A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a common cosmetic surgery. People have them for many reasons, with the results said to transform emotional wellbeing and enhance low self-esteem. But what does the recovery process look like? In this article, we explain what a tummy tuck is, the possible side effects it can cause, the healing process and general recovery timeline.
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What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck procedure is a plastic surgery that changes the shape of your stomach or abdominal area. Tummy tucks can remove excess skin, fat and stretch marks and tighten your abdominal muscles.
Excess skin is often the result of weight gain or loss that causes the skin around your stomach to lose elasticity. As a result, no amount of exercise or further weight loss will reduce the loose skin.
Tummy tuck surgery is not available on the NHS, and finding your own private cosmetic surgeon can be challenging. This is where PHIN can help.
You can browse our directory of specialist plastic surgeons, select a local one and explore their prices, reviews and profiles. With PHIN’s support, you can find a suitable surgeon for your tummy tuck.
What happens during a tummy tuck?
Surgeons perform tummy tucks under a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep throughout the procedure. There are two types of tummy tucks: partial abdominoplasty and a full abdominoplasty (full tummy tuck).
During partial abdominoplasty, the surgeon will make a cut across your lower stomach and separate the skin from the abdominal wall, just below your belly button (navel). They’ll remove excess fat or skin and pull the remaining skin together, stitching it in place.
During a full abdominoplasty, your surgeon will make a cut across your lower stomach. They’ll also make a second incision to free your belly button from its surrounding tissue. Next, they’ll separate the skin from the abdominal wall, before realigning your abdominal muscles and removing the excess skin.
During this type of tummy tuck, they’ll also create a new hole for your belly button and stitch it in place. Finally, they’ll pull together the remaining skin and close it with stitches.
A tummy tuck can take anywhere from two to five hours to complete depending on the type of tummy tuck you undergo.
Your surgeon will discuss which tummy tuck suits you during your initial consultation. They will assess your current circumstances and discussing your desired results.
Side effects of a tummy tuck
All surgical procedures have possible side effects and a tummy tuck is no different. After the operation, you will have a scar across your lower stomach and possibly around your belly button if you had a full abdominoplasty. However, the scar should fade over 12 to 18 months.
Other side effects may include:
- Pain and bruising
- Numbness in your stomach area for a few months or years
- Difficulty standing up straight
- Fluid-filled swelling above your scar
Generally, these side effects will improve as you recover.
How long does it take to recover from a tummy tuck: a full timeline
A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure, so your recovery will take more than a few days. Generally, it takes four to six weeks to feel well enough to return to work and exercise again. It can also take up to six weeks to see the full effects of your tummy tuck.
However, lots of important recovery information happens before the six-week mark. So, let’s dive deeper into the timeline of a tummy tuck recovery.
Immediately after surgery
After the surgeon has completed your tummy tuck, the anaesthetist will ensure your transfer to the recovery room. When you first wake up from the anaesthetic, you may feel groggy, nauseous and in pain. However, the recovery team will give you pain relief medication.
Depending on how well your initial recovery goes, you may go home the same day or stay in the hospital for one night. You cannot drive yourself home, so make sure to prepare transport beforehand.
The team will provide all the follow up aftercare information you need to keep your wounds clean and support your recovery.
First week of recovery
The first week of your recovery time may be the most uncomfortable because of swelling around your abdomen. You might also feel sore and bruised. You’ll have a schedule for taking your pain medication – sticking to this may significantly reduce your pain.
You must wear a compression garment during your recovery to:
- Minimise swelling
- Reduce the risk of blood clots
- Support your tummy to heal into the correct shape
You’ll wear your compression garment 24 hours a day for at least four weeks.
During your recovery, you should avoid strenuous activity, including housework, for at least one week. You can keep healthy by doing some physical activity, such as moving and walking when possible.
Second week of recovery
By the second week of your recovery, you should see a significant improvement in your pain. Continued swelling is normal, but it should go down slowly. At this point, you can perform light activities but must avoid anything strenuous, such as heavy lifting.
You may also need to return to the hospital to have your stitches removed if they aren’t dissolvable.
First month of recovery
At this point, you should feel almost back to normal. You must still avoid strenuous exercises like weight lifting or anything that puts pressure on your stomach.
You might be able to stop wearing your compression garment after four weeks. Your surgeon will explain when you can do this. Any pain, swelling and bruising should continue to improve until it’s completely gone.
After four weeks, you may feel well enough to return to work.
Sixth week of recovery and beyond
After six weeks, you should have recovered and be ready to return to your usual activities, including driving. At this point, you should be able to see the final results of your tummy tuck.
Finding your private tummy tuck surgeon with PHIN
If you’re considering a tummy tuck, PHIN can help you find a suitable plastic surgeon. Use our simple search function to compare local plastic surgeons and their prices and read other patient feedback.
When you choose PHIN, you’ll gain access to a vast selection of private plastic surgeons who can provide you with the expert level of private healthcare you deserve.
Sources
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/tummy-tuck/. Last reviewed 29 September 2023.
- Abdominoplasty. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/. Last reviewed 24 July 2023.
- Abdominoplasty & apronectomy. Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB. https://www.hweclinicalguidance.nhs.uk/clinical-policies/abdominoplasty-apronectomy/. Last reviewed 21 May 2024.
