I have made a point during my 15+ years as a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to always be straightforward about what you can expect in terms of recovery. It is such a critical component of a happy outcome. You can have the most fantastic aesthetic result in the world, but if you thought that you were going to be up and running after 2 days and instead, it took 2 weeks, this will sour your whole experience. Managing your recovery expectations is important with any procedure, even injectables, but it’s especially critical with something as robust as a tummy tuck. The latter is the gold standard for re-contouring your mid-section, as it can address excess fat, loose skin, and weak muscles simultaneously. However, it also requires the most downtime of almost any procedure that I perform. So, here is what to expect after a tummy tuck.
Abdominoplasty Recovery in Boston
One of the reasons that a tummy tuck is so rejuvenating is that it allows me to resculpt your entire abdominal area, restoring proper proportion to your body. This improves not only how you look but also how you feel. My tummy tuck patients always tell me that they feel more:
- Youthful
- Vital
- Self-confident
After their procedure and recovery. The nice thing about an abdominoplasty is that you will notice an improvement in your body contour immediately. The hard thing is that then the swelling kicks in. Recovering from a tummy tuck takes time. I tell patients to expect 2-3 weeks of discomfort that includes bruising and swelling. I will want you up and walking as soon as possible, but I do not want you bending or lifting for 3-4 weeks. This is why it’s critical to have plans in place to help during this period of limited mobility.
How to Set Yourself Up for a Successful Tummy Tuck Recovery
During your initial tummy tuck consultation, I will ask about any prior procedures you have had, as well as how your body reacted. Since every patient’s anatomy is individual and heals at its own rate, this helps me to establish a baseline for your unique recovery and gives you a more personalized idea of what to expect after your abdominoplasty. I will also ask questions about your lifestyle in order to ensure that you put plans in place for any necessary help. For example, if you are a mother with young children, you won’t be able to pick them up for a month. Even if your kids are out of the house, you won’t be able to lift laundry, clean your house, or drive for the first two weeks. These guidelines are important to follow if you care for other adults or pets as well. You will need a family member, friend, or service to help you out during this time.
Compression Garment is Your Friend
There is also the issue of the compression garment. In order to help minimize any post-op discomfort and speed up your healing process, I will have you wear a compression garment 24 hours a day, except for showering, for 3 weeks after your tummy tuck. The garment is combined with gauze and foam for comfort and efficacy. Patients are often put off by this until they wake up post-surgery and realize that the compression garment is their friend. Sitting up is going to be less than fun for at least 2 weeks after your surgery. The compression garment will help provide support for your newly rejuvenated muscles and tissues. It also works to minimize swelling, which is the source of your discomfort and helps to keep your abdominal area stable.
After three weeks, stage two of compression begins. Here, I’ll have you wear a less restrictive garment, similar to Spanx, for at least 12 hours a day for two months. If needed, I may also recommend lymphatic massage. So, while the garment may be a drag, it is a critical component to a successful outcome and well worth it in the long run.
To find out more about a tummy tuck or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at his Boston or Brookline office, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.