There will be some discomfort after a tummy tuck, with the worst discomfort experienced within the first week. On a scale of 1 – 10, pain is often estimated at around a 6-7 for the the first few days to a week, reducing to around a 3 – 4 in the second week. This would, of course, depend on the individual.
If you are planning to have a tummy tuck, you should be prepared for one to two months of recovery, and you may experience pain throughout this time. In general, pain is mild to moderate after a tummy tuck. Rarely, pain or sensory abnormalities can persist for months or even years after the procedure.
Tummy tuck recovery is a lengthy process and can take months. You will have both good and bad days. You should have realistic expectations as you are healing, follow the surgeon's advice, and discuss any concerns you are dealing with.
The discomfort after a tummy tuck comes not from the incision, which will actually be numb for some time, but from the muscle tightening.
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.
There are several reasons a person may think about having a tummy tuck. While this operation might improve your appearance and possibly your quality of life, it is important to remember that it is major surgery and not suitable for everyone.
How long do you walk hunched over after a tummy tuck? You will need to walk hunched over or bent at the waist for about a week. This helps prevent additional pressure on your incision lines.
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.
After a tummy tuck, getting low enough to sit down on the toilet can be difficult and uncomfortable. A toilet seat booster may just be your new best friend. This device can be purchased online and delivered to your home for your convenience.
Medicare only covers tummy tuck surgery if it is deemed as a medical necessity. Medicare does not cover elective cosmetic tummy tucks. Patients can get coverage under Medicare if it is deemed as a medical necessity by their GP. You need to have a valid medical referral and meet the strict criteria.
Obese or overweight. Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30. Any previous clotting issues or surgical complications. Currently taking any medications, anticoagulants, or supplements that might interfere.
It's normal and common to be anxious before a plastic surgery, but if you know how to prepare for a procedure like tummy tuck, or you have an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon beside you who can explain the cosmetic procedure and the recovery that comes after, then there is no need to worry.
Tummy tuck surgery consistently ranks among the top plastic surgeries performed around the world, especially for women who tend to carry more weight in their lower tummy. However, many prospective patients worry that they are too old for a tummy tuck. The average age for the procedure falls around 42.
The most serious pain following abdominoplasty lasts for the first 3 days. In fact, it is not unusual to regret surgery during this time. However, it is still possible to walk and to do the basic things necessary to take care of one's self. I usually inform patients that it takes 10-14 days to return to work.
According to RealSelf's regularly updated tummy tuck patient reviews, 96% of patients report that the procedure is worth the cost, scarring, and downtime. Most women report having gotten their tummy tuck after losing a substantial amount of weight or after having children and losing pregnancy weight.
Patients undergoing liposuction alone had shorter recovery times: average time off work was about six days, compared to 16 days with abdominoplasty (with or without liposuction). The liposuction-only patients also had less discomfort: average pain score 6 out of 10, compared to 7.5 for those undergoing abdominoplasty.
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.
The best sleeping position after tummy tuck surgery is on your back with your upper body elevated to create a slight bend or angle. Using pillows or sleeping in a recliner is ideal to achieve this position.
Even in most normal weight and extremely fit women, the abdomen may not be completely flat following abdominoplasty. It is realistic for patients to expect improvement in the flatness of the stomach, but should not immediately assume that their abdomen will be entirely flat.
After a tummy tuck procedure constipation can be an issue, because opioid pain medications will slow down your bowels. After a muscle repair, there can be pain with straining if you are constipated.
Recovery. You will need to take about 4 to 6 weeks off work and exercise. You will not be able to drive for a few weeks after the operation (your surgeon and insurance company can advise you about this). It takes about 6 weeks to fully recover and to see the full effect of a tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck can remove loose, excess skin and fat, and tighten weak fascia. A tummy tuck may also remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen below the bellybutton. However, a tummy tuck won't correct stretch marks outside of this area.
If you're envisioning needing to take a month off from work, don't worry – recovering from a tummy tuck procedure is surprisingly quick. Most patients can return to their workplace 10 to 15 days after their surgery.