1 week tummy tuck pictures week by week

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the midsection of your body. It can also correct abdominal muscles that have become weakened or separated as a result of pregnancy and childbirth, or significant weight loss. A tummy tuck is an excellent way to improve your self-confidence by creating a flatter, more toned stomach.

You might be wondering: why would I need to see pictures of what a tummy tuck looks like? Well, if you’re considering this procedure, it’s important to remember that it is still a surgical procedure; there are risks involved with any medical or surgical procedure. Pictures will help you understand what to expect so that you can make an educated decision about whether or not a tummy tuck is right for you.

We encourage patients to browse through our before and after gallery to see real examples of the results we’ve achieved for others. When looking at our tummy tuck before and after photos, keep in mind that no two people are alike—and neither are their results. It’s important not to compare yourself to other patients. Instead, focus on how your own body will look after the procedure.

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 1 week tummy tuck pictures week by week, 2 weeks post op tummy tuck pictures. Read on to learn more. We at collegelearners have all the information that you need about tummy tuck recovery week 1. Read on to learn more.

1 week tummy tuck pictures week by week

Major surgery such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) will always be followed by a recovery period. Making it through recovery is an essential step before patients are able to fully enjoy the results of their procedure. This tummy tuck weekly recovery guide will help patients to know what to expect with recovery from tummy tuck surgery. This guide is for the standard tummy tuck recovery; patients undergoing a mini tummy tuck may expect a faster timeline, while patients undergoing an extended tummy tuck may have a longer recovery period.

Week 1

• Patients may experience pain, bruising, swelling, tightness, and fatigue. Pain medications and cold compresses can alleviate some of these side effects.
• Drink lots of water, eat healthy foods to promote healing, and limit sodium to reduce swelling. Foods that are high in protein will improve healing, and foods that are more easily digestible can help avoid constipation caused by pain medications.
• Patients should stay at home and avoid contact with sick individuals, as the immune system will already be working overtime to heal the body.
• Most patients will have drains beneath the skin to remove excess fluid from the body.
• Avoid driving, exercise, work, smoking, and alcohol consumption during this time.
• The compression garment should be worn at all times to reduce swelling and to ensure that the body maintains its new figure through recovery.
• Patients should rest in a semi-reclined position whether awake or asleep.
• Occasionally walking and gradually increasing light activities are important to help with circulation.
• Patients should stay slightly bent at the waist while walking and use their arms to help them sit up so as to avoid straining the abdominal muscles.

Week 2

• Drains will be removed during the first part of this week.
• Patients should continue to drink lots of water, eat a healthy diet, and limit their sodium intake.
• Pain, bruising, and tightness will diminish significantly, though soreness and fatigue will likely persist for several weeks or months. Swelling will not yet subside.
• Patients can begin using scar treatments such as vitamin E lotions or silicone sheets or gel.
• The compression garment should still be worn at all times.
• Most patients will be able to return to work by the middle or end of week two.
• Avoid exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
• Light activities should be increased to brief walks a few times throughout the day.
• Patients should still sleep and rest in a semi-elevated position.

Weeks 3 to 4

• Most patients will be back to work and most normal activities.
• Soreness will persist, but the swelling may begin to subside.
• Patients should limit travel to one hour or less in a vehicle or airplane.
• The compression garment may still need to be worn. Follow Dr. Jazayeri’s instructions for when to remove it.
• Light activities should be gradually increased. Avoid sit-ups, lifting weights, and abdominal exercises until fully healed.
• Patients can resume their normal diet at this time. A healthy, balanced diet will help the body continue to heal and will help maintain results.

Weeks 6 to 12

• Patients can gradually resume regular exercise. It is important to remember that the body will take time to reach its preoperative capacity for exercise, so new activities should be introduced or reintroduced gradually.
• Avoid abdominal exercises until the body has fully healed (at least until week 24).
• Soreness, fatigue, and swelling will gradually diminish completely.
• Results will be increasingly visible.

The final results of tummy tuck surgery may not be fully visible until several months after surgery, at which point the body will have completely healed. Patients can enjoy permanent results after tummy tuck surgery by maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine and avoiding significant weight gain or pregnancy.

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Tummy tuck recovery week 1

If you are considering a tummy tuck for flattening your tummy, it is important to consider the best recovery after tummy tuck.

First things first, recovery will look different for everyone. Your recovery will depend on your age, health, body weight and type of tummy tuck. It is vital to give your body enough time to heal effectively. You will be required to stay at the hospital for a few hours or even a day after the surgery. Dr Carmen will also give you instructions to adhere to after the surgery. You will be well prepared.

Download Dr Carmen’s Guide to Tummy Tuck Surgery – Abdominoplasty

Dr Carmen’s SIX Recovery Best Practices

Post-surgery is always a time for investing in your own healing, this will give you a faster and more effective result – less swelling or pain, better movement, and more effective scar reduction.

1. Swelling is very normal; this will cause difficulty with muscle movements and general stiffness of gait.
2. Daily showering is OK during the hospital stay once the drain tubes have been removed. Showers should always be brief and warm (but not hot).
3. Scar minimisation tapes encouraged for 2 – 4 months then change to silicone cream or tape.
4. Driving is discouraged for up to 3 weeks post-surgery.  Often due to several factors – pain or stiffness, use of strong painkillers, lack of concentration and strength.
5. Gentle short walks can commence 7 days post op, as tolerated. Distance should be no longer that 15 minutes unless advised by the clinic. Walks can be daily or even twice daily, again as tolerated, this will also depend on how sore or swollen you feel.
6. Wear your Support Garments – Dr Carmen firmly believes in fitted shapewear post-surgery and is insistent that it is worn for the first 6 months post op, both night and day.

Timeline for Recovery after Tummy Tuck

Immediately after the surgery, you will be taken into a recovery room. A healthcare professional will monitor and check your incision, and you will usually be allowed to go home the day after surgery. Surgical drains will usually be removed before leaving hospital.

During your time in hospital, Dr Carmen will guide you regarding the recovery time, incision care and when to resume work, activity etc. 

First Few Days after Surgery 

You will need someone to drive you home so arrange for it in advance as you won’t be able to do it yourself. Most likely, you will have drainage tubes that will drain the fluid from your tummy. 

You also need to arrange for someone to help you around the house for the first few days as you will have limited mobility. Tightness around the tummy area is very common during the initial few weeks. It is advised to walk in a hunched-over position for a week or two. 

It is common to feel sore in the stomach area, which will be accompanied by pain. Make sure to take the pain killers prescribed by Dr Carmen on time.

Week 1-2 After Surgery 

During the first two weeks, avoid standing for longer durations, lifting heavy objects and excessive movement. It is advised to take a month of work for optimal rest and recovery.

If you have a lot of responsibilities around the house, it is wise to arrange for some house help for a couple of months post-surgery. Do not resume physical activity until Dr Carmen gives you permission. You can resume driving after two weeks and slowly ease yourself into daily chores. You will experience scarring after the surgery that will take time to fade away. Don’t panic, and let your body heal at its own natural pace.

Bathing is also a struggle for the first week or two. Opt for sponge baths or use a chair while showering for the first two weeks post-surgery. 

After two weeks, you will be able to walk straight. This is the time to introduce light walking into your routine. Remember not to exhaust yourself.

One Month After Surgery 

Constipation is very common around the one-month marker. Eat fibre rich meals to avoid constipation. You can also use over-the-counter stool softeners to help you. Also, drink loads of water. 

Visit Dr Carmen for follow-up appointments to ensure everything is running smoothly. Never skip on those even if your recovery is going great. It prevents any complications and takes care of any unforeseeable risks. 

Most patients can go back to work after a month marker. However, if your job is physically demanding, consult Dr Carmen’s team before resuming work.

8 Weeks/2 Months Post Surgery 

Avoid taking baths and jumping into swimming pools for eight weeks post-surgery or till your incisions are fully healed. Most patients can also resume exercise eight weeks after the surgery. Always consult with Dr Carmen prior to resuming any physical activity. 

Guideline to Recover Quickly After the Surgery 

It is important to give your body enough time to heal after the surgery. First things first, take plenty of rest after the surgery. Make sure you take the specified time off work, so you can give your body adequate time to recover. Your drains will be left in a few days after the surgery to empty out any excess fluids. You will most likely be asked to take antibiotic and anticoagulant while the drains are in place. Wearing an abdominal binder is critical for recovery as it supports the abdomen, avoids fluid build-up and reduces swelling after the surgery. 

Avoiding strenuous activities for a period of six to eight weeks is critical. It includes everything from lifting heavy weights to working out excessively. Mild walking is permitted and recommended after the first two weeks. 

Make sure that you arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and maybe help you around for the first 24 to 48 hours. 

Your drainage tubes will most likely be removed 48 hours after the surgery. After that, you can take a sponge bath for three to five days or until you can shower. You might need to use a chair while showering for the first two weeks post-surgery. 

Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking as it hinders the healing process and causes excessive bruising and other complications. Avoid taking any over the counter medications and herbal supplements without consulting Dr Carmen first. 

Rest and Recovery Post Tummy Tuck 

You need to sleep on an incline for at least the first two weeks after surgery. It is important that your body is slightly raised and your knees are bent. Taking a little bit of care while sleeping will minimize swelling and take the pressure off your abdomen. You can also put some pillows under your knees for added comfort. The goal is to find an optimal resting position that makes you feel comfortable. 

Once the initial two weeks are over, it is advised to walk a little bit around the house to promote blood flow. It aids healing and reduces the chance of getting blood clots. 

Remember, it will take a minimum of seven to eight weeks before you feel like yourself. Stay calm and give your body enough time to heal. Avoid any demanding physical activity, including exercise, for eight weeks. Always consult Dr Carmen before resuming exercise and going back to work. 

Additional Ideas to Speed up Your Recovery after Tummy Tuck

Apart from doing all the essentials mentioned above, follow these tips to give your body the an added boost: 

• Take vitamin A and C supplements regularly.
• Adding green tea to your daily routine will boost your immunity and antioxidant levels.
• Taking a probiotic supplement always helps.
• Eat fruits such as pineapple and papaya as they help reduce swelling. 
• Take arnica as it helps reduce swelling, bruising, and pain.
• Use staphysagria supplements as they are known to help heal your incision faster.
• Drink ginger tea to relieve symptoms of nausea.

Tummy Tuck Do and Dont’s

What are the dos and don’ts after a tummy tuck?

• Here are a few dos and don’ts after the surgery:
  • Do’s
    • Eat a fibre-rich, healthy diet to avoid constipation.
    • Keep your knees bent while sleeping. 
    • Wear the compression garment for at least eight weeks. 
    • Walk slowly and regularly. 
    • Take your medications on time. 
  • Don’ts 
    • Do not walk with your back straight for two weeks. 
    • Avoid laughing, coughing and sneezing. 
    • Do not take hot baths and swimming pools. 
    • Avoid doing any strenuous exercises. 
    • Do not skip on medications

Tummy Tuck Recovery FAQs

How long does it take to heal after abdominoplasty?

• On average, it takes about eight weeks for a person to heal and feel like themselves after abdominoplasty. 

How long does tightness last after abdominoplasty?

• For most patients, the feeling of tightness will last for 6 –12 weeks after the surgery. 

What is the fastest way to recover from a tummy tuck?

• Wear an abdominal binder for a minimum of six weeks after abdominoplasty. Avoid exercising and any strenuous activities. Take plenty of rest, sleep, eat a healthy diet and take all the medications given by your doctor on time.  

How bad is the pain after a tummy tuck?

• Most people experience mild to moderate pain during the recovery period. Dr Carmen will prescribe you painkillers to counter pain and have a comfortable recovery. 

Why is my stomach still big after a tummy tuck?

• Well, your stomach will be swollen for the first few weeks after the tummy tuck. Once the swelling goes down, your stomach will not appear bigger. 

What happens if you don’t wear a compression garment after a tummy tuck?

• You need to wear a compression garment. Otherwise, it can lead to over-stressed sutures, breakage, tearing, seroma formation and progressive tension. 

How do I get my stomach flat after a tummy tuck?

• Here are a few tips that will help you; eat a healthy diet, consume loads of water during the recovery phase and continue to eat well-balanced meals after recovery to avoid weight gain.

When can I sleep on my side after a tummy tuck?

• You should be able to sleep on your side three weeks after the tummy tuck. 

How long should I wear my Faja after a tummy tuck?

• It is advised to wear your Faja for at least eight weeks after the surgery. 

Why is my stomach not flat after a tummy tuck?

• The reason why your stomach is not flat is that it’s swollen. Once the swelling goes down, your stomach will appear flat. 

Does a tummy tuck lift your pubic area?

• A tummy tuck focuses on the belly region, hence do not expect a dramatic pubic lift. In some cases, it gives a slightly lifted appearance to your pubic area as well. 

What hurts worse, C section or tummy tuck?

• C section is considered to be a far more painful procedure than a tummy tuck. 

Do you eat less after a tummy tuck?

• It is common for people to have a smaller appetite for the first three to five months after the surgery. 

What hurts more, lipo or tummy tuck?

• A tummy tuck is considered to be more painful as compared to liposuction. Keep in mind that Dr Carmen will use anaesthesia during both procedures, so you don’t feel anything when the procedures are performed.  

How long is the stomach swollen after a tummy tuck?

• Most patients experience swelling for three months after the surgery. 

Can you gain belly fat after a tummy tuck?

• Yes, if you gain weight after the surgery, you will also gain belly fat. 

How long do you walk hunched over after a tummy tuck?

• It is advised to stay hunched over while walking for a period of two weeks after the surgery. 

What are the dos and don’ts after a tummy tuck?

• Here are a few dos and don’ts after the surgery:
  • Do’s
    • Eat a fibre-rich, healthy diet to avoid constipation.
    • Keep your knees bent while sleeping. 
    • Wear the compression garment for at least eight weeks. 
    • Walk slowly and regularly. 
    • Take your medications on time. 
  • Don’ts 
    • Do not walk with your back straight for two weeks. 
    • Avoid laughing, coughing and sneezing. 
    • Do not take hot baths and swimming pools. 
    • Avoid doing any strenuous exercises. 
    • Do not skip on medications. 

How long does it take for the lymphatic system to heal after a tummy tuck?

It will take about two to three months for your lymphatic system to heal fully after the surgery. 

Can you climb stairs after a tummy tuck?

• Climbing stairs is permitted after a tummy tuck. If it hurts, take some help or avoid climbing the stairs altogether till you are comfortable doing so. 

What is the best diet after a tummy tuck?

• Eat a fibre-rich healthy diet after a tummy tuck during recovery. Continue eating healthy, well-balanced meals after the tummy tuck surgery to avoid weight gain. 

Final Thoughts 

We get that there is a lot to consider and remember as far as the recovery period goes. But, if you prepare for the surgery in the right way, you can manage it easily. Planning for all aspects, and following all the post treatment care instructions will help you heal faster. You will feel better with every passing day. If you feel any serious complications such as pain, bleeding and infections, immediately contact Dr Carmen. Do not wait it out, as it can lead to serious complications. It is always better to be safe than sorry. 

If you still have any questions or wish to book an appointment with the tummy tuck surgeon, fill out the consultation form, and we will get back to you shortly. Alternatively, you can also give us a call or send us an email.