Tummy Tuck: Prices, Photos, Reviews, Info, Q&A

Routine post operative check ups are usually on the first postoperative day and then at one week, two weeks and six weeks after surgery. An appointment is also usuallly made for 3-4 months out from surgery as well. Most patients are advised to take 2 weeks off of work after a tummy tuck but I’ve had patients go back to work in a week as long as their jobs were sedentary.

Pain after surgery is quite manageable and with the use of a pain pump which adminsters local anaesthesia under the skin most patients are actually very comfortable, using a narcotic pain medicine as needed as a supplement.

I let my patients do all of the regular non-strenuous activity they would like to engage in taking care to avoid heavy lifting or straining. I usually like to have my patients use a compression garment under their clothes after tummy tuck surgery to help support the muscle tightening that is typically performed.

Complete recovery means different things to differerent people but as concerns your lifestyle and ability to do anything you want without restriction then plan on about 6-8 weeks. Obviously some extremely strenuous sports may be off limits for even longer in some individuals. (Jon F. Harrell, DO Miami Plastic Surgeon)

Recovery after tummy tuck is lengthy but activity can be increased gradually to allow for increase in exercise and work needs. Unfortunately this is one of the most uncomfortable operations we have, mainly because of the extensive amount of abdominal wall work that is required. It is also one of the most rewarding operations we do.
(Talmage J. Raine, MD Chicago Plastic Surgeon)

Recovery time with any procedure depends on what you’re having done. Usually Tummy Tuck are done on an outpatient basis. Most surgeons use a pain pump to help keep the patients comfortable. Anywhere from one to three drains will be used and removed about 5 days after surgery.

Dependent on the patient sometimes one drain will stay in a bit longer to help with the drainage. Wearing of a garment is vital for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Sometimes patients desire to wear them longer to help with any residual swelling.

I like to follow up with my patients weekly for the first 6 weeks and them dependent on their recovery we figure out when they should be seen again. i think that talking this through beforehand with your surgeon is important because every Plastic Surgeon has their own technique. (Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon)

Usually recovery after a tummy tuck may take 10 to 14 days. You will have pain and swelling for about 5 days. Most of the pain will be gone by 7 days and most of the bruising will resolve within 2 weeks. Complete healing can take several months but your incisions should be sealed by 6 weeks. For more information,you cna visit my tummy tuck recovery page below. (Siamak Agha, MD, PhD, FACS, Orange County Plastic Surgeon)

As Dr. Placik stated the recovery will vary depending on the extend of the surgery and also you pre-op shape. Most of my patients go back to work 10 days after surgery. (Kamran Khoobehi, MD, New Orleans Plastic Surgeon)

There is some variability depending on the extent of the tummy tuck and from patient to patient. However there are some common themes:

-There is some pain with a tummy tuck. This can be controlled with proper medications, and this can be tailored to meet your individual needs.

-The first phase of the recovery lasts 3 days. Most of that time is best spent in a recliner with gentle walks around the house. You will need some help for this time. After 3 days, you will start to turn the corner.

– the next phase lasts 7-10 days and has a gradual increase in ambulatory, activity, and comfort.

-Afeter 2 weeks, you should be able to return to work with no lifting. While you are not completely recovered, you can resume most non-strenuous activities.

-Follow up appointments for my patients are at one week, two weeks, and one month post op. Of course, your surgeon is always available if there is a concern or question.

-Complete recovery is in 4-6 weeks. Most people are able to resume amoebic exercise after 4 weeks and lifting in 5-6 weeks. It does take some time to regain the sensation in your belly.

While the recovery from a tummy tuck can seem daunting, many women are able to get through it and it can be a welcome trade off for a flat belly that looks great both in and out of clothes. (Jeffrey Rockmore, MD, Albany Plastic Surgeon)

We suggest our patients take two weeks off from work. After two weeks, we allow light activity like walking on a treadmill. By six weeks, patients can perform full exercise and even sit ups which is the most challenging after having stomach muscle tightening.

We view two weeks off as the absolute maximum down time anyone can afford in a busy work or family life. Quick recovery techniques like progressive tension sutures, minimal drainage tube usage, and long acting pain pumps or injectable pain medicines make this feasible.

Some patients can take six weeks off from work without issue, and this certainly is ideal but only about 5% of our patients take that much time off.

Recovery after a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is usually about 2 weeks, but this can vary depending on the extent and type of tummy tuck as well as the patient’s general health and age. usually thin people who are young experienced the fastest recovery.

In the reference below you can find important information about tummy tuck recovery. Also, you can find tummy tuck recovery tips. (S. Sean Younai, MD, FACS, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck is a great surgery to remove excess skin and fat, and to tighten muscles. Recovery time varies with each patient. I like to see my patients post op day one, then approximately twice a week for a few weeks. The pain is typically well controlled by muscle relaxers and pain medication. Most of my patients are pleasantly surprised by how how manageable the discomfort is after this surgery! (George John Alexander, MD, FACS, Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon)

At my practice, we usually say that tummy tuck recovery is between 7 and 10 days. The incision will continue to heal after that and checkups will be very regularly. Usually within the first 2 weeks of surgery you will see the surgeon about 2 to 3 times. The recovery is longer than other procedures like breast augmentation.

Healing is a very personal process but it is possible that you could expect to be moving around like before surgery within a month. (Amy K. Alderman, MD, MPH, Alpharetta Plastic Surgeon)