Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline
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If you’re struggling to eliminate excess skin and/or stretched abdominal muscles, a Tummy Tuck may be the solution in getting a firmer, more toned abdomen. Are you researching to prepare for the procedure? Below is the recovery timeline for a Tummy Tuck, so you are well prepared and know what to expect post-surgery.
The first 24-hours
A Tummy Tuck procedure is an outpatient procedure. This means you’ll be sent home the same day as your surgery. You’ll wake up with an abdominal binder on which will later be exchanged for a compression garment. Drain tubes may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Expect to spend the first two weeks strictly recovering and resting. You will also not be able to drive home, so plan ahead to have proper arrangements made.
First two weeks after surgery
It’s normal to experience tenderness and pain for several days post-surgery. Your surgeon will give instructions on managing pain to help keep you comfortable while recovering. You will have a follow-up visit with your surgeon during this time period to ensure you are healing correctly and check on the incision site. Based on how the incision site is healing, bandages and drainage tubes will be removed. Compression garments should be continued to be worn. If you have a sedentary job, you should be able to return to work.
One to three months after surgery
Incisions will have fully healed by now. However, scars will look raised and puffy for the next few months. Over time they will become flatter and fade. While this may vary, for most people, it is safe to return to normal levels of activity after six to eight weeks. As the swelling dissipates, you’ll be able to see the effects of surgery.
One year after surgery
After a year, you should be fully healed and enjoying your results. Any inflammation should be gone, and your scar will have faded. Although it’s not entirely gone, it will be nearly invisible and can be hidden beneath your underwear. Keep up a healthy diet and active lifestyle to maintain your results. And keep in mind that rapid weight gain or loss can alter the appearance of your abdominal area.