What can you expect from our Tummy Tuck Recovery?

By Dr. Liana M. Lugo

Tummy Tuck Recovery: What to Expect

If you’re considering a tummy tuck (also called abdominoplasty), you’re likely wondering what the recovery process will be like. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect from a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty surgery. 

First, it’s important to understand that a tummy tuck is a major surgery. You’ll likely need someone to help take care of you for at least the first few days after your surgery. 

During the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision in your lower abdomen, from hip to hip. She will then remove any excess skin and fat, and will also tighten your abdominal muscles. In almost all cases, liposuction is used to contour your abdomen and remove excess fat from the mons pubis and flanks, areas that can often store excess and stubborn fat. All of this takes time to heal, and you can expect some swelling and bruising. 

Most people feel fairly uncomfortable for the first week or so, but this is normal. You’ll probably be up and moving around slowly after a few days, but it will be several weeks before you’re back to your normal activity level. It’s also worth noting that it can take several months for all of the swelling to go down and for your incisions to heal fully. But once they do, you should see a significant improvement in your appearance – and that can be very rewarding after all you’ve been through!

What Can Affect Your Recovery Post-Op Tummy Tuck?

Recovery from a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is different for everyone, as we all are different. However, a few factors that can affect your healing time include:

• Type of tummy tuck procedure you received: full, mini, or extended.
• Your age
• Your health
• Your body weight
• Whether you carefully and strictly follow care instructions 

What to Expect Right After a Tummy Tuck or abdominoplasty Surgery?

Your doctor will have you spend a few hours in the recovery room after the surgery after your abdominoplasty surgery. You may feel tired, groggy, weak, and possibly nauseous due to the anesthesia. Your abdomen will be covered in surgical dressings with most likely small tubes for drainage purposes around a few incisions. These tubes will remain attached to you for a few days. This is an outpatient procedure and patients go home the same day.

What kind of discomfort or pain should I Expect From a Tummy Tuck?

You will have some visible, but temporary signs of discomfort from a tummy tuck even with the best plastic surgeon. These include:

• Inability to fully stand upright for a couple of days or weeks 
• Pain and bruising for weeks
• Swelling for several weeks or months
• Numbness, a pulling sensation, tightness, and pain when you cough for a few weeks or months

What Happens When You Return Home?

You will need someone by your side in the clinic to help you with the basic daily activities. You will also need a family or friend to support you during your healing period. Limited activities include:

• No Lifting more than 10 pounds for 4 weeks. Lifting your child or pet can cause your incisions to stretch and reopen, prolonging your bleeding and discomfort.
• Bending, walking, and standing for long periods of time will be uncomfortable for you.
• You won’t be able to drive while you’re taking narcotics for pain. Almost all patients start taking Ibuprofen or Tylenol 24 hrs after the surgery and supplement with narcotics for additional pain relieve if necessary. 
• Dr. Lugo will send you home with a compression garment that you’ll use for the first 4 weeks. Compression garments are great because not only will they help to reduce swelling but they will also relieve pain and discomfort through the use of compression.
• She will also send you home with sequential compression devices (SCDs) that you’ll use for the first two weeks. SCDs will compress your leg veins intermittently to promote circulation and the goal is prevention of blood clots. Please note that SCDs won’t replace walking. Dr. Lugo wants you to walk regularly even if you’re using your SCDs. 
• Do not use hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills until instructed by Dr. Lugo. They can increase your risk of blood clots.
• Eat healthy, do not smoke and stay away from smokers. 
• Rest assured, if you have any questions or concerns throughout the process you’ll have Dr. Lugo’s cell phone number. You can call her anytime if you have issues or concerns.

About Us-

Are you looking for a top rated plastic surgeon who understands your unique and specific needs? Dr. Liana M. Lugo, founder and medical director of Lugo Plastic Surgery, is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has helped countless patients achieve their aesthetic goals. As the only board-certified female plastic surgeon in Oconee County Georgia, Dr. Lugo brings a woman’s perspective and qualities to help her patients achieve excellent outcomes. Whether you want a subtle change or a complete transformation, Dr. Lugo is focused on providing you with the highest quality of care to achieve the best possible outcomes. Visit our website to request a consultation, call us at 706-715-6364, or email us for more information.