Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

What to Expect After Surgery (Post-Op)

After your procedure, your doctor or nurse may place drainage tubes to prevent accumulation of excess fluid under the skin at the incision sites. These tubes are normally removed within a week. Any sutures will normally be removed within 2 to 3 weeks. Compression garments may be worn to reduce swelling and promote proper healing and body tone for several weeks. The initial healing process may involve some swelling and bruising. Most will disappear within a few weeks, but it may be a few months before all swelling subsides and the final results of the abdominoplasty are evident. You may also experience numbness in the abdominal area, which may continue for several months.

The incision site will appear red or pink in color for months, and may appear to get worse before finally fading. These scars will never completely disappear, but they will eventually fade over time. Due to the tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles as part of the surgical process, you may not be able to stand upright initially, and it is best to avoid sitting upright for long periods of time over the first few days.

You will be encouraged to get out of bed for short walks to improve circulation, but should avoid any strenuous activity. You may engage in light activity after a couple of weeks, and, depending on the health of the individual, you may be able to resume moderate exercise/sports after approximately six weeks.

Medications may be prescribed to control any pain or discomfort during the recovery process. It is important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions. This helps to ensure proper healing, to reduce possibility of infection, and to achieve the best aesthetic results.