Recovery following a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast augmentation mastopexy
It is normal to still feel tired and not quite yourself 3 weeks after a tummy tuck , liposuction, and breast implantation with a lift. You have had quite a rough recovery, but I would expect that you to start to feel better soon. I advise my patients having this combination of procedures to take 10 to 14 days off of work.
They typically stat to feel better 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure and report feeling “normal” 6 weeks post-operatively. Your recovery may be delayed by a week or two due to the unforeseen circumstances of your recovery, but I would anticipate that you will be back on track in no time.
It is especially important when there are complications during the recovery period to see your Plastic Surgeon frequently. Although this is extra effort on your part, it will ensure the best results. With my own patients, I do my best to keep the lines of communication open and do everything possible to speed their recovery. (Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS, Houston Plastic Surgeon)
Recovery after a tummy tuck
Feeling normal after a tummy tuck alone can take a minimum of four to six weeks for most patients. With the number of added procedures you had performed along with the complicated course so far, a longer recovery period of at least 2-3 months is much more realistic. Swelling usually takes several weeks to resolve especially when liposuction is added.
The feeling of tightness is also normal at this stage. Some of the length of recovery also depends on how much of a change has occurred. At three weeks, it sounds like most of what you are feeling is about normal. But if you have any concerns, speak with your surgeon. I am sure he/she will be happy to discuss any issues. (Naveen Setty, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)
Recovery after a tummy tuck can take months
On average, I think most of my patients say they feel pretty much back to normal after about 6 weeks. However, you had more than just a tummy tuck done, AND you have had an ususual recovery, complicated by blood loss and infection. Your body is working to recover from those things at the same time, so it may take you months to feel “normal” again. Keep your chin up and hang in there -surely your final results will make it all worthwhile! (Carmen Kavali, MD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)
Recovery may take as long as two or three months
It sounds like you really had a tough time with your recovery, considering the complications you’ve had and the treatment required include blood transfusions and steroids. Most patients recover and resume normal activity within 3-4 weeks, but I would imagine it’s going to take you to possibly three months. (Joseph M. Perlman, MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)
Recovery time for Tummy Tuck
I recommend that my patients take at least 2 weeks off work. Tummy tucks are pretty long and involved and it takes time to recover from it. It usually takes 6 weeks for a full recovery and for you to feel normal again. (Richard H. Fryer, MD, Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon)
Three weeks is a bit soon to expect full recovery after a tummy tuck. The tightness, fatigue, and weepiness are all normal. Most women are back to near normal activity by six weeks. However, it sounds like you have had some things that will certainly delay your recovery. Take it easy, get a little exercise, get out of the house, limit your pain medication, take vitamins, eat well, and drink plenty of fliuds. Talk to your doctor about how you feel. (Randy J. Buckspan, MD, Austin Plastic Surgeon)
The majority of patients can return to work two weeks after a full tummy tuck. I have them wear a supportive binder for 4-6 weeks. Most people are back to full normal activity by 6 weeks, including lifting. It really takes 9 months to a year to see the final results, and to resolve areas of numbness. Your situation is unique, considering the large amount of surgery that you underwent, your need for transfusion, and your postoperative complications. I am not surprised that you still feel tight. You have probably had a significant amount of swelling, and you may still be anemic.
Felling “down” is a normal part of the early healing process. Some things that you can do to help your healing-
- Drink a lot of fluids
- Eat a healthy diet with lots of dark green vegetables and some meat for iron and protein
- Low impact exercise, such as walking, will help you lose the extra fluid, build up your muscle tone, keep your bowels moving, and increase your endorphins
- Consider a massage by a therapist who has experience with plastic surgery patients.
- Do gently breathing exercises or meditation. This will help you center and focus on gratitude for the positive changes in your body! (Karen Vaniver, MD, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
Full recovery from a tummy tuck is at least 3 months.
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a physiologically profound operation on the patient and the recovery will reflect this. Patients, although they may be walking around in a few days, will take much longer to obtain full recovery.
Three months would be the most favorable recovery but it may be months longer depending on the patient and the magnitude of the particular operation. (Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)
Recovery after a tummy tuck needs about two weeks. By that time, you will be able to engage in many normal living activities. However, full recovery will take at least Six weeks. (Siamak Agha, MD, PhD, FACS, Orange County Plastic Surgeon)