For comfort, continue to wear soft, comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Some women opt for roomy dresses instead of pants and a top. It's up to you whether you feel more comfortable in a dress. The abdominal compression garment should be worn at all times (except while bathing).
Immediately following a tummy tuck, your abdomen will be placed in a medical-grade compression garment to reduce side effects, like inflammation. Patients are advised to wear this garment with loose-fitting clothing that is easy to remove.
Patients can expect their tummy tuck recovery to take an average of six to eight weeks. However, you can resume your regular clothing after about six to eight weeks, which is required for a smooth recovery.
During tummy tuck recovery, patients should plan to sleep on their back with their upper body slightly elevated. Just like walking at a slight bend, this modified sleeping position minimizes tension on the tummy tuck incision, reduces discomfort, and encourages proper healing and attractive results.
The worst days after your tummy tuck will be the first one to three days. You may experience some discomfort, bloating, pressure, and swelling, but these symptoms are normal and will resolve themselves.
Bed rest is recommended for the first 2 days after your tummy tuck procedure. On day 3, activity is encouraged but should be limited.
Most of the swelling will fade away two weeks after the surgery. At this point, you can start walking twice a day for fifteen to twenty minutes. Do not opt for any other exercises as your body is still in the initial phases of recovery. You can increase the duration of your walks after the four weeks marker.
You cannot recover from tummy tuck surgery at work. You need to be at home, comfortable, and relaxed for two to three weeks following surgery.
When can I wear jeans after a tummy tuck? Most patients after tummy tuck surgery feel comfortable wearing jeans about 3-4 weeks after surgery. This gives time for the drains to be removed (if they were used), the incision to heal and some of the swelling to go down.
The best sleeping position after tummy tuck surgery is on your back with your upper body elevated to create a slight bend or angle. Using pillows or sleeping in a recliner is ideal to achieve this position.
As part of the recovery process, patients will need to hunch or bend over at the waist when walking for about a week after a tummy tuck. This is a temporary precaution, although an understandable concern of prospective patients.
Start by walking a little more than you did the day before. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation. Avoid abdominal exercises and strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for 6 to 8 weeks.
You may shower 48 hours after surgery, but do not soak in a bathtub, hot tub, or pool. Soaking your wounds in water can expose them to bacteria and cause infection. You should not take baths for at least two weeks after surgery.
A properly performed tummy tuck can reduce your waist size and help you feel confident about your curves again. Some patients may lose many inches off their waist, while others will see more subtle results. It all depends on how much tissue can be removed safely.
Where the real “weight loss” comes in is in the loss of inches. A tummy tuck can produce dramatic results by eliminating inches around the waistline. It isn't uncommon for patients to lose several inches, helping them to go down in clothing sizes and appear firmer and thinner.
You will need about a week of bed rest following a tummy tuck. It can take two weeks before you can return to your normal activities after the surgery.
1 Week after Tummy Tuck
For the first week after your procedure, you should still be avoiding exercise. During this early healing phase, you'll still be experiencing some pain or discomfort, as well as swelling and post-op fatigue, so it is important to allow your body sufficient time to recover.
Whether you're contemplating a Mommy Makeover package or just want to undergo a tummy tuck, you'll be relieved to know that any pain from this cosmetic procedure is far less than that experienced after a C-section.
Whilst the removal of this can result in some loss of body mass, a tummy tuck is not a weight loss solution. In fact, removing excess skin can make it easier for patients to shed pounds and contour their bodies post-surgery.
How soon can you walk after a tummy tuck? You absolutely can walk up and downstairs immediately after surgery. Once again use common sense. If you need someone to help you on the stairs then do so.
There will be some discomfort after a tummy tuck, with the worst discomfort experienced within the first week. On a scale of 1 – 10, pain is often estimated at around a 6-7 for the the first few days to a week, reducing to around a 3 – 4 in the second week. This would, of course, depend on the individual.
After a tummy tuck, you'll need extra sleep. We recommend sleeping as much as you can for the first week or two. When you are awake, focus on eating healthy meals, taking gentle walks, and getting lots of hydration. Elevating your torso is essential for comfortable and safe sleep.
It is recommended that you avoid sleeping on your stomach or side for at least two weeks after this cosmetic procedure, as this can put too much pressure on the incision site and cause pain.
When you rest, it's recommended that you sleep in a slightly bent position that avoids pulling on the stitches. Instead of sleeping flat on a bed, many surgeons and patients who have recovered from abdominoplasty recommend sleeping in a recliner for the first few weeks.
To prevent constipation, add high fiber foods to your diet both before and after the surgery to make it easier for the bowels to empty. Individuals who have a history of constipation or have had previous issues with bowel movements post-surgery may want to consider a laxative/stool softener combination.