The actual abdominoplasty surgery takes a couple of hours. After a tummy tuck your doctor will expect you to remain in post-operative care for at least 24 hours so that you can be monitored for any complications. Despite being an elective surgery abdominoplastys are considered a big as open heart surgeries.
After a tummy tuck, make sure that you adhere to a strictly schedule of rest and recuperation. Let your management at office know in advance that you will not be able to attend work for a stipulated time. During the first week after a tummy tuck you can expect to be in pain and have your body swollen. However, your doctor will definitely prescribe some form of painkiller medication for you.
Also you will have to make peace with the fact that you will be restrained to staying on your bed for a few days post the surgery. After a tummy tuck, restrict your physical activity and take up walking as the only means of getting your blood flow back to normal. This will also help in preventing the formation of blood clots.
Once you are free from the bandages and you find your movement a bit more natural, your doctor will recommend a special form of underwear. After a tummy tuck, this underwear will help compress the abdominal area and this will help bring down the swelling. Be prepared to wear this for several weeks after the surgery.
After a tummy tuck, you may take several weeks to heal and during this time, it will be natural for you to feel fatigued. You may also find patches of numbness around your abdomen. All of this will pass with time. Plan your tummy tuck procedure well for you cannot immediately get into a bathing suit after a tummy tuck.
I have had 3 c-sections and a hysterectomy. All surgeries were performed at the same incision as my first c-section. I have scar tissue and loose skin that hangs over incision site. Is the old scar and scar tissue removed during an abdominoplasty?
I had two c-sections…. i had strech marks and plenty of fat on my abdominal area…..
The results I have… are deffeitive great. My tummy tuck was done in Mexico, this plastic surgen is excellent, he also works here in the USA, his name is Francisco Alegria, Im very happy with my results!!
the scar, all the strech marks, few inches and pounds are gone, I had a teen abdomen again!!!
how long will be the recovery period after tummy tuck surgery and how many weeks do i have to wait to wear a swimming suite please reply me soon
let me know how many weeks do I have to wait to see my slim body aftter tummy tuck?
I believe recovery and healing depends on the individual and the strict following your surgeons instructions.
I had a tummy tuck approximatley 6 weeks ago and I am feeling great. It was very painful but worth it. My stomach looks great and I expect for it to continue to improve since there is still some swelling and tenderness but I am extremely happy with my results.
When making the decision to get this surgery, keep in mind that it does require significant recovery time.
I just had my tummy tuck done on April 15th…..I had 3 c sections…..with stretch marks all over my stomach….almost 75 percent of them gone….and on the bottom by my bikini line….I am 47 years old…I am def happier and it looks 10 times better….I am still wearing the strap around my stomach and will be for the next 6 weeks…..I recommend this to anyone who is very unhappy with thei ab and stomach area with all that excess…..
I had a tummy tuck done in Jamaica last week. I was in the hospital for 24 hours. I must admit that after my 2 c- sections I knew that I should expect pain but I am not in any pain at all. I was up and about in 2 days. ( yes walking up right) I am very pleased with how my scar looks. I had a full tummy tuck. I also had my drains removed 2 days after surgery. I wear compression garments 24/7. There is still some swelling, after all my surgery was 8 days ago. We are all different so our bodies heal differently. I would say based on what I hear and watch that the average recovery time is 2 weeks. Plan for a two piece swim suit in about 3-6 months after surgery. Not because it was easy for me means that this surgery should be taken lightly. It is a major surgery. Follow your doctor’s orders.
Did you or anyone you know who had the surgery done put on weight afterwards. I am sure you still have to watch your weight and exercise right?
Going out of the country is cheaper….but seems riskier….why risk it?
I plan to have it done in long island. If u know a good surgeon in long island, please email the info.
thanks in advance at: keep200 @ yahoo.com
My wife had a full tummy tuck and some lipo on april 12th. as of today she is still in a compression suit. still in pain . but mostly were the lipo was done. we went to the dominican republic. $ was deff the deciding factor there. we paid 2,800 for 17,000 worth of surgery. she looks great. like a coke bottle. the most important thing i can say to anyone getting this is. know what your sacrificing after. regular everyday things cannot be done for weeks maybe even months.. understand what recovery is for this type of surgery. She was never even put to sleep she watched the entire thing happen. almost 2 months later and she cannot jog yet. of bend comfortable.so far so good she is a slow healer. 42 years old….
I had a tummy yuck in Toronto Ontario by the name of a doctor Dr. Leila Kasrai of Element Plastic Surgery – She and her staff were amazing – I couldnt have picked a better place – not only did the surgery run smoothly but when i was outta recovery and coming home they walked me out to the car and even put my seatbelt on for me ??? Wow !!!! The doctor even called me the next day to make sure I was ok and has been in contact with me since – the pain was minimal just more uncomfortable if anything – iam just looking everyday and seeing results as the swelling goes down – so if you are in Toronto and need surgery I highly suggest Element @ Dr . Leila Kasrai – I also has a breast aug at the same time – didnt even feel it WOWOWWOWOWWOWOW
I had a tummy tuck two days ago. I am feeling pretty much as I anticipated: some soreness and irritation at the incision but I am not in agonizing pain and in fact am only taking Tylenol ( not the painkillers prescribed).
I have read numerous horror stories on this kind of forum; horror stories that almost put me off from doing the surgery. I want to share that I feel predictable discomfort but not agony. I am also not very bruised at all and not really swollen
much either.
At day two I have a fair sense of the results and while I am obviously not my normal self, I imagine that once the drains are out next week I’ll be on my way.
I am one week post op.I guess I’m one of the lucky ones cause the only pain I have is on the sides where my stitches are.I was onwas on meds the first 4 days.I still walk hunched over though cause I feel like if i stand up straight my stitches are going to tear.(which they prob aren’t)I sill have the garment on so I don’t know yet how things look (but anything is better then what I had lol)I agree people heal different.This way easy easier then what I expected.And by the way people go out of the country cause its cheaper but if you research most off them studies in the usa So no worries as long as you do your research..
Sorry to all about spelling did it on my phone and couldn’t see what all I was writing …I’m sure you’ve figured it out by now .Happy healing to all!
Hi -I had my tummy tuck and lipo done 5-25 and I am still not walking straight. everyone does heal differently. I had 2 drains. 1 removed a week after surg. and the other the next week. I wear a compression garment 24/7 except when showering. Never shower alone, use a recliner to sleep in and rest. The recliner helps with flexing ur knees and helps to alleviate the stress on ur abdomen. I use the white binder as well and it helps to straighten my back and walk upright. It is also a mind thing. I feel that I might rip a stitch and the thought of ur stomach skin stretching. ouchhhhhhh…But my clothes feel looser and my blouses look better. Is it worth it? Definitely!!!!
My 16 years son had a mini abdominoplasty last monday.Yesterday the doctor removes the drains.He told us to wash and put triple antibiotic in the area.Also he told him not to move, but he has to go to bath, etc and other needs.Are this minimum movements dangerous for the surgery?
I had a tummy tuck last March 2010 and still certain parts of my stomach is numb and it’s as if I have felt the feeling gradually return over the last year. I have put weight on on my back and am finding it hard to lose. I am in my middle fifties so maybe that’s why it has taken so long to get over it. I do wish i hadn’t had it done, yes my stomach is flatter but I’ve not really felt the same since the procedure.
Hello Everyone,
I had my tummy tuck on June 14,I have had 4 c-sec and 3 babies over 10lbs, stretchmark and wrinlke central.I am very happy with the reults so far. Looks like it is healing as planned. Have one drain in, and wear the binder 24/7. Dr said I had minimal swelling on my day after surgery follow up. After day 5 it seems like I have no swelling at all. I have been drinking 12-14 glasses of water a day and hit the washroom every hour. There was maximum pain for the first 3 days, by the 4th it starts to subside. Stop taking pain killers on day 3. Back is killing me as I still walk bent over and I still have 9 days to go. The back pain seems worse than the surgery how crazy is that. Watching my nutritional intake as I don’t want to gain weight while laying around doing nothing. So far so good.
Love the Dr I chose here in Canada and would recommend this procedure to anyone.
Can’t wait for the 6 week appt and be given the approval to hit the gym again and keep the shape of this new stomach.
I had a Tummy Tuck the 20th of June and I could not be happier. I had stretch marks since I was 16 years old when I had my first baby. I always envied women in bikinis and though to myself, if only I could wear that. I’m going on my 3rd week and doing great. I have a beautiful navel, and flat stomach. My Dr. could not take 100 percent, but pretty darn close. I’m still wearing compressment garments and caring for my stitches, but every time I look at myself in the mirror I can not believe that it is me. I could not be happier!! It was worth the pain and the money.
Hi my name is Tina. I just had my tummy tuck on the 8th, one week ago. I am extremely impressed with my recovery. I was released the next day and I WALKED out of the hospital. I actually started walking immediately, of course hunched. On Monday, which was only 3 days later, both of my drainage tubes got removed and today, only one week later, my stitches are going to be removed. I can already stand up perfectly straight and walk for prolonged periods of time. Lying down and getting up is still a workout, but nothing I can’t control. Please consider that I am a 24 year old that would work out at least 3 times a week and wanted the tummy tuck for the excess skin I needed removed from my daughter and from all the weightloss.
I had my tummy tuck 7days back, it was a good experience since i have no more extra skin as for now.
It does worth the pain and the money, i could not be more happier than im now, i tried in the past years to hide my tummy but very soon i will show it off.
I had a traditional tummy tuck on the 12th of July. best decision ever. There was no pain ( I do have a high pain tolerance). Giving birth to my four kids was way more painful. My Doctor was Dr. Leppink in Grand Rapids Michigan. He has his own surgical center. I went home the same day… It was great!
I’m scheduled for a tummy tuck and breast lift on the 23rd of August/2011, is there anything anyone can recommend that I do to prepare myself for it. I hear you talk about wearing a compression garment where do I get those, should I purchase one now even though I don’t know what size I will wear? I’m like Shellie I will be going home the same day according to my surgeon. Any helpful suggestions that anyone can give me I would greatly appreicate it. I’m scared about the pain. I have never had any children, I’m 49 years old and am having this done because I have lost over 100lbs. P.S. I have stocked up on protein drinks because I don’t know what my appitite will be like afterwards.
I had my abdominoplasty done on 30/6/11 at Care by Dr. Mukund Thakur of Nagpur and boy now my tummy sure looks flat. But my doc did not mention anywhere that I have to wear compressments and till now I have not started wearing one.Where to purchase them in Nagpur?
I had full tummy tuck with lipo on my flanks 23 days ago. Had a a couple of necrotic spots on my incision which are healing slowly. Wake up fairly flat and standing straight but by 5pm I’m swollen and hunched over. Had a lower tuck about 15 years ago and it was a breeze. Having a really hard time bouncing back from this one. Hoping week 4 is better.
I will be having my tummy tuck in less than two weeks! I’m very excited…when I’m not having anxiety thinking about the recovery the first week! Any tips?
I had a tummy tuck and breast lift with implants 2 weeks ago today. I am still fairly uncomfortable though it’s bearable at this point. The tummy tuck was definitely the more painful of the two procedures, though the lipo that was performed in conjunction with the tuck has contributed to a lot of the discomfort. At this point I am experiencing more pain from my back and bottom from having to lie around so much. One problem I’ve encountered is figuring out how to get out of bed without help. I think rolling on my side and lifting with my arms would work had I not had breast surgery as well but I’m not allowed to put any weight on my arms either :/. June, you may want to call your surgeon and ask about compression garments, mine have all been provided by the surgeon and included in the initial cost.
August 5th
I had a tummy tuck yesterday and I am so happy with the results. I did have a csection 14 years ago so I knew the pain I would be in. I have lost 62 pound over 18 months and had so much extra skin. I would recommend it to anyone as long as it is not about weightloss. You need to loose the weight first. I wish I did the breast lift but this was my first plastic surgery and I was very nervous. I still have pain but it is bearable. I am not liking the compression garment. My stomach is very ithcy. Does anyone have advide on that?
September 7, next month (8/7/11 now) I’m going for a tummy tuck and liposuction. I definitely feel a little more comfortable with this proceedure after reading this review board. I’m 29, in great shape, just need to get my stomach flattened out and my side handled sucked out. Non- responsive fat is the worst!! I’m hoping that since Ive worked out 7 day a week for the past year this will enable me to heal faster! I only scheduled myself off work for 2 weeks and I’m hoping that’s plenty of time. Nonetheless, if I get fired o well – I’ll have a flat stomach – I’ll v a stripper!!
. Thanks to everyones who posted, I’m
Happy for everyone who had successful surgeries. I’ll post my results after mine!
Hi Hannah hope you are well on the road to recovery. I did check with my surgeon and they supply one garment for each surgery. So I will get one for the TT and one for the breast lift. However, seeing as I have to wear this 24/7 would like to have a couple of spare ones, however at $119.00 a piece I was hoping there was somewhere I could purchase them a little cheeper. Looking forward to be on the recovery end of things although I’m very nervous!! All the best to you all.
Hello! I had my Tummy Tuck & Liposuction on July 27 and its been 2 weeks today. I am very pleased with the early result. I had it done in the Philippines with Dr. Sison (Plastic Surgeon) It was an outpatient procedure though they use general anesthesia I was able to go home that night. Started at 12 noon as i still remember the last time they put the gas mask next thing i remembered i was in the recovery room at 8 pm showing me the 5 liters that was removed from my entire tummy,lovehandles, back, inner thighs & wings. Wow i said 5 liters? Where did it came from… I’m only 120 lbs! First 3 days was though I felt the fluids dripping down from holes on my back (open skin from lipo) and the worst is how can i sleep? But you’ll make it work for you.it feels my whole abs & back are so sore & swollen and numb.On the 4th day I feel much better. No more pain medication,I can do my own dressing pad change and apply my antibiotic ointment and put my binder which feels very secured. I can walk more each day and on the 7th day, my stitches are out, my belly button looks better and on the 9th day I flew back in US. Praying Lord…pls. Help me go back home with no complication & most importantly to make sure my incisions will not open up due to high pressure. Now I’m ok it’s only been 2 weeks but wounds is still healing with brown scabs. Next week going back to work in the hospital and nobody can even notice that I’ve been through this procedure but for sure they’ll notice the big difference my shapely body contour. Now I feel very lucky at the age of 38 that I had this done and very lucky with the support of my family!
United States
Going on Wed (8/17/11) for my first consultation for a tummy tuck. I am excited and nervous! I want to thank everyone for sharing their stories (good and bad) it helps to know what to expect! Happy Healing to all and enjoy your flatter tummies!!
Hi,
I had my tummu tuck July 22, 2011. I feel great and it was worth it. I am still swollen and there is still some numbness. I had three c section. I went back to work August 15th eveyone ask me did I looses weight and girl you look great. I just walk a little slower than normal. My doctor was from Providence Hospital in Washington DC. He was great as well as the staff. If i had to do it again I would. I just love my new body.
hi i had my tummy tuck a week ago. i am in sooo much pain. i can see the difference and i am sure that i will be happy with my results but as of now i just want to crawl in a hole. i feel like I’ve been hit by a bus. can anybody tell me some tips to make this recovery a little easier
I just turned 48 and almost 6 wks ago I had a full tummy tuck and breast lift with a small implant ( just to fill them out). The breasts are no problem, have exercises to help them look natural, only discomfort is the tapes around the nipple itch. Stomach and sides look great. I have some knots from lipo that I’m having massages for. Drains came out a little over a week and stopped taking meds then. I rolled out of bed til my feet hit the floor and then stood up. Now I can move most any way except for leaning straight back. I still feel tight but not painful. I still have swelling but other people and dr can see that its going down. I didn’t realize it would take so long to feel myself, I’m still constantly aware of my belly. Dr said it would be 3-4 months. As far as the garment, mine was part of the cost and was custom made so I don’t know if you could get spares. I hand wash mine when I take it off to shower. Almost 6 wks later and I still don’t have a flat stomach but it looks a lot better than it did and my dr promises it will be flat. Over all it’s worth it. Just try to have realistic expectations on the recovery time.
Had my tummy tuck on Aug 15 in conjunction with an inguinal hernia repair. Dr. also found an umbilical hernia, so i didn’t get to keep my belly button. I can have one created later if i wish as an office procedure. Don/t know if I will since Im pretty sure I will never wear a bikini, I’m 48. Although it is a bit odd to not have a bb.
Some tingling and numbness, pain is worse in the muscles rather than the incision. My back hurts from laying around, and swelling is as expected. I am wearing a snug tank top under the compression garment to cut down on the itching. It really does help.
I put a diinig room chair by my bed so i have something to push against when getting up. So I roll to my side, drop feet to the floor and use the chair as leverage and it helps.
I have finally slowed down on the peeing, and I am 10 pounds lighter than the day I came home, thanks to all the fluids they poured into me. Well. and the fact I have barely any appetite.
Today I have had what I think are muscle spasms in my abdomen, but not sure. doesn’t really hurt, but feels weird.
I had my tummy tuck on August 4th and feell much better. The first 48 hours are the hardest. I had my drainage tubes taken out 10 days later. I have been able to walk 3 miles twice this past week. The only problem I am having s that I am retaining so much water in my hips and thighs. So my size 16 shorts are too big in the waist but barely fit in my thighs. My doc says it is normal and the swelling could take 3 to 4 months to subside. I didn’t realize that this could happen. I am still happy I did the surgery. If any women is considering I would consider doing a breast lift at the same time. I am 48 and had 2 kids. My heaviest was a size 24 and I am only 5 feet f4 inches. I was able to loose the weight and get down to a size 16. I just wish that I had done the breast lift at the same time. I didn;t because it was another 5000 dollars. Does anyone receommend on a product for the scar?
Hi Beth, glad to hear things are going so well for you. I go tomorrow my my tt and breast lift. I’m excited yes nervous at the same time but that is to be expected. The best thing for scars is **EMU** oil, you wll find it at your local health food store. I have a total knee replacement done 3 years ago and you can hardly see the scar. I will be using this on my breasts and tummy once I get my staples/stitches out (not sure what I’m getting). It is by far the BEST product. A jar although small is about $20.00. You need only a SMALL amount each time you apply it, (couple of times a day) actaully I did it once in the morning and once at night. I promise you you will not be disappointed with it. It doesn’t smell either which is nice. All the best.
June
Thank for a web site like this I have had a fear of the tummy tuck for 15 years so what my doctor is saying must be the truth cant wait till Oct
Keep up all the good work girls
Hi ladies. I will have my TT done this Friday. I am planning to write on my TT experience at least on a weekly basis. I have been reading and noticed hardly anybody leaves updates. So I am planning to do so on a quarterly basis for at lease a year. I will update next week.
Well I had my tt and breast lift yesterday. I’m up and about. I’m not saying that there is discomfort but it is not over the moon pain. I had a pain pump for the first 24 hours and that was removed this morning. I take my pain killers ever 4-6 hours as needed. It is tolerable. Of course there is lot of swelling but so far so good. I’m a little nervous as tomorrow is the first day I get to shower. So little scared about doing that on my own for the first time. They are very particular on how well you clean the areas. I over did it a little today, tried to move the handle on my recliner all by myself and that was too much exertion and I definitely over did it and have some extra discomfort now. I will keep you all updated. I get my staples out next Wednesday. Pray you are all doing well.
Had a tummy tuck Aug 25th and I am managing. As mentioned by some my lower back seems to be my discomfort due to lip and walking hunched over. I am also quite swollen. It is def a recovery that you need to mentally prepare yourself for. I have had 2 c-sections and still didnt fully realize how uncomfortable it would be. Day 3 seemed to have been the worse day for me. Day 4 started feeling pretty good until I coughed and felt a popping in my tummy. I was freaked out. My Dr assured me that yes an internal stitch had most likely popped but that he uses an abundance of stitches so it should have no effect. Still makes me nervous and I wonder if it will affect my result. Hope it all works out…..
Just an update on my progress well today is one week since I had my TT and breast lift. Day 2 I was walking upright. Since yesterday I have only taken one pain pill (last night before bed) and there isn’t any real pain. I feel absolutely nothing from my breasts pain wise and haven’t since day one. In the tt area I feel not pain but a deep burning sensation that lasts for about 5-10 seconds and comes only every once and a while mostly when I get up after laying down. But like a said I move my garment leg with my hand a bit and it disappears. You must wash your incision area 3 times a day and they have me putting arnica (sp) gel around the breast and tummy tuck area (but not on the incisions). Maybe I’m one of the unusual ones or maybe it is the procedure my Dr. used when performing the surgery. Like I said I had the pain pump for the first 24 hrs and I have no drains. He completely encloses the tt opening and lets the body absorb the excess liquid and you merely pee it out (if I understood the procedure correctly). Yes I pee more but it sure sounds better than the pumps. Anyone considering doing this surgery I say go for it, I LOVE my new look and it has only been one week, I just can’t imagine what the next 6 months will be like. As well do your research, don’t go with a doctor just because he is cheaper, and don’t go with the most expensive because he is expensive, research your surgeons, and go for consultations, ask 1000 questions if you have to. If they get annoyed then you know that isn’t the place for you. My surgeon assigns a consultant to each of his patients and any questions are answered and believe my I was emailing questions up to a day before the surgery. Oh by the way I got my staples out on Monday so that was 5 days after surgery. They put surgical tape on the incision and everything is holding together great. Wishing everyone well and I will f/u again in a few days.
I had my full tummy tuck with lipo to back and flanks. Im in pain but I’ve noticed each time I get up it gets easier. I think the dizziness from anesthesia is alot better too. Nervous about the first time I see my body I take my first shower tomorrow. I have ful girddle on. I believe it is worth it. Good luck to all of you ladies out there recovering from rt. And thanks for sharing your stories!! It really helps
I had my tt on sept 1st….well I must say what a journey. Last night I had my first shower. Don’t try it by yourself. My pain level is fine but my back is what is hurting me. When I stand up for a long period of time I get so tired. I’m ready to get these drains out so I can begin to heal.
I had my TT done on Sept 8 2011. Im on day 5 I feel ok jus a lot of gas and bloating. Im stll on clear liq. my doc said I would be on liq for 2 weeks I hope not ! all in all Im pleased with the results I see now cant wait until 3 months from now to see whats whats
My mommy makeover was 5 months and I still have a ton of swelling. It is my own fault because you must wear the garment 24/7 literally! I have been skipping days and it really shows by 5 lbs on scale and clothes tighter.
I had a partial tummy tuck 6 years ago and I’m disappointed with the results. I was slender, had 2 normal births 35 yrs before, but after a 75 lb weight gain with my 2nd child I ended up with excess skin and my tummy pooched. Even as a personal trainer I was never able to get rid of it. Unfortunately when my dr. said I only needed a partial rather than a full I thought that was a good thing and trusted that he knew I wanted my original flat, sexy pre birth tummy. I take partial fault in thinking that he automatically knew what I wanted and from not asking more questions and extra research. Make sure your dr. knows exactly what you expect. Show him a photo if you have to. My end result: skin on upper torso sags above my belly button and 2 little fat pouches on each side of my incision. Not attractive! I highly recommend a TT. Just be smart about it! Oh, I’m 61 now and with age my tummy skin is starting to relax, so for me, the TT is not a forever thing.
I am 62 yrs and a diabetic and have been since 1974. My diabetes is well controlled and my weight is 130lbs . I am due to have a tt in october and would like to know if any other diabetic has had a tt and what do they think of the result of it especially with there health. thanks for reading my question xx
Hi. I am Rose. Posted back on August 24. Had my TT on 8/26. First week: Took pain medicine every 8 hours and needed help to get on recliner, go to the bathroom etc. Drank a gallon of water every day and started a diet of fruits, vegetables, salads. First massage. Band too tight? Had some blisters. Second week: Hated the drains…stiches pulled on my skin. They were removed on day 10 post surgery. Continued with water and eating healthy. Massage two and three.Third week: more independent still swollen. Massage four and five. Fourth week: Back to work. still hanched over some. Lost 6 pounds since tt due to healthy diet. Doctor says I am healing well. Blisters are taking longet to heal. Love love my tt results. Hope this helps.
thanks girls for the information wen i have main done i will replay with my experience