After Tummy Tuck

As with any surgical procedure, following the doctor's orders will maximize your healing and minimize your risks. Because tummy tuck surgery is major surgery, you'll need someone to help you in the first few days-or even weeks-of recovery, especially if you have young children.

When Will I Return Home after Tummy Tuck Surgery?

After the tummy tuck procedure, you will come out of the operating room and be placed in your own hospital room or in a recovery area where hospital or surgical center staff will monitor you. In some cases, especially if you have had other procedures at the same time, your surgeon might request a few days of hospital rest. Ask your physician before the surgery if you will be spending a night in the hospital or if you are able to return home.

Simple tasks such as driving might be difficult immediately after tummy tuck surgery, so arrange for help in advance. As the days go by after tummy tuck surgery, you will start to feel better and your mobility will increase. It will take only a few weeks after tummy tuck surgery to be completely back to normal.

Draining Excessive Fluid after Tummy Tuck Surgery

The doctor might insert removable draining tubes near your hips during your tummy tuck operation. The draining tubes help the body get rid of fluids that can build up after the tummy tuck, and this facilitates healing. This will require personal home care for up to two weeks. You might want to have someone assist you during this time. These tubes are removed when the drained fluid is low.

Compression Garments after Tummy Tuck Surgery

Your surgeon might provide you with a medical compression garment, which should be used at all times except while bathing. Your surgeon will explain how long you should wear the garment, and he or she will explain showering and bathing restrictions.

Pain and Tummy Tuck Surgery

The surgeon might insert a pain-medication pump in the abdomen. It delivers pain medication internally to treat the areas after recovering from the tummy tuck procedure. The surgeon might use preemptive analgesia in the operating room, which will block selective nerves that contribute to the pain of the tummy tuck.

Pain levels depend on the extent of the tummy tuck surgery and technique.

Healing Timeline after Tummy Tuck

Depending on the extent of the surgery, each patient will have different timelines of healing after tummy tuck surgery. What follows is a general timeline of what to expect:

One week: You will feel discomfort and might have trouble standing upright. Even though there might be discomfort, it is important to walk around to prevent blood clots from forming in the legs.
Two weeks: You will see changes! At this point you will most likely return to work; if your work is physical, you will consult with your doctor, who might prescribe "light duty" work. Bandages might still be in place, but you will be changing them on a daily basis and returning to normal life.
One month: You should be able to see the results and wear regular clothes. Light bandages are used if incisions are leaking.
Six to eight weeks: You will most likely be fully recovered.

Tummy Tuck: A Forever Solution

Tummy tuck surgery is intended to have permanent results. After the procedure, your stomach will be flatter and tighter, which can last forever. If you lose or gain weight too fast this can offset the procedure. Women who plan to have more children should talk to their cosmetic surgeons before scheduling surgery because pregnancy can necessitate tummy tuck revision.

Follow Up Consultations After Tummy Tuck Surgery

After your tummy tuck surgery, your surgeon will schedule follow-up visits. Write down questions so you will remember to ask them at these appointments. Contact your tummy tuck surgeon if you experience sudden high fever, severe pain or extreme swelling in any area, because these might be indications of infections or medical complications.

After Tummy Tuck Considerations

Refrain from extraneous exercise until advised by your surgeon.
Avoid lifting more than five pounds unless advised to do so by your surgeon.
If you are allowed to shower, you might have to wear your support garments, or shower under just a light trickle of water, or with your back to the shower spray.
Ask your surgeon about complementary treatments that will help you heal faster and get better results after your tummy tuck.
Ask about additional therapies to help the liquid drain faster and swelling to go down, such as massages and ultrasound therapy.
Additional treatments such as Thermage® might give the skin a tighter appearance after tummy tuck surgery.

Pregnancy after Tummy Tuck

Revision after tummy tuck is rare, except in cases where women become pregnant. If you are planning to get pregnant or have gotten pregnant after tummy tuck surgery, let your surgeon know. He or she will explain how pregnancy can affect your tummy tuck.

Questions about What to Expect after Tummy Tuck Surgery:

How long will I have to stay in recovery after my tummy tuck surgery?
How will I feel after tummy tuck surgery?
How much pain is there after tummy tuck surgery?
How long can I expect to fully recover from my tummy tuck surgery?

Questions to ask about your return home after tummy tuck surgery:

Am I required to have someone drive me home after tummy tuck surgery?
What kind of care will I need at home? Should I have someone help me after my tummy tuck surgery? And if so, for how long?
Are there any activity limitations after my tummy tuck surgery and for how long?
What kind of diet should I keep after my tummy tuck surgery?
What symptoms should I watch out for and report after my tummy tuck surgery?
When should I contact my tummy tuck surgeon?
What medications do I need to take after my tummy tuck surgery?
Is there anything that I should refrain from after my tummy tuck surgery (for example, smoking, drinking alcohol, being in the heat or sun)?
Do I need bed rest after my tummy tuck surgery, and for how long?
How long before I can go back to work?
Do I need to wear bandages or special garments? And if so, for how long?
How soon can I resume my normal activities?