In the case of a mini tummy tuck, it takes around two weeks to be able to drive during your abdominoplasty recovery. However, the general consensus for classic and extended tummy tucks is to wait at least four weeks or until you're comfortable to drive.
On day 3, activity is encouraged but should be limited. Any activity involving lifting and carrying, driving, exercise, smoking, and drinking alcohol should be avoided. A drain is a device that directs excess fluid away from the incision and out of the body.
You may be able to drive and return to a desk job as early as two weeks after a tummy tuck. If your work requires heavy lifting or strenuous activity, you will need to wait at least four to six weeks.
Week One: The first week following abdominoplasty, you should focus on rest and recovery. After the second day, your only exercise should involve getting out of bed every two hours and walking with assistance for 10 to 15 minutes.
If your recovery is all going according to plan, you may be able to resume light exercise after 3 to 4 weeks post tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck or Mummy Makeover
We recommend maintaining a 'hunched at the hips' standing position for at least 2 weeks, with most patients returning to their regular straightened posture within 2-3 weeks.
It is recommended that you avoid sleeping on your stomach or side for at least two weeks after this cosmetic procedure, as this can put too much pressure on the incision site and cause pain.
However, this jackknifed position is critical for the first week, even when attempting to sit or lie down. The knees should be lifted, the feet and the head should maintain an elevated position whether it's with pillows or with a recliner chair. This protects the incision and protects the abdominoplasty results.
The worst days after tummy tuck surgery will be the first one to three days. You will experience some mild pain, bloating, pressure, and swelling. These symptoms are normal. Just rest in bed during this time.
You will require a week of rest, this will typically be bed rest. You will wear a compression garment in order to provide support to the skin, reduce swelling, as well as dressings on the incision site.
When Can You Shower After a Tummy Tuck? After 48 hours, your wounds will be sufficiently healed for showering to be a possibility.
Refrain from driving for the first 24 to 48 hours after receiving anesthesia. In fact, for the first day, you should refrain from many things in addition to driving such as operating machinery, cooking, or doing any task that could obviously lead to injury, including handling a kitchen knife.
You may shower 48 hours after surgery, but do not soak in a bathtub, hot tub, or pool. Soaking your wounds in water can expose them to bacteria and cause infection. You should not take baths for at least two weeks after surgery.
Your body has gone through major surgery and need to spend its energy on healing. As you rest, your body can concentrate on this important task. After a tummy tuck, you'll need extra sleep.
Whether you're contemplating a Mommy Makeover package or just want to undergo a tummy tuck, you'll be relieved to know that any pain from this cosmetic procedure is far less than that experienced after a C-section. *Individual Results May Vary.
Swelling is typically at its worst for the first 2 months following a tummy tuck, though everyone is a little bit different. As the body repairs blood and lymphatic vessels, the swelling should continue to resolve.
In the first week after tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Patronella recommends patients take short walks of 10 minutes, gradually increasing this to one mile, twice daily by days 10 to 14 days after the procedure.
Generally, it takes two to three months to see results, depending on the tummy tuck technique that was performed, the extent of skin laxity, and the patient's general state of health.
If you have a “mini tummy tuck” with a smaller incision, you'll likely need between one and three weeks of elevated sleeping. On the other hand, full-tummy tuck patients require about four weeks, with six weeks of limiting any strenuous exercise or lifting.
In general, you need to keep a straight abdomen with slight bending while recovering after your tummy tuck. You should avoid bending over too much (e.g. to pick up your child) for the first 4-6 weeks after your abdominoplasty.
Avoid abdominal exercises and strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for 6 to 8 weeks. For 6 weeks, avoid lifting anything that would make you strain.
The compression garment must be worn 24/7 even when you sleep, you will be only allowed to take it off when you shower. It is recommended to have two garments, so you can have one for change. . Invest in a good quality garment as this influences the outcome of the surgery.