Expect to need about two weeks off from work to rest and heal—possibly four weeks or more, if your procedure is extensive or your job involves physical activity. It takes about six to twelve weeks for the abdominal muscles to heal following surgery, according to Dr. Burns.
Abdominoplasty revision can be a major surgical procedure, similar to your original tummy tuck. Unless your treatment plan involves a very minor repair, recovery can involve significant bruising, swelling, and tightness.
Some surgeons use pain pumps or long-acting Exparel (injected into the abdominal wall during surgery), to reduce post-op pain. Prescription pain medication can help make you more comfortable during the first few days of healing; after that, your surgeon may recommend over-the-counter options, like Tylenol.
You’ll walk bent over for the first couple of weeks after your tummy tuck and will have to wear an abdominal binder during the first week post-surgery, followed by a compression garment for up to two months, to support your tissues and reduce swelling. You may have drains in place (to prevent fluid build-up) for the initial two weeks of recovery.
Your surgeon will likely ask you to abstain from strenuous activities for six to twelve weeks, depending on how much was done
You’ll get an idea of the outcome after a few weeks, but it can take up to a year for all the swelling to resolve and scars to mature so you can see your final results.
