Recovery from a tummy tuck has to balance two things: the need to get your body back on track as quickly as possible versus the need to stay calm until your body has had a chance to heal properly.
What is the recovery time for abdominoplasty?
In the past, patients were told to lie very still for a long time after abdominoplasty, but that created its own set of problems, such as blood clots in the legs or problems with the lungs. Today patients are encouraged to get moving soon, but that can also have its own set of problems, such as wound separation, infection, or fluid buildup. Like most things in life, the best answer lies somewhere in the middle.
WEEK 1 (First 5 days)
The first few days after surgery should be restful. Your body needs to rest and recover. Here are more details on what to do in the first five days after your surgery:
Bed rest and diet
After abdominoplasty surgery, you should lie in bed with your head elevated and several pillows under your knees (slightly bent). This is important because keeping your torso elevated helps expand your lungs, decreasing the likelihood of lung problems. This position also relaxes the skin on your belly. With relaxed skin you have less tension in the abdominal area, therefore less wound problems and better blood supply for healing.
During these first five days you should not go out. Walking should be guided only by goals, such as going to the bathroom or refrigerator. Too much movement can cause the skin layer to slide against the muscle layer so that the two tissues cannot join. This results in a collection of fluid (seroma) or blood (hematoma). Drains can help prevent this, but if too much fluid is moved it will accumulate despite the drains.
You may resume a normal diet as tolerated, but be sure to drink LOTS of fluids, especially in the first 72 hours after surgery. The fluids should not be diet sodas, but rather liquids such as juices or gatorade.
Compression garment
We have our patients wear a compression garment to decrease swelling and prevent fluid accumulation. It is extremely important that you DO NOT remove the compression garment for the first five days after surgery. Not only does it help you heal faster, but it also influences the final outcome of the surgery.
The compression garment extends to at least mid-thigh and has straps to prevent it from buckling or shifting while you are resting.
You must wear the garment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during this initial postoperative period. The garment should NOT be removed during the first 5 days.
Hygiene
Get up to go to the bathroom as often as necessary, but always be accompanied by someone who can provide support.
You should be able to use the restroom without removing the compression garment.
During the first five days, DO NOT take a shower. Without removing the compression garment, you may sponge bathe your arms, legs and face. However, do not get the garment wet and do not remove it.
Pain medications
After surgery, it is normal to have pain and discomfort. If you are in pain, do not be afraid to take pain medication.
Painkillers help you rest, breathe better and get up when needed with less discomfort.
Consultation after surgery
On the fifth day after surgery, I usually see my abdominoplasty patients in my office. Most patients have their drains removed.
With all tubes and drains removed, you feel freer. During this first postoperative visit, the compression garment is also removed and a new, clean garment is given to you. We then determine the plan of action to follow during the next postoperative week.
ABDOMINOPLASTY RECOVERY: WEEK 2
After the sixth day of surgery, the muscle layer begins to knit against the skin layer. But now I want the patient to start moving. I recommend getting up and walking around the room at least 3 times a day. The purpose is to get his muscles moving again, expand his lungs more and prevent blood clots in the calves.
But remember, don’t over do it because it could cause the muscle layer to slide against the skin layer and separate, causing a hematoma or seroma. That is why we recommend that you continue to wear the compression garment at all times (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) during the second week.
At this point, it is also important to keep the skin layer relaxed, so keep the head of the bed elevated and knees bent while resting on the bed. When walking, stay slightly bent over. Do not try to stand up straight yet, as this will pull on the wound.
During this second week after surgery, you may need help putting on and taking off the compression garment, so it is a good idea to have family and friends nearby. When you shower, use cool water. Do not take a hot shower at first because when the garment is removed, the blood vessels relax and the warm water makes them relax even more. If they relax enough, blood can flow from your veins to your lower body and you may pass out. So be sure to use cold water.
As for analgesics, I usually recommend at this time to start decreasing the dose. There are several reasons. First, pain can be a feedback mechanism for your body to tell you if you are doing too much. And second, sometimes patients feel too good on pain medications and tend to do too much. Finally, pain medications can cause constipation and straining at the stool can damage muscle repair.
ABDOMINOPLASTY RECOVERY: WEEK 3
At this point we begin the recovery phase. Start by walking around the house, but refrain from too much outdoor activity. You are now beginning to get a feel for your activity level and how much you can tolerate. Let your body guide you.
In the third week, you no longer need to wear the compression garment 24/7, but you should still wear it at least half the time. You may remove the garment at night, but if you do not feel totally comfortable, keep it on. Most patients keep it on for the entire month, claiming it makes them feel more confident. This is your body telling you that things are still a little tight or that there is still swelling. Listen to your body and don’t push it.
ABDOMINOPLASTY RECOVERY: WEEK 4
You can now venture out of the house, but it is not yet time for shopping at the mall or extended trips. Many patients return to work, as long as there are no physical demands.
Start trying to stretch, gently. Do not try to lift anything heavier than 5 pounds. You should still not wear any tight-fitting garments other than compression garments.
Even though you are in very good shape, it is not a good idea to drive. During the fourth week after surgery, sudden turns or slamming on the brakes can damage muscle repair.
At this point you may feel a hardness along the wound. Don’t panic, it is called a healing ridge, and it is the collagen your body deposits to bind the wound together. It will disappear over the next few weeks. You are still swollen here and there and some areas are numb. All of this will get better.
ABDOMINOPLASTY RECOVERY: WEEK 5
As of week 5, you can begin to resume your normal activities! You should see him sometime this week for the one month follow up appointment. You may still have some swelling, but your new body profile should be obvious. Start enjoying it!
In summary, if you are considering a tummy tuck, you should plan on 3 weeks off work, with no driving during the initial recovery period.
Every body is unique and I hope this detailed explanation of the first five weeks after abdominoplasty will help you be prepared for your own tummy tuck recovery time.
