A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. It is often performed after pregnancy or major weight loss, to correct hernias and other issues with the abdominal wall, or after liposuction to tighten the skin.
The tummy tuck procedure is broken down into three stages: first, a horizontal incision is made at the pelvis above the pubic area; next, excess skin is removed and any hernias are repaired; finally, the skin is pulled tight and sutured. The entire procedure takes between two and six hours to complete.
The recovery time for a tummy tuck ranges from one to two weeks. The surgeon will recommend that you walk as much as possible in order to prevent blood clots. It will take several months for all swelling to subside, but most patients find that they can return to work within one week of their surgery. In my case, I had an abdominoplasty following pregnancy and was able to return to work six days post-op.
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on 6 days post op tummy tuck, 1 week tummy tuck pictures week by week. Read on to learn more. We at collegelearners have all the information that you need about worst days after tummy tuck. Read on to learn more.
6 days post op tummy tuck

Tummy tuck recovery is usually the focus of anybody considering the procedure. While it is true that each person’s healing process is unique, there are certainly simple guidelines that should help people understand what they should expect throughout their recovery. Provided here is a basic outline of what you should expect during the tummy tuck recovery process, with the assumption that you follow your doctor’s advice and live a relatively healthy lifestyle.
Tummy Tuck Incision Types
Your tummy tuck recovery will depend on the type of abdominoplasty incision was made during the procedure.
Click here to book a tummy tuck consultation or call 561-220-7026.
An Overview of the Tummy Tuck Recovery Process
By most accounts, a person considering a tummy tuck should prepare for a healing process similar to a C-Section or hysterectomy. In order to heal properly, your body needs proper movement, but also requires a substantial amount of rest.
Striking this balance is what it will take for you to have the quickest recovery possible.
Days 1-5 Post Tummy Tuck
During the first few days, you should expect to feel the most uncomfortable. To help ease the pain, be sure to take the prescribed pain medication Additionally you should limit your movement and rest as much as possible. Keep your torso elevated with pillows under your knees to promote better breathing and less pressure on your abdomen.
Be sure to stay hydrated and avoid foods that may upset your stomach. You should wear a compression garment to promote healing and reduce swelling.
Day 6-14 Post Tummy Tuck
During this phase, the incision area should start to mend. It is important for patients to move around a few times per day to get blood flowing and muscles working again. While some people will still feel some pain, it should be milder, and some movement should be achievable. Keep movements slow and simple. Do not overextend yourself as it could impact your recovery.
As you are still gaining your strength, be sure to use cool water while bathing as it will help keep you alert and avoid fainting. It is important to start curbing the dose of pain medication so that your body actually knows its limits as you start moving. Sometimes, pain medication masks pain too well and makes people think they can do more than they ought to.
Day 15-21 Post Tummy Tuck
At this point, you should be feeling much better and moving a bit easier. Some people can do quite a bit of regular activity, but be mindful of your body. Don’t overextend yourself and be sure to take breaks as needed. Pain should be drastically less at this point, and many people opt to take over-the-counter medication.
Day 22-on Post Tummy Tuck
You should be able to stretch gently and move about with ease. Take care not to lift anything over 30 pounds and avoid contact sports until after 4-6 weeks of recovery.
Tummy Tuck Before and After Patient Photos
View all Tummy Tuck before and after photos.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Summary
Many people recover within four weeks of post-surgery. However, each individual is different, and you should be patient with your healing process. Remember to attend each post-op visit with your surgeon and follow his guidelines to the best of your ability. Be sure to report any changes or concerns.
Ennis Plastic Surgery Body Plastic Surgeons
Ready to take the next step? If you are interested in a tummy tuck, Ennis Plastic Surgery is the place for you. Our compassionate and knowledgeable surgeons are among the elite physicians in the world. Dr. Craft and Dr. Ennis both specialize in the tummy tuck procedure and would be happy to assist you with achieving your desired results. Allow their expertise to help you gain back your confidence. Contact them today for a consultation.
1 week tummy tuck pictures week by week
This week one tummy tuck recovery was an old post that I thought was lost forever. Thankfully I found it today and decided to add it back to the blog to go with all of the other plastic surgery posts.

I wanted to share my week one tummy tuck experience with you because I know you are dying to see some pictures.
Week One Tummy Tuck Recovery:
Week one was not what I expected at all. I figured I would be in extreme pain, and that I wouldn’t be moving around much, but that wasn’t the case.
The pain was minimal (after the first day) and was moving around every day. I did laundry, cooked, and even drove on day 4 (though I don’t recommend doing that).
What caught me a little off guard was the emotional “funk” I experienced. I didn’t know what to expect after the surgery, and when I removed my bandage, what I saw scared and discouraged me.
The upper half of my stomach looked much better, but the lower half looked worse. It was swollen, shiny, red, and of course, the incision looks hideous.
I knew there would be a scar, but the swelling is what shocked me. Searching online was fruitless. I wasn’t sure if it was normal because I couldn’t find any pictures that looked like mine. I called Dr. Davis to make sure everything I was experiencing was normal, and he agreed that it was. Father’s Day Candy Tie Printable
I felt depressed for the first week. It could have been the medication or the fear of the unknown. Nothing major I just felt foggy all the time and kind of sad. I’m sure this kind of fear and remorse is typical after a surgery of this magnitude.
After 48 hours I was able to remove the bandage and shower, which felt amazing! My abs were still numb so I didn’t feel any pain, but the incision was sore.
Tummy Tuck Week One: Pain
The incision is where I felt the majority of the pain all week. It bled once when I was trying to get off the couch (by myself). I’m sure that wouldn’t have happened if I would have had someone to help me.
The only time I felt pain when I would move in a way that bothered the incision.
Oddly enough, it was only on the right side.
Another thing that may have contributed to that pain was the way I took my pain medication. I didn’t realize that I should have been taking both the pain pills and the anti-nausea meds. The anti-nausea medication would have helped me sleep. I think I would have had an even better experience if I would have followed the medication instructions more carefully.
TIP: One thing I found helpful during the first week was standing as straight as possible. Using the wall I’d stand with my back to it, trying to straighten up as much as I could. I did this every time I got up. It helped a lot with my back pain. Your back gets stressed doing the work your abs usually do.
Please reach out with any questions you have. I’d love to help you if I can.
Read all of my Mommy Makeover posts here.
More Like This:
- Tummy Tuck Recovery Photos: Weeks 2 & 3
- My Plastic Surgery Story: Under The Knife
- 18 Weeks Post-Op Tummy Tuck & Breast Implant Recovery Update
- Mommy Makeover Experience: Post-Op Review
- Tummy Tuck Results: 1 Year Later- The Scar