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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgical Recovery
Length of surgery
Operation takes 90-150 minutes depending upon technique and size of abdomen.
Nights in hospital
Usually two nights, occasionally three. Mini-abdominoplasty usually one night.
Dressings
You will wake up with either glue dressing or steristrips on the wounds and strapping on the abdomen. The heavy strapping will be removed on discharge from hospital and new lighter dressings applied if needed. The lighter dressings are required for a further 7-10 days. Therefore no dressings are needed after two weeks providing all is healed well.
Drains
The use of a small surgical drain into the abdomen is common to remove any unwanted blood/fluid. Usually have drains for 48-72 hours. Occasionally will be kept in longer.
Abdominal binder or corset
This will be used for 4 weeks following surgery and should be worn as much as possible for the first 10 days.
Time off work
Allow 2-3 weeks. People vary in recovery. This is the most uncomfortable of all the cosmetic procedures and should not be regarded as a minor operation. Most patients are very mobile and comfortable at two weeks. It may be feasible to return to work at that stage. However, if you are active in your work it may require longer.
Time to exercise
Walking a distance at 7-10 days, swimming by 3 weeks (if fully healed). Strenuous exercise (aerobics etc) should be avoided for 8 weeks. The important point is to avoid excessive stretching of the muscle tightening and the scars over the first few weeks. Sexual activity needs to be similarly judged with respect to this. It is usually best avoided for the first 2-3 weeks.
Postoperative instructions
Day 1-4 You should be taking it very easy! You should not be looking after very young children or doing housework without help.
Day 5-14 Can start doing more including longer walking, shopping etc. You will still be uncomfortable during this period becoming quite pain free by the end of the second week. If all wounds are fine at two weeks you are unlikely to ‘damage’ anything by increasing your activity, so build up activity, as you feel fit.
Week 3-6 Should be back to work and doing anything you wish by 8 weeks.
Driving
Although you may feel able to drive by 7-10 days you need to be completely free of pain and restriction to be covered by your insurance. This may be in your third or fourth week.
Follow up
Wound check and dressing change as needed day 5. Then see Mr. McCulley at 3 months. NB There are no charges for any follow up appointment relating to your surgery.
Final outcome
This operation gives a good result almost immediately. However, the tissues soften over time and into the optimum shape after 4-6 months.
