Recovery after Tummy Tuck surgery is no simple matter. It requires careful consideration and planning in order to ensure its smooth running.
Here are a few suggestions about what you should expect after having a tummy tuck and the things you should know in order to ensure a speedy and successful healing experience. Abdominoplasty surgery has become one of the most sought-after surgeries, offering fast recovery times.
Before going forward with any procedure, there are certain aspects you must keep in mind before going ahead with it. While most patients experience no difficulty returning to normal after their procedure, you must still consider several details concerning the healing process before scheduling it.
Discover all of the specifics surrounding your recovery time so that your post-op days pass more easily.
Why the type of tuck matters
The type of tummy tuck performed will determine the recovery time and level of discomfort. A standard tummy tuck will involve the removal of excess skin, as well as fat deposits in the abdominal area.
That procedure will not include the removal of muscles in the region. A mini tummy tuck, on the other hand, involves an incision on the lower portion of the abdomen.
However, unlike a standard tummy tuck, it does not include skin removal over the incision. That tummy tuck will result in a shorter recovery time and less pain.
What is the recovery look like
Recovery time will depend on the extent and health of surgery; in most cases, healing should be complete within one month and one to two days at most for hospital stays related to tummy tuck procedures.
1. Immediately after surgery
Immediately after surgery, you should expect to be required to check into the hospital for a few days.
- Post-surgery, undergo 24-hour monitoring.
- Adhere to prescribed meds and rest as instructed.
- Maintain incision hygiene, particularly for abdominal incisions.
- Minimize strain, bending, and heavy lifting to reduce infection risk.
Read Also: Tummy Tuck Scar: 3 Different Stages and How to Minimize
2. When you’re home
After a few days, you will be allowed to go home. But, again, you will likely experience discomfort and stiffness.
- Reduce pain by resting and applying cold compresses.
- Use pain medication as needed.
- Monitor stitches and clean incisions regularly.
- Check for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pain.
- Contact your doctor if you see these signs for prompt treatment.
3. Daily maintenance
Resting for several days following surgery would be highly beneficial, and you should avoid strenuous activity or lifting heavy objects.
Cleaning and keeping wounds dry are crucial steps towards healing while consulting your physician regularly is also important to keeping an eye on healing progress.
4. Resuming normal life
Sooner rather than later, most of your normal activities should return. Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider and be gentle while doing so.
- Rest as much as possible.
- Avoid strenuous activities.
- No sexual intercourse for at least two months post-surgery.
- Maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of rest for a quicker recovery and to prevent infection.
- Follow a proper cleaning routine and avoid straining the wounds to reduce infection risk.
Surgery Time 2-4 hours Washing Shower fully after 1 day keeping area completely dry
Reasonably Mobile 24 hours Exercise Including Gym 30-40 days
Time Off Work 1 week Sexual Activity Restricted activity after 2 weeks
Hospital Stay 1-2 Days Full Recovery 6 – 8 Weeks
Sleeping Position Sleeping on back recommended for 2 weeks
Read Also: Extended Tummy Tuck Recovery
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What to expect during tummy tuck recovery Stages
The first few days after surgery will include much rest and care for your wounds. You will likely experience some side effects, such as:
Swelling:
An expected side effect of surgery is that swelling can change the look and sensitivity of incisions and wounds. To keep swelling under control and hasten healing, keep wounds clean and press gently against them in order to keep pressure off them for faster healing and reduced swelling.
Soreness:
After surgery, your abdomen will likely be sore for at least a week and numb for several weeks postoperatively; sensation may gradually return after this point; however, there may still be one or more small areas within your lower stomach which remain numb permanently.
Pain:
Pain can vary depending on an individual’s experience; its levels may fluctuate accordingly. Medication may help manage or lessen any discomfort. After surgery, strenuous activity (including sexual activity ) should be limited for at least two weeks following recovery.
Read Also: Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck What are The Difference and Price
Tips For a Speedy Tummy Tuck Recovery
While every person’s body heals at a different speed, you can do a few things to help the healing process.
First, make sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully:
1. Eat Foods High in Protein & Drink Plenty of Water
One key to fast recovery after tummy tuck surgery is eating and drinking plenty of protein-rich foods and fluids; your body will use these resources to heal from surgery more quickly.
Give your body the nourishment it needs to speed the healing process – protein-rich foods contain essential amino acids necessary for creating new cells and healing damaged tissue.
Simply ensure you’re getting enough protein by eating foods such as eggs, fish, nuts and beans rich in proteins; additionally, drinking sufficient water is crucial.
Consuming at least two liters of water daily during your recovery period is an excellent way to stay hydrated and flush out toxins that have built up as a result of surgery, while helping your body clear out any impurities created during surgery. This will also aid in flushing away impurities created during healing processes.
Read Also: Cost Of A Tummy Tuck: Best Doctors At Affordable Prices
2. Consider Receiving Lymphatic Drainage Massages
Consider lymphatic drainage massages to facilitate faster recovery after undergoing tummy tuck surgery. Many don’t realize that lymph nodes exist throughout the body’s armpits and other locations; these nodes remove excess water from your system, leading to swelling as an expected side effect of surgery.
If swelling continues to worsen, a lymphatic drainage massage could help. Lymphatic drainage massage has been proven to successfully reduce swelling and so can be an ideal treatment solution.
3. Get Plenty of Rest
Tip # 2 for speedy recovery after tummy tuck surgery: Take plenty of restorative breaks. Your body needs time and space to heal properly after undertaking such major surgery as a tummy tuck.
That means limiting activities and resting as much as possible to allow your body to focus solely on healing – helping ensure it heals as quickly as possible.
Sleep is essential to healing, so make sure that you’re getting at least 7 hours each night throughout your recovery period.
Furthermore, it would be beneficial if you attempted to minimize noise and distraction in your sleeping environment as much as possible.
Read Also: Liposuction or Tummy Tuck After C Section? Complete Guide
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Plastic surgeons are members of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). They have years of surgical experience.
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When can you shower, and when should you not shower?
After your surgery, if there are no pain or signs of infection present, showering within several days should be okay. A low-pressure shower spray will make the experience more relaxing.
Rather, clean them using a sponge or cloth before submerging in water. With partial procedures, however, waiting until instructed by your doctor before bathing or showering may be necessary.
Before beginning any activity that could cause water to come in contact with incisions, consult your physician first.
Read More: Best clinic in Turkey for a tummy tuck.
What happens if you don’t wear a compression garment after a tummy tuck?
After having a tummy tuck, most patients should wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and speed up recovery. After surgery, most patients need compression garments in order to help decrease swelling and speed recovery.
Wearing compression garments after having a tummy tuck surgery is vital, as they help to decrease swelling and prevent blood clot formation. Not wearing compression garments could increase swelling and extend recovery.
Increased sun exposure could make skin more susceptible to developing infections and cause slower healing times.
How long does the tightness last after a tummy tuck?
After having a tummy tuck, tightness may last several weeks after surgery; however, with time, the tightness will gradually lessen over time.
However, this tightness won’t completely go away after surgery; its cause lies within your abdominal tissues being pulled together during this process, and it may take up to several weeks before they loosen and return back to their natural states.
Feeling tight after having had a tummy tuck is perfectly normal and should not cause alarm; this is your body responding to healing processes.
How do you get out of bed after a tummy tuck?
After having undergone a tummy tuck, the first step to getting out of bed and returning home should be checking to make sure your drains are functioning optimally and no obstructions have clogged up, then slowly sit up.
Next, use pillows to support yourself while slowly rising out of bed. Switch positions frequently throughout the day in order to minimize swelling and prevent blood clot formation.
Take a warm bath or shower daily to reduce pain and swelling while refraining from bending or stretching stomach muscles within the first several days after surgery.
Read Also: How Long After A Tummy Tuck Can I Take A Bath?
How soon can you drive after a tummy tuck?
After roughly one week, you should be cleared by your physician to resume driving. Before getting behind the wheel again, obtain their permission first.
Driving too soon after surgery increases the risk of blood clots, so be sure to follow your physician’s orders carefully. Bed rest may also be recommended.
As per your doctor’s orders, when it is safe for you to resume driving, it is subject to their decision – usually within one week after surgery.
Read Also: Back Lift in Turkey: Bra Line Back Lift Recovery and Price.
Why are my thighs so swollen after a tummy tuck?
Swelling after having undergone a tummy tuck procedure is common; however, it should be remembered that swelling does not only appear within the abdominal region – it may also affect the thighs and legs.
Surgeons typically perform this procedure to reshape your abdominal region by extracting fat cells from these areas, using these to reshape it. Swelling is common during recovery; however, it’s important to remember that any persistent swelling must be reported immediately to a healthcare provider in case it doesn’t reduce within two weeks.
After surgery, you may also notice discoloration or itchiness in your legs and thighs – this is normal and will eventually resolve itself over time.
What is included in a tummy tuck procedure?
Tummy tuck procedures are commonly performed for cosmetic reasons to reduce the appearance of excess skin and fat in the abdominal region, making this operation especially popular among patients who are expecting or have had children and experience excessively sagging skin in their stomachs.
Tummy tuck operations often combine various elements. Your surgeon may recommend liposuction as part of the procedure to eliminate belly fat. In addition, “belt line tightening” procedures may also be performed, which involves making an incision around your belly button and lifting its skin above it.
Sometimes, a surgeon must also make a small incision around the belly button in order to remove excess skin in that area, known as liposuction.
Final words
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure used for cosmetic reasons to reduce excess skin and fat in the abdominal region.
Tummy tuck surgery is often utilized on patients suffering from excess sagging skin in their belly area, including children. The procedure typically entails several components.
Combine liposuction and this procedure to eliminate excess abdominal fat effectively. A surgeon may also perform “belt line tightening,” making an incision around the belly button and lifting skin above it in order to tighten belt line tightening.
Read Also: Liposuction Recovery: 11 Tips to Boost The Recovery Process.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does tummy tuck recovery take?
Tummy tuck recovery typically takes around 2 to 4 weeks. However, full recovery may take several months.
What can I expect during the first few days of recovery?
During the initial days, you’ll experience swelling, discomfort, and limited mobility. Pain medication and rest are crucial.
When can I resume light activities after a tummy tuck?
You can usually start light activities like walking within the first week, but it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s recommendations.
How can I manage post-operative pain without using narcotics?
Pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, prescribed medications, and by staying well-hydrated.
Are there any dietary restrictions during recovery?
A balanced diet rich in nutrients can aid your recovery. Focus on lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
When can I return to work after a tummy tuck?
Most patients can return to sedentary work after about 2 weeks, but physical jobs may require more time off.
Can I drive after a tummy tuck?
You should avoid driving while taking prescription pain medication. Your surgeon will advise you on when it’s safe.
How long should I wear compression garments after surgery?
Compression garments should be worn as recommended by your surgeon, typically for several weeks.
What are the common signs of infection after a tummy tuck?
Signs of infection may include increased redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or a fever. If you suspect infection, contact your surgeon immediately.
When can I start exercising again after a tummy tuck?
You can gradually start low-impact exercises after a few weeks, but high-intensity workouts should wait until your surgeon gives the green light.
This article was Medically reviewed by Dr. Duran Çekiç
