Tummy Tucks are amazing procedures, but they need your commitment for a full recovery. How long does it take to recover from a tummy tuck? If you’ve been thinking about getting this surgery, understanding the recovery process can help you to make the right decision at the right time for you.
Feeling nervous? Before you know it, you’ll be back to your normal life and loving your new body, and we’re here to help you get to that point.
In this guide, we break down what a tummy tuck entails, how long tummy tuck recovery takes, as well as our top tips to recover faster from a tummy tuck.
Different Types Of Tummy Tuck Surgery Recovery
Compared to recovering from liposuction, recovering from a tummy tuck typically takes longer because the surgery is more invasive and involves removing excess skin around the abdominal area.
The time it takes to recover from a tummy tuck also depends on the type you have. In fact, a complete or full abdominoplasty involves cutting your abdomen from hipbone to hipbone and has a longer recovery time than a mini or partial tuck that only requires a small incision below the navel.
How Long Does Tummy Tuck Recovery Take?
So what does the tummy tuck recovery timeline look like?
Immediately after the surgery, you may have small tubes placed around the incision to drain any fluid, and these will likely be left in for a few days. Furthermore, an abdominal binder or compression garment will also be fitted to support you for 6–8 weeks following the surgery.
Additionally, you will be given pain medication to take home, and you will need to rest for the first couple of days. Consequently, you may need help with things like cleaning and childcare, as standing and lifting things can be challenging for the first week.
It takes approximately 6 weeks to be able to return to the gym or any work that involves lifting. However, your doctor will be the one to judge this on a case-by-case basis.
One to two months following surgery, you should be able to resume most activities as normal, and your body will fully heal within a year, with your inflammation gone and your scar faded.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips
The most important thing is to ensure you are resting and relaxing, as well as avoiding any strenuous physical activity before you feel ready. In fact, there are some tummy tuck recovery tips you can try which may help to speed along the recovery process. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to reduce swelling and try to maintain a healthy diet. Furthermore, taking supplements like vitamin A and vitamin C and a probiotic can help too.
Don’t rush for heavy physical activity too soon, but make sure that you’re not sitting around too much either. As always, balance is the key.
Conclusion
Tummy tuck recovery times can vary — your age, health, and body weight are all factors that can have an effect.
To be a good candidate for a tummy tuck, you need to be in good health, have a stable body weight, and have no plans to get pregnant. Before the surgery, you might need to stop smoking and avoid certain medications to be in the best possible conditions for the procedure.
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