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Learn more about tummy tuck recovery. We'll provide more help with after surgery, preparing for surgery, and finding the best tummy tuck surgeon. What can I expect after the tummy tuck surgery? For the first few days after tummy tuck surgery, your abdomen will probably be swollen. You may feel some discomfort; this can be controlled by painkiller medication, which your surgeon will prescribe. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days. Your surgeon will encourage you to start taking short walks starting the day after surgery. These walks will promote blood circulation. Although you may not be able to stand up completely straight, avoid sitting for long periods of time during the first several days. Straining, bending and lifting should be avoided at all costs, as these activities can cause increased swelling or even bleeding. Your surgeon might instruct you to sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees for the first few days following surgery. You will notice swelling and bruising, which is to be expected. The bruising and much of the swelling will disappear after a few weeks. However, it may be months before all swelling subsides and you see the final result of your tummy tuck. You may also notice some numbness over portions of the abdominal area, and this may persist for several months. Incisions will initially be red or pink in color. They will remain this way for many months following surgery and may even appear to worsen before they finally begin to fade. Your doctor will give you instructions on how and when to bathe, and how and when to change your dressings. You should start walking as soon as possible, though note that you may not be able to stand straight at first. Generally, stitches will be removed in stages over a period of approximately one or two weeks. Surface stitches will be removed five to seven days after the tummy tuck. Deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will be removed two to three weeks after the tummy tuck. Any surgical drains probably will be removed within a week following surgery. At this time, the dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment. Returning to normal after a tummy tuck The length of your recovery after the tummy tuck depends much on your physical condition before the surgery. As you can probably guess, the better shape you’re in before the surgery, the easier your recovery will be. It all depends on the strength of your abdominal muscles before the tummy tuck. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest, recuperate and recover. Exercise has proven to aid greatly in the recovery process. Even if you have never exercised before, an exercise program after the tummy tuck surgery will help reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Note, though, that mild exercise is better; vigorous exercise should be avoided for the first few weeks after the tummy tuck. Sexual activity should also be avoided for at least two weeks after the tummy tuck surgery. You and your surgeon will continue to communicate following the tummy tuck. Expect to return for several follow-up visits in the months after your tummy tuck, during which your surgeon will evaluate the progress of your recovery. Do not panic if your scars seem to worsen during the first three to six months after a tummy tuck—this is normal. Expect up to nine months to a year to pass before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. Tummy tuck scars will never completely disappear; however, they will not show under clothing, even under tight outfits such as bathing suits. Will my tummy tuck last forever? It’s difficult to say for sure. As long as you maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine, the results of your tummy tuck will last a long time. Eventually, though, gravity will take its toll. If you find gravity takes too much of a toll on you, you can always have a “touch-up” tummy tuck to return your tummy to its original post-tummy tuck shape. The final word on tummy tucks A tummy tuck, whether partial or complete, produces excellent, attractive results for patients with weak abdominal muscles or excess skin in the abdominal region. The results of a tummy tuck are long lasting, especially if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. As long as you remain realistic in your expectations and don’t mind a lengthy recovery period and permanent scar, a tummy tuck may be just what you need. Your tummy tuck will improve your body contour, giving you a firmer, flatter abdomen. You will probably find that you feel more comfortable in your clothing and are generally more confident about your appearance. Sit back, relax and enjoy the new you!
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