Tummy Tuck

After a tummy tuck procedure, it is encouraged to try and walk around. Try and walk three or four times a day for a few minutes each. Do not expect to be able to walk around as you normally would pre-operation. You will likely not be able to stand up straight and will be forced to stay in a hunched position for several days afterward. This is completely normal and expected. In fact, you may be instructed by your plastic surgeon to remain in a bent over position for up to a week after surgery. Because of this, you may experience some back spasms and discomfort. If so, ask your doctor to prescribe muscle relaxants to preventative measures.

An abdominal pressure garment will be issued to you post-procedure. You will need to wear this for several weeks after your tummy tuck without fail. This is vital to ensure that everything keeps in place and heals properly. Without use, your results can heal improperly. The garment also works to maintain pressure and keep swelling down. Expect to wear a girdle or tight band that will fit around your abdomen.

Unfortunately, a tummy-tuck procedure will result in scarring. In some patients, scarring can be more severe than others. This depends on how much skin is being removed, how well your body heals and how your body typically scars. The skill of your surgeon and the technique used is also significant in determining your results.
Most surgeons will use techniques that try and place the scar where it will be covered by a typical bikini swimsuit. If this is something that concerns you, be sure to discuss with your doctor pre-procedure regarding incision types, techniques and placements.

In terms of returning to work, it is typically recommended for patients to rest and heal at home for approximately two weeks after surgery. This depends on how extensive your surgery is and the kind of job you have. In some cases, it may be required to take off four or more weeks from work. Many patients are often concerned as to how long it takes until they are able to return to the gym. Typically, this depends on the healing schedule of the patient. In general, patients can begin incorporating a light workout into their routine (like walking on a treadmill) after two weeks. Absolutely no heavy lifting is recommended until after a month from the procedure.

Tummy tuck surgery is designed to improve the appearance of a prominent lower stomach region, which is often caused by loose, excess skin and lax abdominal muscles. In many instances, stubborn deposits of fat in and around the abdomen can also be removed.

Though the procedure will be tailored to address each patient’s unique needs and goals, abdominoplasty generally involves the tightening of abdominal muscles, the excision of excess skin, and the removal of fat via liposuction. During a full tummy tuck, an incision will typically be made low on the abdomen, extending from one hip to the other. Similarly, the incision for a mini tummy tuck will be concealed low on the abdomen, though it is often a bit shorter in length. Depending on the technique and extent of work involved, the operation generally takes approximately two to four hours to complete.

Both full and mini abdominoplasties involve the tightening of abdominal muscles and the removal of excess skin. The main difference is that the full tummy tuck is typically employed to rejuvenate the areas both above and below the belly button whereas the mini tummy tuck is generally confined to the lower abdomen below the belly button.

Following tummy tuck surgery, drain tubes will need to be left in place for about one week. Most patients experience some bruising and/or swelling, though these symptoms should subside over the course of a few weeks. The majority of individuals are able to return to non-strenuous jobs or activities after about one to two weeks; however, heavy lifting and/or strenuous physical labor should be avoided for at least six to eight weeks. To help facilitate healing, patients are often encouraged to walk around as soon as they feel comfortable enough to do so.

Mild to moderate discomfort may be possible in the days following abdominoplasty, but any pain can often be managed and even alleviated with medication.