Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that tightens abdominal muscles and skin. This is a procedure that is popular with individuals who see significant sagging that cannot be fully tightened with exercise. Tummy tucks are especially popular among mothers who experience sagging skin tissue around their abdominal regions after childbirth. Anyone who chooses to have a tummy tuck done usually wishes to address stretch marks, “pouches” and loose skin, leaving a firmer, flattened abdominal section.
However, the recovery time for tummy tucks, along with visible scars, should be factors that any patient considers before this procedure.
Immediately after a tummy tuck, patients should be prepared for swelling, numbness, bruising, tingling, tightness, some pain, along with limited mobility. However, with enough bed rest and careful dieting, light exercise, and strict adherence to all of your surgeon’s instructions, you should experience a relatively minimally painful recovery period.
How Long Will Your Recovery Time After a Tummy Tuck Be?
Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline
Generally, it takes about four weeks to recover from a tummy tuck. Here’s what you should expect throughout your tummy tuck recovery time:
- After Your Procedure: Expect soreness and tightened muscles around the area where fat and excess skin have been removed and abdominal muscles have been tightened. During the first 24-hours of your tummy tuck recovery time, we recommend staying under the care of professional post-operative care nurses as you may need help getting out of bed, walking, and using the restroom.
- Your First Week: As with many cosmetic and medical surgeries, the first week of recovery is often the most challenging. However, it is vital that you follow all medical instructions during this period of your tummy tuck recovery time. Take all medications as prescribed. When resting, lie on your back, but with your head slightly elevated at around a 45-degree angle, with cushions or pillows wedged behind you so that you are resting in a slight sitting position. During this time in your tummy tuck recovery, start eating light meals (soup, crackers, plenty of fluids) and slowly progress to solid food with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein as you continue recovering.
- Weeks Two-Three: You will likely start to feel better in the second week of your tummy tuck recovery time. If you feel up to it, you may start light physical activity, even if it’s just moving around your home or postoperative care facility. However, ensure you wear loose clothing and avoid touching or scratching at your surgical incisions as this can worsen scarring and cause infection. During your recovery time after tummy tuck, you will also be required to wear a post-surgical garment and may have postoperative drainage tubes attached. It is essential to a fast tummy tuck recovery time that you wear this garment as instructed and do not remove or touch your surgical drainage.
- Week Four and Beyond: By week four of your tummy tuck recovery time, you should be mostly recovered. If you are still experiencing physical pain, consult your physician immediately. If you are feeling mostly fine, please note that you should still refrain from doing any heavy lifting or physically-arduous chores or tasks until cleared by your doctor.
Seek Professional Postoperative Care While You’re Healing
While recovering at home can be a part of your tummy tuck recovery timeline, most medical professionals will recommend you seek the best post-surgical care possible during the recovery time for your tummy tuck.
Stay at Pearl Recovery Retreat
Pearl Recovery Retreat is the leading postoperative care facility in Los Angeles. Located within the Viceroy L’Hermitage Hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills, we combine astute medical expertise with the most luxurious five-star amenities to provide each patient with an unparalleled level of care and attention.
If you’re planning a tummy tuck in the near future, we invite you to plan your stay with us. Call (310) 736-1009 or contact us online today to book your restorative stay.
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