What Can You Expect During Recovery from Tummy Tuck Surgery?
If you have made the decision to have a tummy tuck, you probably have a million questions. Some of the most major questions are about recovery from a tummy tuck: how long will it take? How much pain will there be? When can you return to normal activities?
What Happens During Surgery
Tummy tucks are a major cosmetic procedure. In this surgery, you will be under general anesthesia. An incision is made from one hipbone to the other. The abdominal muscles and skin are pulled down and tightened, and the navel is cut out and repositioned higher up so that it looks more natural on the newly tightened skin.
Extra skin is then removed. Liposuction may be performed at the same time to remove additional fat deposits and help to contour the abdominal and waist area. By the time the incision is sewn back up, you may have lost several pounds' worth of fat and extra skin.
What Happens After the Surgery
Since this procedure is so complex and involves the entire abdominal area, recovery from tummy tuck surgery can take a few weeks. If you live in the local area, you will probably be sent home that day along with someone who can look after you for the first few days. You may be instructed to wear a binding garment (like an elastic girdle) for a week or two in order to reduce swelling and give support to the healing incision site.
You will most likely be sent home a prescription for pain medication for your recovery from tummy tuck surgery. While the pain that you'll experience is not extraordinary, you will probably feel discomfort for the first week or two following the surgery. The first few days after your surgery are best spent resting to allow your body to start the recovery and healing process.
You will probably be instructed not to lift anything heavy for four weeks, but following recovery from tummy tuck surgery you may be able to return to work within two or three weeks. Provided that you avoid heavy lifting and any other potentially dangerous situations, you should be able to resume your normal daily activities after about two weeks.
Your cosmetic surgeon will provide you with instructions for your specific situation. Recovery from tummy tuck surgery can vary between patients, so always be sure to follow the instructions that your doctor gives you.
