A tummy tuck is a popular cosmetic procedure usually among the top five plastic surgeries in the United States.
This procedure removes sagging skin and fat from the midsection and also tightens the underlying stomach muscles. The result is a flat, smooth belly that gives you a slimmer and more pleasing profile.
A tummy tuck is a serious procedure, and it’s essential to understand what your recovery will be like. Below is critical information to know so you’re prepared for what’s next.
How Long Is The Recovery?
The tummy tuck procedure is one of the most invasive plastic surgeries, so you should be prepared for several weeks of recovery.
Different patients have different situations, and some recover faster than others. Some of the factors that influence recovery time include your age, overall health, type of procedure, and the quality of your post-op care.
After the surgeon completes your procedure, they’ll tell you what you can expect for your recovery. Generally, you can anticipate being sore and stiff for about two weeks, and you’ll feel mostly like your old self by the eighth week.
SEE ALSO: Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck Before and After
Type Of Tummy Tuck
Another factor in your recovery is the kind of tummy tuck the surgeon performs. The full tummy tuck involves the skin above and below the belly button and requires a longer recovery.
But a mini-tummy tuck only affects the skin below the belly button so that you will recover faster.
An extended tummy tuck also may involve the sides, lower chest, and lower back. This procedure is more involved, so you can expect the recovery to take at least a month longer than a conventional tummy tuck.
Recovery Process
The most critical aspect is you should listen to what your surgeon tells you as you recover. Then, call your surgeon right away if you feel like something isn’t right in the first weeks after your tummy tuck.
Here’s what you can expect during your tummy tuck recovery:
The Day Of Surgery
After your tummy tuck, your belly will be covered with bandages. You may have drains in the incision to take away any fluid that accumulates as you heal. Your surgeon will remove the drains after a few days.
You will need to lie down at an angle for the first few days to reduce swelling and pain.
If you have had other procedures, such as Beverly Hills breast augmentation, Beverly Hills breast lift, or Beverly Hills Brazilian butt lift, you will need to rest as much as possible for several weeks. Then, when you feel up to it, you can go for a short walk, but you may not do much for two weeks or so.
When You Get Home
You should have someone to help you around the home for at least the first day after surgery. You’ll be on pain medications and won’t be able to move around a lot, so having a friend or family member to help you will be beneficial.
You will probably not be able to bend or lift, and standing for long periods will be challenging. The key is to listen to your body and rest as much as you can.
Caring For Your Incisions
Your doctor will tell you how to care for the incisions and drains during the recovery. You will probably take anticoagulants and antibiotics for one or two weeks.
Your doctor also will provide you with a supportive garment to wear around your abdomen for several weeks. It’s critical to wear it all the time except when bathing.
Remember that you should not smoke or drink alcohol during your recovery; both can interfere with healing. In addition, it’s recommended not to smoke or drink for at least three months after the tummy tuck.
SEE ALSO: Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck Prices
Getting Back To Normal
If you have small children, you will probably need help with them at first because you shouldn’t lift or bend over. However, you don’t want to strain your stitches by doing too much, so take it easy and rely on others to help you.
Most patients take about a month off work. However, if your job requires physical labor, you may need to take more vacation time. You also shouldn’t engage in vigorous exercise for at least four to six weeks.
The Long Term
Some patients have a pulling feeling or numbness in the abdomen for several weeks or months. But this is normal and should resolve by itself. It may take up to three months for the bruising and swelling to fade, and your scar will be noticeable for at least six months.
Remember that recovering from a tummy tuck takes time. It can be a fantastic way to meet your aesthetic goals, but keep in mind that you should take it easy after the procedure. If you do that, you’re sure to enjoy excellent results.
Request A Plastic Surgery Consultation
Thinking about a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills? Dr. Nicholas Lahar is pleased to provide cosmetic procedures to his Beverly Hills patients. He will talk about your goals during your consultation and decide you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck.
References
What You Need To Know About Your Tummy Tuck Recovery. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-tummy-tuck-recovery
Tummy Tuck Recovery – What To Expect. (2018). Accessed at https://www.healthline.com/health/tummy-tuck-recovery
Tummy Tuck Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892
