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Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Post-Op Recovery Expectations

Home » Resources » Post-Op Care » Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Post-Op Recovery Expectations

Abdominoplasty surgery is performed in our on-site outpatient facility under heavy sedation or general anesthesia. Standard abdominoplasty usually takes 2 to 5 hours, while mini-abdominoplasty takes 1 to 2 hours. You will need someone to drive you home after and help you out for a few days.

Initially, your abdomen will probably be swollen and feel sore. You will need to wear a compression garment for the first few weeks to minimize swelling and encourage a smooth, compact abdominal shape. Your surgeon will instruct you to walk around within the first few days to encourage blood flow and healing.

Your recovery time will depend on the extent of your surgery and the condition you were in before the surgery; if you are physically fit, you are able to enjoy a faster recovery time. Some patients are able to return to light activity, including work, after about 2 weeks, while others might take 3 to 4 weeks.

Surgeons and staff of the New York Group for Plastic Surgery are here to support you after your abdominoplasty procedure.

The Following Instructions and Guidelines Will Help Your Recovery Process:

Because abdominoplasty involves removal of extra abdominal skin and tightening of abdominal muscles, you may experience some difficulty standing up straight for the first week or two after surgery. Please do not make any special attempts to stretch or stand up straight during the first three weeks of healing. The tightness will gradually soften as you heal and progressively use your body muscles.
You will be placed in a compression garment after surgery to provide stability and reduce swelling. The garment must be worn at all times for the first few weeks following surgery; it may be taken off temporarily to launder the garment and to sponge bathe only.

DRAIN CARE:

During surgery, the doctor may place one or two drains in your abdomen to help remove fluid that collects after surgery, allowing you to heal faster. These drains have bulbs at the ends which collect the fluid. When the drain is first placed, the bulbs will be compressed to create a gentle suction. As the fluid collects in the bulb, it will expand. Whenever the bulb fills 50% or more, you must empty the bulb by opening the plug at the top and pour out the contents. Please measure the amount of fluid before discarding it and keep a log of how much fluid you empty for each drain. Squeeze the bulb to recompress it and put the plug back into the hole at the top of the bulb, in order to maintain the vacuum.

Milking your drains must also be done to ensure that the tubes leading off from the bulbs do not become obstructed. First, secure the tube to the body using your thumb and pointer finger of one hand. Using the other hand, squeeze the tube while sliding your fingers away from your body towards the bulb; you will not be able to slide your fingers down the entire tube in one stroke.

Work your way slowly down the tube, remembering to always keep the tube secured with your other hand. After, the tube may appear collapsed; this is normal and means that you have gotten all the fluid from the tube into the bulb. The color of the drainage will be a bright red immediately after surgery; in the days following it will become a lighter, pink color.

Either the doctor or nurse will remove your drains 5-10 days after surgery. Please bring with you the log you are keeping of your drainage as we use this guide in deciding if the drains are ready to be removed. YOU MAY NOT SHOWER UNTIL THE DRAINS ARE REMOVED. Once the drains are removed you may shower, but please do not remove the Steri-Strips on the incision.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Post-Op Recovery Expectations FAQs

How Long Will I Have My Drains?

Drains are typically in for 7-10 days after an abdominoplasty. Output from drains should be less than 20cc during a 24 hour time period.

My Abdomen And/Or Scars Feel Numb, Is This Normal?

Yes. Sensation changes right after surgery are very common. You may experience numbness or tingling all through the abdomen or even an itchy sensation that you just can’t seem to scratch. The areas will return to normal sensation in 6-9 months. You may always have a slight numb feeling to your belly button and/or right around your scarring.

When Can I Begin Using Scar Treatment Remedies Like Mederma Or Silicone Scar Sheeting?

We recommend that you begin this type of treatment once the scar has fully healed, which is typically around 2 weeks after surgery. You may purchase Mederma at any pharmacy and silicone scar sheeting is available for purchase at our office or online. Scar treatment remedies are best used for 6-8 weeks after surgery.

When Do I Need My Sutures (Stitches) Removed?

All of your sutures are internal and will dissolve on their own over 3-6 months. The only sutures that require removal are the ones securing your drains, which are removed when the drains are pulled at 10-14 days after surgery.

When Can I Drive?

You may drive when you are off pain medication and can safely and comfortably maneuver the car; typically this is 10-14 days after surgery.

When Can I Travel?

You may go on long car rides or fly on a plane at 4 weeks after surgery, but you need to get up and walk around every 2-3 hours if possible.

When Can I Get In a Pool, Submerge in a Bathtub or Go to the Beach?

You may be submerged in water at 3 weeks post-op as long as you don’t have any open wounds. It’s best to wait for 1 month before going in hot tubs because they typically harbor more bacteria than pools.

How Long Do I Need to Wear a Compression Garment?

We typically recommend wearing the garment you are placed in at the time of surgery for 2 weeks. Then you may switch into a SPANX type garment to be worn for 4 to 6 weeks.

When Can I Begin Exercising?

You may walk at any point, but strenuous exercise where you may raise your blood pressure should not be done for 2 weeks. After that period, you may begin a brisk walk, but true cardio and weight lifting should not be done until 4-6 weeks out from surgery to prevent damage to the abdominal repair that was completed. (FYI, sex is considered cardio!)

How Long Will the Swelling Take to Resolve?

Swelling typically begins to resolve in the first 2-3 weeks, but can take a full 3 months before it’s completely resolved.

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