Tummy Tuck Recovery

How Long is Tummy Tuck Recovery Time?

There is no single answer as to how long recovery will take after tummy tuck surgery. Like all plastic surgeries, there is a general time frame for the recovery period after tummy tuck surgery, but individual differences depend on several factors including the following reasons;

Factors affecting the recovery period after tummy tuck surgery;
 

• Age,

• General Health Status (Additional diseases such as diabetes, heart etc.),

• Tummy tuck type,

• Post-operative care.

In the light of the above-mentioned factors after tummy tuck surgery, the surgeon who performs the operation determines an approximate recovery period and schedule for his patient.

Patients who do not have any accompanying disease, are in good general health, and are not in advanced age can be allowed to start a desk job on the 15th day after tummy tuck surgery.
 

What to Expect During Tummy Tuck Recovery?

Just as patients have different tolerance levels to pain, the healing process also varies from person to person. A timeline that sets general milestones for what to expect in recovery is a helpful guide, but it is not meant to be applied equally to every patient.

It's especially important to keep this in mind, for example, if your body is telling you that you need more rest and returning to work in, say, 10 days is not the best idea.

Swelling may occur after tummy tuck surgery. The reasons for this are surgical interventions in the area. However, these swellings disappear completely within a few days.

As long as you pay attention to the diet and sleeping position recommended by your doctor, the swelling will decrease visibly between two days and four days.

The way you sleep in bed is also extremely important. You should sleep in a fetal position, leaning forward so as not to strain your stomach.
 

What is the Tummy Tuck Timeline?

First 7-10 Days

You'll need plenty of rest during this time, but it's still important to get moving every day, even if your movement is limited to walking slowly around the house for a few minutes at a time.

Walking helps improve the healing process and minimizes the risk of complications associated with poor circulation. Expect to walk bent at the waist for the first 7 days. You can slowly return to the upright position, but it's important that progress happens very slowly.

Also, most doctors tell them to prepare an area where they can sleep lying down but in an uneven position before surgery.

You will sleep in this flexible position for about 10 days, which will help your incisions heal well and you can still rest and get enough sleep. Most tummy tuck patients can return to work (desk jobs) 10 days after their surgery.

10-14 Days After the Surgery

At this point, many patients actually start to feel very close to normal. Again, this is a general observation and some patients take longer to feel close to their baseline expectations.

Even patients who feel fairly well should avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activities for the next 4 to 6 weeks. Results may be compromised if the healing process is not completed.
 

What are the Tips That Can Help The Tummy Tuck Healing Process?

People also ask: “What are the tips to speed up tummy tuck recovery time?” here are the tips that will help your recovery time
 

• Find a friend or family member to help you at home. This can be difficult for people who are used to being independent, but trying to wash the dishes or do other relatively minor chores can delay your recovery.

• Be careful when deciding what you are ready to do. Again, don't underestimate the power of rest. Even if you think you're feeling good, spending an extra day or two will pay off in the long run.

• Prepare activities that will keep you entertained and mentally stimulated during your recovery. Create a space where you can easily access electronic devices (including electrical outlets to charge them), books, TV remotes, and puzzles or other relaxing hobbies you enjoy.

• Don't be overconfident, even with our advanced pain control techniques. No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for about 5 weeks. You must take time to heal.

• As with any surgery, the width of the area also affects the healing process. Conditions such as pain and swelling may occur. For this, drugs are used with a doctor's prescription. Getting up early and doing the recommended movements will speed up the healing process.

• Stitches dissolve and do not need to be removed. Afterwards, a medical garment is used for 2 months. You can return to work after 2-4 weeks. Tummy tuck scars begin to turn to skin color in 9-12 months. Regular exercise and diet positively affect the recovery process of tummy tuck surgery.

• You should avoid heavy housework for the first 4-6 weeks, then apply strength carefully.

• You can plan a pregnancy after tummy tuck surgery, consult your doctor and get timely information.

• You should protect the wound from the sun for 1-2 months while swimming in the post-operative summer months. The pool or sauna is not recommended due to the risk of infection.

• After tummy tuck surgery, 3-4 weeks should be waited for sexual intercourse. Consult your doctor according to the wound healing process and your well-being.

• Drinking plenty of water and doing appropriate exercises will positively affect the circulation and positively affect wound healing.

• As long as you do not gain weight, you will maintain the postoperative results for many years.

What are the Possible Side Effects of Tummy Tuck?

As with any surgery, there are risks and side effects in tummy tuck surgery. Although thousands of tummy tuck surgeries are successfully performed every year, sometimes roughness can occur.
 

• Very rarely, infection or clotting can occur after surgery. If an infection has occurred, the complication can be eliminated with appropriate antibiotic treatment.

• In order to minimize the risk of clot formation, the patient should get up and move as soon as possible. For this reason, it is important for the person to get out of bed as quickly as possible after the tummy tuck operation and to take regular small walks in the hospital.

• Smoking can prolong the healing process and also increase the risk of complications.

• For this reason, it should be left approximately 2 weeks before the operation. Staying away from smoking for about 1 month will contribute to the completion of the healing process in a healthy way.

• It is seen that the complication called pulmonary embolism sometimes occurs as a result of tummy tuck surgery in elderly, heavy smokers and people with diabetes.

• What people need to do in order to avoid pulmonary embolism complications is to stand up as soon as possible after the operation. In order to reduce the risk of this complication, the person is dressed in a sock called thrombosis in the hospital.