When Will I Feel Normal After Full Tummy Tuck?

Different people heal differently, and there are different type of Tummy Tuck procedures. But usually, most of my patients go back to their routine work activities in two weeks, and do light exericising in 4 weeks, with no sit ups. Most people feel their normal self in about 8-12 weeks, but will still have some bad days, here and there, for up to 6-8 months more.

Hello mariaall. It sounds like you’ve had a challenging recovery period following your comprehensive surgery, which included a full tummy tuck, liposuction, breast lift, and implants. Your experience with needing blood transfusions and dealing with a chest infection has undoubtedly made your recovery more difficult. Here’s what you might expect going forward:

Normal Recovery Process: Typically, recovery from a full tummy tuck and other combined procedures can vary significantly among individuals. Commonly, patients start to feel more like themselves after about 4-6 weeks post-surgery, but given your complications and the extent of your procedures, it might take longer.

Fatigue and Emotional Response: Feeling tired, weepy, and overwhelmed after major surgery can also be influenced by the physical stress of surgery, the impact of anesthesia, pain medications, and your body's natural healing process. Emotional fluctuations are common due to the temporary drop in physical activity and the body's response to surgical trauma.

Swelling and Discomfort: Swelling can be significant and persist for several months. The tightness and inability to stand up straight are normal at this stage, especially considering the scope of the surgeries you’ve undergone. This should gradually improve over the next few weeks to months.

Post-Operative Care: It’s crucial to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions closely. This includes wearing compression garments, managing pain and antibiotics as prescribed, attending all follow-up appointments, and taking it easy to allow your body to heal.

Nutrition and Hydration: Ensure you are eating a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals which are crucial for healing. Staying hydrated is equally important.

Activity and Rest: Balance rest with mild activities, such as gentle walking, to help reduce swelling and prevent complications like blood clots. However, avoid strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects until your surgeon advises that it’s safe.

Emotional Support: Consider speaking with a counselor or a support group if you find your emotional health is affected during this recovery period. It’s important to address not just the physical but also the emotional aspects of recovery.

Follow-up with Your Plastic Surgeon: Given your complications, frequent follow-ups with your surgeon are essential. They need to monitor your recovery, especially because of the transfusions and infection you experienced.

Patience is Key: The journey to feeling "normal" again can be long and requires patience and proper care. Each week you should notice improvements, but full recovery and settling of implants and body contours can take up to a year.

If your condition doesn't start to improve in the coming weeks, or if you notice any signs of infection or other complications, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Remember, recovery from such extensive procedures is a marathon, not a sprint. Give yourself grace and time to heal both physically and emotionally.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Thanks for the question. Generally, abdominoplasty involves a recovery period of longer than most plastic surgical procedures. It generally takes 3 weeks to get over the first phase of recovery. However, downtime for abdominoplasty can vary from patient to patient, depends on the size of the operated area of your body.The exact downtime will be determined by your surgeon according to your surgery results. I wish you all the best.