Tummy Tuck Recovery in Austin, TX: What To Expect
For many people, no amount of consistent hard work or healthy eating can get rid of persistent fat, excess skin, or displaced abdominal muscles. In this case, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is sometimes the only way to achieve your desired midsection. It reconstructs a weak abdominal wall following pregnancy or weight loss, removes and tightens excess skin, and removes stubborn pockets of fat. Knowing what to expect during your tummy tuck recovery can make the process easier and faster. At Restora Austin Plastic Surgery Centre, our board-certified plastic surgeons provide patients with detailed post-operative care instructions, but they also want to make sure that everyone has the information they need to understand the recovery process following a tummy tuck in Austin, TX. Here, they have highlighted all of the need-to-know information about tummy tuck recovery.
How Long Does Tummy Tuck Recovery Typically Take?
At Restora Austin Plastic Surgery Centre, we perform three types of tummy tuck procedures: traditional, mini, and Tummy Tuck 360. Each individual’s tummy tuck recovery time will vary, depending on the extent of their procedure, overall health, and desired outcomes.
Traditional Tummy Tuck: Most patients can return to work after two weeks, normal activities after 4-6 weeks, and begin to see their final results around 3-6 months after their initial procedure.
Mini Tummy Tuck: Patients who chose a mini tummy tuck that focuses on excess skin around the lower abdomen can resume normal activities after 4-6 weeks of recovery. The results of a mini tummy tuck can be seen at about 4-6 months.
Tummy Tuck 360: Generally, patients who have undergone Tummy Tuck 360 with SAFELipo can return to work and regular activities in less than a week. However, after about three weeks of recovery, most patients return to their routines and workouts.
What Should I Expect During the Initial Days of Tummy Tuck Recovery?
When you first wake up after your tummy tuck, your navel and incision will be covered with surgical dressing. You may feel some stretching and pulling in your abdomen, along with mild discomfort and swelling, but these symptoms should dissipate in the first week. Your plastic surgeon will have fitted you with a compression garment to wear during your recovery.
Feeling tired and sluggish in the initial days following your tummy tuck is normal. We encourage our patients to rest as much as possible during this time and try to take brief walks around their house to help with blood flow and prevent blood clots and muscle atrophy.
The skin on your stomach will feel mostly numb for several weeks. You shouldn’t feel alarmed by this, as it’s to help manage discomfort. Sensation will return slowly in the weeks following your procedure.
When Can I Resume Normal Activities After A Tummy Tuck?
In general, patients can resume normal activities and tasks in the first 2-4 weeks of recovery, including light cleaning, cooking, and driving. Before engaging in any activity, listen closely to your body and your surgeon’s instructions. If anything seems too difficult or causes pain, be sure to rest and allow your body to recuperate. We typically encourage patients to engage in light walking after the first week but should continue to avoid strenuous activity until cleared by their board-certified plastic surgeon.
Are There Specific Instructions for Dressing and Incision Care During Tummy Tuck Recovery?
For the first 1-3 days, you’ll be instructed to apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the incision. If you have a subcuticular skin closure or skin adhesive, you will not need to apply ointment unless instructed by your surgeon. When showering, allow the water to run over the incision and pad the area dry with a clean towel. Do not attempt to scrub, pick, or scratch at the wound while it’s healing.
After 5-7 days, you can remove any strips or tape and exchange them for new ones. You can do this sooner if any strips become dirty or lose adhesive. You should continue to do this for the next 4 weeks. If the wound becomes wet or oozes at any time, contact your surgeon’s office immediately for a follow-up appointment.
How Do I Manage Pain and Discomfort During the Tummy Tuck Recovery Process?
At Restora Austin Plastic Surgery Centre, we go to great lengths to ensure your whole surgical experience is as comfortable as possible. Although discomfort is a normal part of any surgery recovery, we can eliminate some post-operative pain with Exparel®. Exparel® is a slow-release-local anesthetic injected under the connective tissue around your abdominal muscle. One injection can relieve pain for up to 5 days, providing enough relief to help you through the most difficult part of your tummy tuck recovery.
Once the Exparel® has worn off, pain and discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications or pain medication prescribed by your plastic surgeon.
When Can I Resume Exercise and Physical Activities After A Tummy Tuck?
Around 7-10 weeks after your tummy tuck procedure, you can begin to exercise and engage in more strenuous physical activities, as long as you are cleared to do so by your surgeon. When exercising, especially on the abdominal muscle, focus on your form to help prevent injury. You should also start slowly, set reasonable goals, and listen to your body. Don’t expect to be at the level you were at before your tummy tuck.
Are There Potential Complications or Risks Associated with Tummy Tuck Recovery?
As with every surgery, there are always potential risks and complications.. Our board-certified plastic surgeons are experts at doing what they can to prevent unexpected risks or complications. However, complications do occasionally arise, and it’s best to be prepared and look out for signs so that we can address them immediately.
Some risks or complications may include:
- Scarring
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Accumulation of fluid
- Poor wound healing
- Blood clots
- Numbness
- Long-lasting swelling
- Changes in skin color
- Wound separation
Can I Expect Swelling and Bruising After A Tummy Tuck? How Long Will They Last?
Yes, bruising and swelling are normal and can be expected after a tummy tuck procedure. It is your body’s natural response to surgical trauma. If you follow the instructions given to you by your plastic surgeon, bruising and swelling should subside in about 2-3 months. After your surgery, you’ll be fitted with a compression garment, which will help lessen swelling and provide additional support to the abdomen. Applying cold compresses and taking light walks can also help reduce swelling in the first few weeks after your surgery.
What Dietary Guidelines Should I Follow During Tummy Tuck Recovery?
You should prepare a high protein and high fiber diet to help you heal properly after your tummy tuck surgery. Protein helps the existing tissue and muscle repair itself at a faster rate. Fiber helps minimize constipation, which can be an effect of pain medication.
We recommend including the following foods as a part of your recovery:
- Tuna and salmon are excellent sources of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Dairy products such as cheese, skim milk, and Greek yogurt are also Ruch in protein and contain calcium and Vitamin D.
- Soybeans and black beans are high in protein and fiber.
- Chicken and turkey contain lean protein and fat if you don’t enjoy seafood.
- Eggs are always accessible and easy to prepare for some added protein.
Consider these high-fiber foods:
- Whole gains
- Fruits and vegetables like apples, strawberries, pears, broccoli, and kale.
- Nuts and seeds like almonds, sunflowers seeds, and cashews have high fiber amounts per ounce and make for a filling, easy snack.
Additionally, we advise avoiding carb-heavy foods, fatty or greasy meals, and foods with excessive sodium or salt. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will be happy to answer any dietary questions about your post-operative recovery period.
When Will I See the Final Results of My Tummy Tuck?
Patients can begin to see their final results between 3-6 months following their procedure, but it can take up to a year to see what their permanent results are. You’ll notice immediate improvements to your abdomen after surgery. Still, it takes some time for bruising and swelling to completely disappear and to experience the full results of your tummy tuck.
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation at Restora Austin Plastic Surgery Centre Today!
Now that you know what to expect from tummy tuck recovery, the only thing left to do is schedule your consultation with a “Texas Super Doctor” at Restora Austin Plastic Surgery Centre. Dr. Gordon and Dr. Reid have been honored with prestigious awards and bring their extended expertise to the thousands of procedures they perform yearly. Schedule your consultation for a tummy tuck in Austin, TX by contacting our office and requesting a consultation to learn more about what we can do for you!
