What does recovery from tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) involve?

Every patient is different when it comes to recovery. Some people recover quicker than others and vice versa. Check with your surgeon as to what to expect during this time.

In general though, you are looking at least six weeks before you are able to resume your normal activities. In some cases, it can be months before you feel like your old self.

What has been found is that those patients who were physically fit before surgery recover quicker than those who aren’t. So, if you were a regular at the gym before your surgery then you will heal more quickly than those who don’t exercise.

Exercise can help with recovery but avoid very strenuous activities until your body is able to cope with them. This means no weight training or endless ab crunches!

Do a light exercise programme until your abdomen has healed and then return to your usual routine. Walking and swimming are ideal forms of exercise.

You may notice in the first two to three months that your scars appear to worsen rather than fade but this is entirely normal. They will fade over time but it can be as much as a year before they are hardly noticeable.

Overall, you can expect to be off work for two to three weeks and back to normal activities after six weeks.

If you notice any excessive bleeding, infection, rapid or abnormal heart rate or a sudden increase in pain then contact your surgeon right away. You will have been given contact details for him/her and the hospital.

Tummy Tuck Surgery / Abdominoplasty Surgery Guide Index:

COSMETIC SURGERY TREATMENTS

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