A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, flattens and sculpts the midsection to improve your overall body contour. While the transformative effects of abdominoplasty are significant, a positive outcome depends on a successful surgical procedure and recovery. This blog offers insight into what you can expect from your tummy tuck recovery, including how long it lasts and ways to optimize your recovery experience.
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Tummy Tuck Recovery Time: Step by Step
Each step of your tummy tuck recovery is critical for preventing complications and optimizing your outcome:
The First Two Days of Tummy Tuck Recovery
The first two to three days after a tummy tuck are the most uncomfortable, but you will have pain medication to help you rest and recuperate. Along with this, you will have a compression garment to help manage swelling and promote healing of the surgical site. You may also have surgical drains in your incisions to prevent fluid buildup. Dr. Stevens uses EXPAREL®, a local anesthetic injection, at the end of the procedure that dramatically reduces postoperative discomfort for up to 72 hours.
During this initial time, you should have someone with you to prepare meals and assist you to the bathroom. Focus on eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of rest and fluids. A light walk daily (with assistance) supports healthy blood flow and lowers your risk of postoperative blood clots.
One Week After Tummy Tuck Surgery
By the end of the first week, you may feel more comfortable and be able to move around without assistance. You will have a follow-up appointment to remove drains and dressings and check your incisions. You will continue to wear your compression garment, and you are encouraged to rest with your legs elevated to reduce swelling.
While you still need plenty of rest at this point, you can also get some standing and walking in daily to improve circulation and support your healing. You may still need some extra help around the house, and it’s possible you won’t be driving or lifting anything for a while longer.
Week 2: Returning to Work and Activities
Most patients return to work by the end of week two, depending on the level of activity required by their job. While it may be tempting to jump back into your routine, doing too much too quickly can jeopardize your positive progress. Make sure you are still getting sufficient rest, eating a healthy diet, and following all your postoperative instructions.
Two weeks after tummy tuck surgery, you will likely still have swelling in the surgical area. While the lingering swelling will make it difficult to see your results just yet, you will enjoy relief from pain, bruising, and a tight feeling around your middle. At this point, you can start using silicone gels or strips and begin gently massaging your incisions to achieve optimal results.
Weeks Four to Six: Resuming Driving and Exercise
Week six is about halfway through your tummy tuck recovery time. You should not be feeling much discomfort at this point, if any. Dr. Stevens will likely give you the green light to resume workouts, but you should continue to avoid lifting anything heavy.
Most of your swelling should be gone by now, so you will begin to see your new contours. You will likely feel like yourself again, with restored energy and no lingering discomfort. You should continue to care for your incisions as instructed to minimize visible scarring.
Month Three: Seeing Your Results
By the end of the third month, your results should become more visible as the last bit of residual swelling subsides. Your incision is fading and becoming less noticeable. However, it can take a full year or more to mature fully. You may notice your posture improving and your core feeling stronger as a result of the muscle tightening performed during your abdominoplasty.
By now, you will feel comfortable flaunting your new shape. Establishing healthy habits, such as a nutritious diet and daily exercise, will help you enjoy your results indefinitely.
Schedule Your Consultation for Your Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills, CA Today
Tummy tuck recovery is not a quick process, but the benefits are dramatic and far-reaching. Dr. Leslie Stevens is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring surgery, including abdominoplasty. To find out if a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills is right for you, call our office at (310) 556-1003 or complete our online contact form to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Stevens.