Tummy Tuck Surgery Recovery

Tummy Tuck Recovery for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery for Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, & Washington DC

Depending on the extent of your tummy tuck and your general physical condition, you may be able to return to non-strenuous work two to three weeks after tummy tuck surgery.  Recovery time from a tummy tuck varies by an individual’s age, their physical condition, and the nature of their work and activities.  If no muscle tightening is required the patient is back to regular activity with lifting within about 10 days after tummy tuck surgery. The skill of the plastic surgeon also plays a roll in recovery. The more gently and skillfully the tissues are handled, the faster the recovery and less complications.

If you are searching for a safe tummy tuck surgery and superior results in Northern Virginia, Maryland or Washington,DC, plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael J. Brown is an excellent choice to have this procedure from. His patients come from Loudoun, Fairfax, Reston, Herndon, Leesburg, Dulles, Ashburn, Middleburg, Great Falls, Potomac Falls, Alexandria, Vienna, Falls Church, Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Richmond,Washington, DC to name a few local areas.

After tummy tuck surgery

For the first few days after a tummy tuck, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you will likely feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by pain medication.  The swelling after tummy tuck surgery will resolve over the following weeks. As you begin to move around more, that abdominal area will swell intermittently and this should be used to determine how much activity you are ready to undertake. 

You will receive post operative tummy tuck instructions from Dr. Michael J. Brown’s office.  You will not be able to stand up straight at first after tummy tuck surgery but you should still walk as soon as possible.  It is encouraged to take short walks to promote blood circulation.  After a complete tummy tuck, you will walk bent over for about ten days to two weeks.  This will be shorter if you have a mini-tummy tuck and even shorter if no stomach tightening was required.  The skin will slowly relax and you will feel more comfortable standing up straight.  You will be provided with a support garment to wear for the first few weeks following tummy tuck surgery.  Activities that require straining, bending, and lifting must be avoided, since these activities increase the likelihood of disrupting the muscle layer stitches.  Sleeping with a pillow under your knees and a few behind your back is recommended.  It may be about two months before you are back to normal activities after a tummy tuck.

The use of drainage tubes depends on your anatomy and extent of surgery. You may have 1 or 2 drains in your pubic area and the drainage from these tubes will have to be monitored and recorded. The color of the drainage will start out as bloody, then turn paler and appear thinner in character. The fluid will eventually turn yellowish-clear and be thin in character (less viscous). When the amount are at a resonable volume they will be removed.  

Incisions will initially be red or pink in color.  They will remain this way for several months following a tummy tuck surgery.   It may take up to nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color.  While they will never completely disappear, the scars will not show under most clothing.

Getting back to normal after tummy tuck

It could take up to 6 weeks to a few months to feel like your self again after tummy tuck surgery.  Starting out in reasonably good physical condition along with strong abdominal muscles can make recovery much faster.  Reasonable exercise may also help the healing process.  People who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to help reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots forming in your legs, and tone muscles.  However, vigorous exercise should be avoided until you feel able to perform more aggressive exercises; this will take at least 8 weeks.

The new you after tummy tuck surgery

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, whether partial or complete, produces exceptional results for patients suffering from weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin.  In most cases, results are long lasting as long as you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.  If you are realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a lengthy recovery period, a tummy tuck may be the best answer for you.

There is a lot of information to comprehend when considering tummy tuck surgery.  It is very important to understand the tummy tuck surgery procedures, how to prepare for your tummy tuck surgery and what risks and complications are associated with tummy tuck surgery.  If you are interesting in learning about insurance coverage for a tummy tuck surgery, please read our Tummy Tuck Insurance Policy page.

Tummy Tuck
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Mini Tummy Tuck
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Tummy Tuck
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Tummy Tuck
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Tummy Tuck
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Tummy Tuck
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Tummy Tuck
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Tummy Tuck
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Mini Tummy Tuck
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