Dr. Shermak Discuss What to Expect During the Tummy Tuck Recovery Process
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So you’ve decided to take the plunge and move forward with the exciting tummy tuck journey! What should you expect?
Pain Management and Early Recovery
Pain management protocols are top of mind. Before surgery, we start with Tylenol, and during surgery, I place a long-acting numbing medication within the surgical site that lasts about four days. After surgery most of your pain management will rely on non-narcotic medications, some of which will be prescribed to you. Narcotic medication is available as needed after surgery, but most patients find they don’t need it for long.
The first couple of days after surgery, you’ll feel sluggish and sleepy—this is a great time to rest and allow your body to heal. During these initial days, your body will begin flushing out anesthetic and retained fluid. You’ll spend most of your time in bed or a recliner, keeping your knees up on a pillow and catching up on books, movies, and binge-worthy series.
Days 4-5: First Postoperative Visit & Drain Removal
About four to five days after surgery, you’ll return to the office for your first postoperative visit. This is when your first dressing change will take place, and in many cases, your first drain will be removed. You can then go home and enjoy a shower! After this visit, you’ll continue to rest until your next follow-up appointment, typically about a week later, when your final drain will likely be removed, sutures will come out, and you will get into your recommended girdle
Week 1-2: Regaining Mobility
It’s okay to start driving around five to seven days after surgery as long as you are off narcotic pain medication and feel comfortable. Light, non-exertional activities are fine, but it’s crucial to prioritize your recovery. This means arranging help with childcare, work, and household tasks to ensure your body gets the time it needs to heal properly.
By two weeks, you’ll feel much more like yourself and really start appreciating your results. Many patients tell me that they expected a much harder recovery than what they experienced.
Week 3-4: Increasing Activity
By four weeks, you can begin ramping up physical exertion. At this point, it’s safe to start heading back to the gym and incorporating low-impact exercise. Your swelling will continue to subside, and your results will become more defined.
Scar management recommendations will typically start around four to six weeks post-op, with options like silicone gel topicals and massage to help optimize healing.
Long-Term Healing and Follow-Ups
Office visits will take place over the first year to monitor your healing and progress. Your final results will continue to develop as swelling resolves, and by three months, you should feel fully recovered.
What I hear from my patients is that this recovery is far better than anything they anticipated. I went through this myself, and by two weeks, I was already back to work in the operating room! This is a hugely impactful procedure, and the results make it well worth the journey.
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If you have any questions or concerns, contact Dr. Shermak’s office today to schedule a consultation!
