After Abdominoplasty, Before the Bathing Suit: Tummy Tuck Recovery
As a procedure that has the power to transform a person’s figure through minimal incisions, tummy tuck surgery, clinically known as abdominoplasty, has few peers in plastic surgery. It is one of the most popular elective procedures in all of medicine for many good reasons, not least of which is its impressive safety profile. While there is no such thing as a risk-free surgical procedure, tummy tuck delivers a multitude of benefits with an extremely low risk of serious complications.
Nevertheless, as an invasive surgical procedure, tummy tuck does require a rather lengthy period of recovery, even when it is modified to address a smaller area of the abdomen using a technique known as “mini tummy tuck.” Dr. Suzanne Yee wants patients to understand precisely what they should expect from tummy tuck surgery before, during, and after the procedure so that they can make confident, educated decisions as to whether they should proceed with surgery. This is why she goes into great detail about tummy tuck recovery during consultations at her Little Rock plastic surgery practice. She takes the time to address the questions and concerns of her patients, providing them with honest, straightforward answers.
We invite you to read the following general information about the tummy tuck recovery process and then contact our practice to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Suzanne Yee, one of the nation’s most respected plastic surgeons.
Recovering from Tummy Tuck Surgery
The recovery period after tummy tuck surgery varies from patient to patient, depending on which tummy tuck technique was employed during the surgery. For instance, the mini tummy tuck technique requires a shorter recovery period than the full tummy tuck technique. In general, however, most patients require at least a week off of work to recover, with many requiring up to two weeks.
Depending on the scope of your tummy tuck, you may be released to return home on the day of your surgery or you may have to spend the night in the hospital. For a few days after your surgery, you should expect to spend most of your time in bed resting and healing. However, as soon as you are able to do some light walking, you will be encouraged to do so as often as you can.
About a week after your surgery, you will return to our office so that Dr. Yee can remove your stitches. At this point, if you haven’t been walking, you will definitely be urged to start. Dr. Yee will advise you of which activities you can and cannot do in the weeks to come. During this time, you will also be allowed to return to work, but you will have to wait at least six weeks before you can participate in any strenuous exercise or activity.
It is essential that you diligently follow all post-surgical instructions provided to you by Dr. Yee to ensure proper healing and the best possible results. Your instructions will include:
- How and when to bathe
- How and when to change your dressings
- What you should eat
- When to take your medications
- Any recommended lifestyle changes (e.g., no smoking)
Learn More about Tummy Tuck Recovery
To learn more about tummy tuck recovery, please contact the plastic surgery practice of Dr. Suzanne Yee today.
