Tummy Tuck Recovery.  Following Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgery, a patient should prepare to rest for one week. An elastic compression garment worn under clothing for several weeks. Patients with jobs that do not require physical labor may return to work one to two weeks after surgery. The abdominal skin and muscles will be tighter, and the patient is encouraged to minimize tension on the incision. This can be done by temporarily keeping the hips flexed while in bed and by slouching while standing. The skin will relax gradually over the first week so the patient will again comfortably be able to stand upright. Many patients will feel strong enough to resume activities early, but we encourage patients to minimize unnecessary motion for the few weeks following surgery. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for six weeks following surgery to ensure a successful tummy tuck recovery.

Drains for tummy tuck recovery.  Drains may be used to evacuate fluid that is produced under the skin; they are generally removed the week after your tummy tuck surgery. This allows the skin and superficial tissues to adhere again to the underlying muscle and fibrous tissue. Patients who minimize activity in the weeks following surgery are frequently able to remove their drains sooner.

Most of the sutures that are used to close the incisions are absorbable and do not require removal. The new incision usually appears slightly red in the months following surgery. As the healing progresses and the scar matures, the incision typically fades to a paler color. Improvement in the scar can be expected for up to two years following surgery. The location of the incision is designed so that it is low enough to be concealed by a bathing suit.  If you have anymore questions about tummy tuck recovery please contact us.