Tummy Tuck Recovery: Week-by-Week Guide & What to Expect

What to Expect Before Your Tummy Tuck

Preparing for an abdominoplasty involves both practical planning and understanding what the surgery will achieve. Here's what you need to know as you approach your surgery date.

Planning Your Support Network

Recovery requires support, especially in the first few days:

• Arrange for someone to collect you from hospital and stay with you for the first 2-3 days
• If you have children, arrange childcare for at least the first week
• Your partner may need 3-4 days off work to help
• Consider having a friend or family member available for backup support

Understanding Your Scars

The scar is one of the most important considerations before a tummy tuck. Your surgeon will draw the planned incision during your pre-operative consultation.

Where Will the Scar Be?

The scar typically runs horizontally across the lower abdomen, positioned so it can be hidden by underwear. Key points to understand:

• The scar length depends on how much excess skin needs removing
• The scar is placed as low as possible, usually just above the pubic area
• A Z-plasty technique may be used at the ends to prevent tightness
• The scar position may rise slightly as tissues settle

What About Skin Thickness?

Different areas of your abdomen have different skin thickness. Where the thicker upper skin joins the thinner lower skin, there may be a small step or lip. This is normal and usually settles over time as the tissues heal and flatten.

Drains and Compression

Why Do I Need a Drain?

A drain is placed during surgery to remove excess fluid and reduce the risk of seroma (fluid collection). The drain:

• Is placed in the pubic area for discretion
• Usually removed at your first post-operative appointment (day 3-4)
• Heals with minimal scarring - the small incision closes on its own
• Collects into a small bag that can be emptied as needed

Compression Garment

You'll wear a compression garment for approximately six weeks after surgery. This:

• Starts after the drain is removed
• Supports healing tissues and reduces swelling
• Should be worn continuously except when showering
• Can be worn under normal clothing

Muscle Repair: The Key to a Flat Stomach

For many patients, especially those who have had pregnancies, the abdominal muscles have separated. This is called diastasis recti. During your tummy tuck:

• The muscles are brought back together and sutured in place
• This creates internal tightening that exercise cannot achieve
• The repair is why you'll feel tight when standing up initially
• The repair is measured and tailored to your specific needs

Do I Need Liposuction?

Many patients ask about combining liposuction with their tummy tuck. The answer depends on your individual situation:

• If you have visible muscle definition when exercising, you likely don't need liposuction
• Excess skin often hides underlying definition
• Liposuction can be performed later if desired
• Starting without liposuction allows us to see what the tummy tuck alone achieves

Recovery Timeline

Days 1-3: Immediate Recovery

• Stay with your support person
• Walk short distances to prevent blood clots
• Take prescribed painkillers as directed
• Sleep slightly elevated to reduce swelling

Days 4-14: Early Recovery

• Drain removed at day 3-4 appointment
• Begin wearing compression garment
• Light walks around the house and short trips outside
• Avoid lifting anything heavier than a kettle

Weeks 2-6: Intermediate Recovery

• Gradually increase walking distance
• Return to desk work around week 2-3
• No gym or exercise until 6 weeks
• Continue wearing compression garment

After 6 Weeks

• Cleared to return to exercise
• Start with lower body and cardio
• Gradually reintroduce core exercises
• Scars continue to mature for 12-18 months

Scar Care

Scar care begins once your wounds are fully healed, usually around 2-3 weeks after surgery:

• Wait until your surgeon confirms wounds are healed before starting
• Silicone gel or sheets can help flatten and fade scars
• Your surgeon will advise specific products at your 6-week check
• Endermologie or lymphatic drainage can help reduce swelling

Potential Complications

While complications are rare, it's important to understand what can happen:

Wound Breakdown

The most common issue is minor wound breakdown where the incision doesn't heal perfectly. This usually heals on its own with dressings and time.

Seroma

Fluid collection under the skin can occur even with drains. If significant, it may need draining with a needle in clinic - a quick, straightforward procedure.

Infection

Serious infection is uncommon with proper antibiotic coverage and good surgical technique. Signs to watch for include increasing redness, heat, or discharge.