If you are self-conscious about your stomach or embarrassed to wear a bathing suit or be in an intimate setting because of excess abdominal skin, you may benefit from a tummy tuck .
A tummy tuck is a popular cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin, tissue, and fat from around the abdominal muscles, resulting in a smooth, slender tummy with minimal apparent scarring. It’s a great plastic surgery for moms who have had their last pregnancy or individuals who have lost a large amount of weight.
Some of the most common questions plastic surgeons receive have to do with tummy tuck recovery:
- What should I expect after surgery?
- Are tummy tuck surgeries painful?
- How long will it take to recover?
- How long do you have to take off work?
- When can you return to exercise?
In the following post, we will attempt to answer these questions and others related to tummy tuck recovery.
What to Expect After Tummy Tuck Surgery
What are the questions to ask before tummy tuck? Let’s take a look at the main things you’ll be dealing with after your plastic surgery and during the recovery period.
Swelling and bruising
Your plastic surgeon will tell you that swelling and some bruising is to be expected after your plastic surgery. Looking at tummy tuck week by week pictures from other patients, however, you’ll see that these symptoms become significantly reduced after the first week.
To reduce initial swelling, sometimes drains will be used. Compression garments must also be worn for at least a few weeks after surgery to keep swelling down.
Pain and discomfort
Pain and discomfort after a tummy tuck procedure are other common symptoms. During the first week after your plastic surgery procedure, you may experience a variety of sensational changes, including numbness. Over time, feeling will return, and the discomfort will improve. Your plastic surgeon can provide pain management options as well.
Rest from activity
Patients should take at least one to two weeks off from school or work. It’s important to limit your activity during this period. Make sure to follow the instructions from your plastic surgeon.
If you have children, ensure that someone is available to help care for them as you will not be able to lift infants or small children (or any heavy objects) for at least a few weeks. You’ll also need to refrain from exercise, driving, and other such physical activities.
Scarring
You will have a scar after your tummy tuck because the procedure requires at least one incision. Once full recovery has been achieved, however, your healed tummy tuck scar will usually be difficult to notice.
Tummy Tuck Questions and Answers
How painful is a tummy tuck recovery?
Plastic surgeons will tell you that tummy tuck surgery is an invasive surgery, so it’s normal to experience some discomfort and pain after your operation. Still, during the surgery itself, you will not feel any pain as general anesthesia will be used. And after surgery, your plastic surgeon can provide you with pain management options as well.
How much is a tummy tuck in Texas?
Every tummy tuck surgery will cost a different amount as the ultimate cost depends on what techniques your board-certified plastic surgeon needs to use and what, if any, additional procedures will be added to the procedure.
For example, some patients will include this surgical procedure as a part of their mommy makeover. A mommy makeover includes multiple procedures (such as liposuction, breast lift, breast augmentation, etc.). Naturally, this combination will increase the overall cost of a Texas tummy tuck.
What are the signs of a bad tummy tuck?
Patients who report getting bad tummy tuck procedures usually complain that their abdominal scar is too high (so that it is noticeable above underwear or bathing suit bottoms). Or, they are unhappy with the shape and smoothness of their abdomen in general.
A well-done tummy tuck procedure should leave you with less excess fat, an overall flat abdomen and smooth contours. The belly button should be repositioned in a natural way so that the repositioning itself cannot be easily detected.
How long does tummy tuck recovery take?
Generally speaking, it takes approximately six weeks to recover and return to your normal physical activities. During this time, you may experience swelling, discomfort, and bruising. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with detailed recovery instructions to care for your incision sites, reduce pain, and ensure optimal results.
How long is mini tummy tuck recovery?
Mini tucks will generally necessitate the same amount of recovery time as classic tummy tucks. The same horizontal incision will be made along the lower abdomen, and the lower abdominal muscles will have been tightened and excess skin removed.
The main difference between the two procedures is that the belly button is not moved with a mini tuck. Likewise, the upper abdomen is not tightened, nor is excess skin removed from this area. Liposuction, if performed at all, will also generally be performed only in the lower abdomen.
As a general guideline, plastic surgeons will tell you that it will take approximately six weeks before any plastic surgery patient can resume their normal physical activities.
Will I have a mini tummy tuck scar?
Yes, if you opt for a mini tummy tuck, you will have a scar along your lower abdomen between your belly button and pubic hair line. Anytime a cosmetic procedure has an incision, scarring will be inevitable.
The good news, when it comes to tummy tuck scars, is that most of the time, this scar will be far below your underwear line so that it won’t be noticeable in bathing suit bottoms or other undergarments. If you follow Dr. Raj’s post-operative care instructions closely, this will also help reduce the appearance of any scars.
Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation
Have you been thinking about getting a Dallas tummy tuck?
Whether you’re interested in reducing excess skin after a significant weight loss or pregnancy or you’ve always wanted a smoother-looking tummy, Dr. Raj can help you achieve the figure you desire.
Contact our office today to book your tummy tuck consultation appointment.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-tummy-tuck-recovery
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/procedure
https://www.realself.com/news/mini-tummy-tuck-candidate