How Long is the Recovery From a Tummy Tuck?
One Day to One Week Post Operation
The tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgery that eliminates wrinkles and tightens skin around the stomach. Patients who opt for this surgery will experience moderate to severe pain for up to four days after their surgery with discomfort and soreness lasting for at least one week.
Possible Back Pain
For several days after a tummy tuck surgery, patients are often unable to sit straight up. As a result, many people experience muscle spasms or back pain. Doctors often prescribe pain medication and muscle relaxers to relieve any discomfort.
Drains
Depending on your surgeon, you may have drains placed in the incision area. These drains, which look like plastic tubes, prevent back-up fluids that may slow the healing process. For several weeks after your surgery you or your surgeon will need to empty these drains on a regular basis.
Support Girdle
Tummy Tuck patients often wear an abdominal support girdle that is placed around the stomach for several weeks after surgery. This girdle will minimize your ability to move, and during this time physical activity is discouraged.
Two Weeks to Six Months Post Operation
Complete recovery time varies for each patient, but many who undergo a tummy tuck return to work and physical activity within the first month of their surgery. Some return to work in as little as one week depending on the amount of physical strain necessary to perform their duties.
Follow-Up Care
Over the course of the next six months, surgery scars will fade and tissue folds will flatten. Most doctors recommend that tummy tuck patients follow scar care instructions to heal quickly and thoroughly.
Final Results
The final results of your tummy tuck can be seen anywhere from three months to one year post operation.
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