a mini), how the belly button is handled (usually floated downward on the abdominal wall in a mini, rather than having a scar around it).  Frequently in a mini, the skin above the belly button is not tightened that much.  The recovery between the two procedures is similar;  in both, patients need to plan 1-2 weeks of fairly significant down time and up to 6 weeks are so before full unrestricted activity.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, the mini tuck is still surgery and will take up to 6 weeks to fully recover and return to normal activities. Some things, like sit ups and motorcycle riding will require more time.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

It will depend on the need for a muscle repair.  That tends to make recovery take longer.  The incision length will depend on the amount of excess skin and fat.

Does the mini tummy tuck require much downtime for recovery?

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Does the mini tummy tuck require much downtime for recovery?

Answers (7)

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Mini tummy tuck with liposuction

Answer: Mini tummy tuck with liposuction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mini Tummy Tuck

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