Stanley Loo Plastic SurgeonStanley Loo Plastic SurgeonRecovery after abdominoplasty is an important part of the treatment process. A tummy tuck involves significant surgery to the abdominal tissues, so the body needs time to heal.
Swelling, bruising, tightness and restricted movement can occur during the early recovery period. The aim of postoperative care is to protect the surgical area, support healing and allow you to gradually return to normal activity.
Your individual instructions from Stanley Loo and your surgical team take priority over general information on this page.
The First Few Days After Surgery
The first several days are usually the most restrictive.
You may experience:
Abdominal tightness
Swelling
Bruising
Reduced mobility
Tiredness
Discomfort when changing position
The current practice guidance recommends a supported position during early recovery, including pillows under the knees after abdominoplasty.
Patients should avoid trying to “push through” discomfort by returning to normal activity too quickly.
Compression Garments
A compression garment may be recommended following abdominoplasty.
The existing postoperative instructions advise wearing the compression garment for a minimum of six weeks following surgery, removing it for showering and washing as required.
Your individual instructions may differ depending on the procedure.
Movement and Walking
Rest is important, but prolonged immobility is generally not desirable.
Gentle movement around the home can help circulation and reduce stiffness. Patients should follow their surgeon’s instructions about walking and activity.
At the same time, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and excessive movement should be avoided during the early healing period because these activities can increase swelling or bleeding risk. The practice’s current postoperative guidance recommends avoiding strenuous activity and lifting for approximately three to six weeks, depending on recovery.
Sleeping After a Tummy Tuck
Sleeping comfortably can be difficult after abdominoplasty.
A supported position with the knees slightly flexed can reduce tension across the abdomen. The existing postoperative guidance recommends using pillows under the knees and supporting the head and shoulders.
Driving After Abdominoplasty
Driving should only resume when you can safely control the vehicle, react in an emergency and are no longer affected by medication or restricted movement.
The current practice instructions recommend avoiding driving for approximately two to three weeks after abdominoplasty/liposuction surgery.
Your individual recovery may alter this timeframe.
Scar Care
Every tummy tuck produces a scar.
Scar maturation takes time. Initially, scars may appear red, raised or firm before gradually becoming softer and less noticeable.
Your surgeon will discuss scar management during the postoperative period.
Protecting healing scars from unnecessary sun exposure is also important.
When to Contact Your Surgeon
Contact your surgical team if you are concerned about:
Increasing rather than improving pain
Significant bleeding
Rapidly increasing swelling
Increasing redness
Wound separation
Fever
Unusual discharge
Shortness of breath
Calf pain or swelling
Do not wait for a problem to become severe before asking for advice.
How long does tummy tuck recovery take?
Recovery varies considerably between patients. Light activity may resume relatively early, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting generally need to wait several weeks.
How long will I need a compression garment?
The current practice instructions recommend a minimum of six weeks, although individual instructions may vary.
When can I exercise after abdominoplasty?
Exercise should be introduced gradually according to your surgeon’s instructions. Heavy exercise should be avoided during the early healing period.
How long does tummy tuck swelling last?
Swelling gradually decreases as healing progresses. The final abdominal contour may take considerably longer to settle than the initial recovery.
Will my tummy tuck scar disappear?
No scar can be guaranteed to disappear. The scar normally becomes less prominent as it matures.