Tummy Tuck Recovery Guide
A tummy tuck is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed yearly, but many potential patients are curious about what to expect during their recovery. In this blog, we’ll outline a timeline for recovery after a tummy tuck and discuss ways to reduce swelling after surgery so that you can get back to your regular activities and show off your slimmer, flatter midsection as soon as possible.
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How Long Does Tummy Tuck Recovery Take?
Perhaps you’ve been dreaming about how good your tummy tuck will look once healing is complete, but you’re worried about the recovery process and want to know more. First, full recovery from tummy tuck surgery typically takes about six weeks, and following your surgeon’s postoperative instructions is essential to ensure proper healing and gorgeous results. While you may start to feel significantly better after the first few weeks of recovery, knowing what to expect and how you can help your body heal is important. Below, we outline a week-to-week recovery timeline and suggest ways to boost healing to enjoy a smoother, more comfortable tummy tuck recovery.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline
The First 24-48 Hours After Tummy Tuck Surgery
Depending on the extent of your tummy tuck, you will spend the first night after your tummy tuck procedure in the hospital. You will likely have surgical drains attached to your incisions to help remove excess fluid as you heal. You will notice significant swelling and some bruising, but these are expected side effects that will lessen over time.
Once the general anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort. However, Dr. Pollack provides his tummy tuck patients with a long-lasting local anesthetic called EXPAREL®, which will help stave off any pain you may feel up to the first 72 hours after your surgery.
Week 1 After Tummy Tuck Surgery
During the first week of your tummy tuck recovery, your primary goal is rest. You will need to limit your activities, though you’re encouraged to take short, slow walks around your home to help prevent blood clots and increase circulation.
You will be required to wear a compression garment to help support and shape your abdomen, and your drains will still be in place, though they will likely be removed at your first postoperative visit.
The first week of tummy tuck recovery is typically when you will be the most uncomfortable as the EXPAREL® wears off and your body begins to heal. You will still have significant swelling and likely feel sore, as if you had done an intense abdominal workout, and may feel a tight or pulling sensation around your incisions. However, any discomfort you experience is easily alleviated with prescription or over-the-counter pain medications.
Weeks 2–3 After Tummy Tuck Surgery
Two weeks into your recovery, you’ll notice a marked decrease in discomfort, and swelling will continue to decline. Most patients feel well enough to return to work and feel a bit more “like themselves” as their energy increases and they can move more easily.
You will continue to wear your compression garment. While it’s usually okay to return to your usual daily routine, you will still need to avoid exercise, heavy lifting, and any strenuous activities, especially ones requiring core engagement.
Weeks 4–8 After Tummy Tuck Surgery
At this point in your recovery, most of the swelling should have dissipated, and you’ll be able to glimpse your final results. Your incision should be healed, leaving a thin red or pink scar. If you are concerned about scarring, now is the time to treat the scar with cream or silicone strips to lessen its appearance.
Light exercise is allowed at this time, though vigorous movement and abdominal-focused exercises should still be avoided until your surgeon clears you.
Months 2–6 After Tummy Tuck Surgery
As you reach the two-month mark after your tummy tuck, you will continue to feel stronger and almost back to normal. While most of the swelling will be gone at this point, it may return intermittently for six months to a year. Your tummy tuck results should be evident, and you can return to your usual exercise regimen. However, be aware of overdoing it—listen to your body and go slowly to avoid setbacks.
How to Reduce Swelling After a Tummy Tuck
One of the most significant side effects of tummy tuck surgery is swelling. Swelling after a tummy tuck can last up to a year after surgery, though most will dissipate in the first six weeks. However, even though swelling is a natural part of the healing process, there are ways to help minimize its effects and make your recovery more comfortable.
- Anti-inflammatory Medication: Taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Tylenol) and naproxen (Aleve) after your tummy tuck can benefit you in two ways: they can alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling.
- Compression Garments: Dr. Pollack requires his patients to wear compression garments for recovery for several reasons. Compression garments support the abdominal area, help the skin “snap back,” and shape the new body contour. They are also vital for minimizing swelling after a tummy tuck and encouraging circulation, both of which contribute to faster healing.
- Elevate Upper Body: After your tummy tuck, you will spend quite a bit of time resting, so an easy way to minimize swelling as you do so is to stay elevated. Elevating your upper body will help promote fluid drainage, which in turn eases swelling. Ensuring that your recovery area is equipped with pillows to prop yourself up, or spending time in a recliner are excellent ways to keep your body elevated to reduce swelling as you heal.
- Gentle Movements: Gentle movement is encouraged from day one of your recovery, as light exercise helps keep your blood flowing and prevents blood clots. Besides boosting your blood flow, movement helps keep excess fluid in your body moving, encouraging drainage and reducing swelling after a tummy tuck.
- Hydration: Hydration is always important, but adequate hydration during tummy tuck recovery helps flush out excess fluid and keeps your lymphatic system functioning properly.
- Rest: Rest and relaxation also help reduce swelling and inflammation in your body to boost healing.
- Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Lymphatic drainage massage is a specialized type of massage designed to help stimulate your lymphatic system, which boosts your immune system, encourages the flushing out of toxins, and moves excess fluid out of your body. While lymphatic massage is a safe and effective way to reduce swelling after tummy tuck surgery, you should always clear the treatment with your surgeon and ensure you see a professional massage therapist experienced specifically in post-surgical lymphatic massage techniques.
Learn More About Tummy Tucks in La Jolla, CA
Now that you know what to expect from your tummy tuck recovery, it’s time to visit Dr. Larry Pollack to discover if a tummy tuck is right for you. To schedule your consultation, call our office today at 858-450-9100 or complete the online contact form.