Your Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline

A tummy tuck for our Louisville and Lexington, KY-area patients is one of the most effective ways to transform your body by removing saggy skin and unwanted fat. However, the procedure is extensive and requires a longer recovery than most other cosmetic surgeries.

Even though recovering from tummy tuck surgery can seem daunting, knowing what to expect and preparing for it can help you heal. Let’s take a quick look at a general tummy tuck recovery timeline, and then we’ll offer tips for making your post-op journey a smooth experience.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Week-by-Week

It’s helpful to think about your recovery on a week-by-week basis because it typically takes 1 to 2 months before you’ll be ready to resume all your normal activities.

One aspect of abdominoplasty recovery that patients often say is the most annoying is having to clean surgical drains and measure the fluid collected. In many cases, our surgeons perform “drainless tummy tuck” surgeries, which involve using quilt-like sutures to secure the abdominal skin and tissues along the abdominal wall. This technique eliminates the need for drains by closing off the open space that results after a tummy tuck.

Here’s what to expect during your recovery, with or without drains. Remember, these are general guidelines, and your experience may vary.

Week 1: Initial Recovery

Tummy tucks are typically performed as outpatient procedures, and you’ll return home the same day. You will need assistance with basic activities and will need to walk hunched over to avoid straining your incisions. Continue wearing the compression garment throughout the week to reduce swelling and protect the surgical site. You can manage discomfort with prescription pain medication.

Week 2: Gradual Improvement

Your swelling and discomfort likely will peak near the end of the first week, and you should begin seeing decreased swelling during the second week. You may feel your energy returning, but you should still limit activities to slow, brief walks and continue wearing the compression garment.

Week 3: Increased Mobility

The answer to the question, “How long will I be hunched over after a tummy tuck?” is about 3 weeks. So, you can usually stand up straight during this phase of recovery. You’ll probably see a flatter tummy, although some swelling may persist. You can resume light daily activities, including returning to work if you have a desk job. And, yes, you should continue wearing your compression garment.

Week 4: Resuming Normal Activities

One month is often a significant recovery milestone. You can resume most daily activities, including light exercises. Swelling should be minimal, and the incision site will have significantly healed. You can begin scar treatments. Fading and flattening of the scars take 3 months to 2 years, depending on your skin type and how you care for your incisions during recovery.

Weeks 5-6: Returning to Exercise

You may return to more strenuous exercise when cleared by your surgeon. Continue maintaining a healthy diet and wearing compression garments. Swelling should be minimal, and most discomfort should be gone.

3 Months and Beyond: Full Recovery

By 3 months, you should fully enjoy the results of your tummy tuck with a flatter and more contoured abdomen. Most swelling should have dissipated, and you can engage in all activities, including strenuous exercise. You can continue scar treatments as needed.

You can see more tummy tuck before and after photos in our gallery.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips

By supporting your body through recovery, you can help your body heal as quickly as possible. Here are a few extra tips:

Follow your plastic surgeon’s post-op recovery instructions: Strictly adhering to your instructions can help you recover safely. Be sure to ask questions if there’s anything you don’t understand.

Be gentle with yourself: Take it easy when relaxing at home, and use your medications as directed. To feel more comfortable, you can sleep on an incline using a recliner.

Listen to your body: Light movement can help blood flow, but don’t push yourself too hard until you are fully healed. Try short, easy walks around the house or block and avoid substances such as alcohol and nicotine.

Have a support system: After surgery, you’ll need a friend or adult family member to drive you home. Ask for help around the house as needed, especially in the early days of recovery. It’s OK to lean on others during the recovery process.

Our related blog post offers additional tips on planning for your surgery and recovery.

Properly taking care of yourself following tummy tuck surgery and closely following your surgeon’s post-op instructions will make your recovery as efficient and comfortable as possible. If you would like to learn more about tummy tuck surgery, please request a consultation using the online form or call us at (502) 899-9979.