Tummy Tuck Recovery: The Amount of Time You’ll Need

Our patients will be happy to know that we strive for them to achieve the best possible results from their procedures with minimal recovery time and we are always here to support them. Below are a few “what-to-expect” tips during the tummy tuck recovery process to help create proper expectations and eliminate surprises after the procedure.

Post-Op

This part depends on the accommodations you have set up for yourself prior to the procedure. Because you won’t be able to drive yourself home, you might want to have a friend or family member come in with you. It is suggested before the procedure to find a “recovery buddy,” or someone you trust enough to help you out during the recovery process and this is part of the reason why.

A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for you and you will also be given some tips for the recovery process. This will include things like how to shower, what to do with your medications, and what to look for while healing.

Recovery

You may experience some weariness and grogginess during the first two days of your recovery and it is imperative you have someone helping you out. The medication you will be given by Dr. Baldenhofer will help with the pain and the recovery, but may also add to the weariness.

Light activity is recommended during this time, but you definitely should not walk through your home without the assistance of someone nearby; falling would not be good for you. You may feel the need to walk with a hunch and you may also experience some tightness in your abdomen, but this is all completely natural and should not cause any alarm.

During the first week of your recovery, you’re going to want to sleep slightly elevated. Some of our patients have recliners they are comfortable sleeping in for this purpose; others can rely on several pillows to help keep them propped up.

Time Off

We recommend our patients take at least two weeks off from work. This could change after your first week follows up depending on how you are healing, but two weeks is what we suggest most patients prepare for.

You will be wearing compression garments to help with your healing for up to three weeks and you should be undergoing absolutely no strenuous workouts during this time. Patients typically wait up to six weeks before resuming exercising and even then, it is suggested that you do not immediately jump back into the routine you had established before the procedure. Slowly build up to it.

If you have any more questions about what to expect after a tummy tuck, contact either or Manhattan or Long Island office for your free consultation today.