A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tightens the underlying muscles to create a flatter and more toned appearance. If you have recently undergone a tummy tuck surgery, you may be wondering what to expect during the first week of your recovery.
In this guide, we will review the aspects of Tummy tuck 1 week post op, Is it normal to be swollen the first week of a tummy tuck, Can I sleep on my side 1 week after tummy tuck, and How do you feel 2 weeks after a tummy tuck?
Whether you want to know what happens 2 weeks after tummy tuck surgery or immediately after your procedure, you’ve come to the right place.
Below, we’ll be going over the entire healing process — explaining the most important symptoms, milestones, and potential warning signs after tummy tuck.
While this procedure certainly offers some absolutely amazing transformations, the recovery process is extensive, so it’s important to know what to expect.
Before we begin, however, let’s cover some basics — starting with what tummy tuck surgery actually entails.
The goal of a tummy tuck is to rejuvenate the midsection. It’s a procedure that’s often chosen in mommy makeovers for moms who want to get rid of the loose skin they acquired during pregnancy. It’s also a favorite for patients who’ve lost a lot of weight and have remaining loose skin as a result.
During surgery, the extra skin is removed, the abdominal muscles are tightened with internal stitches, and excess fat is often removed as well (via liposuction). The entire procedure can have life-changing effects for many patients.
Is Tummy Tuck Recovery Painful?
While the tummy tuck surgery itself is not painful (anesthesia will be used, and you will be kept comfortable), patients will experience some mild to moderate pain after the procedure. In some cases, there will also be numbness, especially around the incision sites.
This should go away after a few weeks or months, although some sensory abnormalities may persist for longer.
Below, we’ll go over the tummy tuck recovery stages, week by week. But first, let’s talk about what to expect immediately after surgery.
Most surgeries take around two to three hours to complete. General anesthesia is used, so you’ll be entirely asleep for the procedure. After surgery, you’ll still be sleepy when we take you to a recovery room.
From there, we will monitor you and help you stay comfortable until you can go home with a trusted friend or relative.
Week One is the Worst Days after Tummy Tuck
The worst days after tummy tuck will be the first one to three days. You will experience some mild pain, bloating, pressure, and swelling. These symptoms are normal.
Just rest in bed during this time. Lay on your back, but do sit up in a reclined position or according to your surgeon’s directions. You’ll want to get up during this time and walk around periodically.
This is important for your circulation. Ensure you are hydrated, and try to eat a few light, healthy meals.
Two to Three Weeks After Surgery
You’ll start to feel a bit better toward the end of week one and leading into week two. You should be able to move around, bathe yourself (according to your doctor’s directions), and do a few easy activities like playing card games, sitting at the kitchen table, or walking a bit further. Keep in mind, you will be hunched over when you walk. however.
In general, you will feel a bit better around week two and leading into week three, but you will still have some pain and may continue to require the use of a prescription pain medication. Leading into week three, you should aim to switch to an over-the-counter pain medication.
Four to Six Weeks Post-Surgery
You’ll be back to work or school at this point. You may not be totally recovered from the surgery (you’ll be a bit tired and will have other symptoms), but you may be able to start incorporating more strenuous exercise as well and other activities.
You can also expect most of your post-surgery swelling to be gone by the fourth, fifth, and sixth weeks of your recovery.
For example, take a look at some 5 weeks after tummy tuck photos, and you’ll notice right away that significant swelling is all but gone. With that said, swelling may continue for up to six weeks or even a year in some cases.
The best news is that you’re going to be able to see more of your results at this point. Your belly will be flat and smoothed, and the fruits of your labor will finally be obvious.
FAQ: Tummy Tuck Recovery
How long does it take to feel normal after a tummy tuck procedure?
This depends, but most patients begin to feel “normal” after tummy tuck around the fourth or fifth week of recovery. At this point, you’ll be able to return to your job or school, and you may even be able to start exercising again.
You’ll definitely feel more like yourself around two to three months post-surgery, and you should be completely recovered and healed after a full year.
How far can I walk 2 weeks after tummy tuck procedure?
When you’re two weeks out from your tummy tuck , don’t expect to walk very far. Most patients can walk around their home or possibly down a short driveway and back. Always follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding exercise after surgery.
Is it normal to be swollen the first week of a tummy tuck
Swelling is normal as your body heals from abdominoplasty. It happens to every patient. However, swelling can be uncomfortable. It can also make you look bloated, which is not probably the appearance you were hoping for when you decided to get a tummy tuck. Many patients wonder how to reduce swelling after tummy tuck surgery. Luckily, there are easy steps you can take to reduce swelling as you recover.
Swelling 101
Swelling should be expected after any cosmetic surgery. A tummy tuck is no exception. While most of the swelling goes away in the first four weeks after surgery, it can take around six months for all of the swelling to subside. Today, we will talk about the steps you can take to reduce swelling after tummy tuck for a more comfortable recovery.
Factors for healing
Every patient heals differently after a tummy tuck. There are many factors that affect tummy tuck healing. Lifestyle and other factors like smoking, underlying health conditions, age and immune response all contribute to the healing process. To improve healing, follow your doctor’s post-op instructions to a tee. This promotes overall healing and keeps swelling to a minimum.
Tips to reduce swelling
Swelling can cause discomfort, so reducing swelling will make your recovery easier. The good news is that we have several doctor-approved tips to help calm swelling so that you can have a far more comfortable recovery.
Tip nr 1: Rest
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It is common to feel more tired than usual after surgery. The reason is because the body is doing a lot more work than normal as it heals.
Getting enough sleep and taking it easy the first few weeks after surgery is very important. As you rest, your immune system goes to work. Resting allows the body to focus on healing and repairing damaged tissue.
It’s not just getting enough sleep that makes a difference. Limiting movement during the day can also help. Being a couch potato doesn’t come naturally to every patient. There can be a temptation to help out with the kids, do light chores, or squeeze in extra work while you are away from the office. While you don’t have to remain bed bound as you recover, it is a good idea to reserve your energy for healing.
Overexerting yourself can slow the healing process, irritate healing tissue and cause stress and strain on the body. Swelling and inflammation can increase as a result. The lesson? Kick your feet up and relax more. You’ll be doing your body a favor.
Following surgery, mobility will be limited temporarily. It can be uncomfortable to move around in the first few weeks of recovery. Housework, exercise and vigorous activity will be off limits for at least four to six weeks post-op. However, walking for a few minutes every hour is recommended. Light activity can reduce blood clots by keeping your circulatory system active, as well as reduce fluid buildup.
Tip nr 2: Wear compression garments
Doctor Bernard will provide you with compression garments to wear after your tummy tuck. It is important that you wear the garment as instructed to reduce swelling after surgery.
A compression garment is a tight-fitting medical garment that reduces swelling by applying gentle pressure to the abdomen as you heal. Not only do compression garments ease swelling, but they may also prevent wounds from opening. Further, they can reduce bruising, protect the wound from infection, speed healing, ease discomfort and pain, help shape the abdomen, and there’s even anecdotal evidence that they may reduce the risk of keloid scarring.
The more complex the tummy tuck, the longer it is necessary to wear the garment. Four to six weeks is common. However, less invasive tummy tucks (such as the mini tummy tuck) may only require you to wear it for about two weeks.
Choosing the right tummy tuck compression garment can be tricky. Not all garments are created equal. The more comfortable and high-quality the garment, the more comfortable it will be to wear.
Dr. Beldholm provides premium tummy tuck garments after surgery for his patients. If your surgeon did not provide garments, it is up to you to choose one. The highest quality tummy tuck compression garments have a seamless design, moisture-wicking and breathable fabric, sturdy closures and antibacterial properties to reduce the risk of infection.
Wearing the garment according to your surgeon’s instructions can help reduce swelling dramatically.
Tip nr 3: Caring for drains
Dr. Bernard Beldholm specializes in drainless abdominoplasty. Eliminating drains has many benefits. The latest tummy tuck techniques keep swelling to a minimum without the need for drains. Older tummy tuck methods may still require the use of drains.
Many cosmetic surgeons still rely on drains today. Drains are small, thin tubes that are placed in the skin to help excess blood and fluid be removed from the surgical site.
Unfortunately, drains require routine maintenance. Keeping drains clean is important. Your surgeon will advise you on how to care for the drains. Typically, they should be emptied three times per day.
Recording the amount of fluid that is removed each time helps your surgeon know when they are ready to be removed, usually three to seven days after surgery on average (sometimes longer, it depends). Antibiotics are usually prescribed when drains are placed.
The bottom line is that modern drainless tummy tucks cause less swelling than older methods. If you have drains to reduce swelling and fluid buildup, take proper care of them to ensure they work properly.
Tip nr 4: Anti-inflammatory medication (wait until your doctor approves their use!)
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Inflammation and swelling is a normal response after any surgery. Anti-inflammatory medication is one of the fastest ways to reduce swelling. However, be sure to clear this with your doctor before you begin taking this or any medication. Even over-the-counter medications must be approved by your doctor first.
Common OTC anti-inflammatories include ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. Certain anti-inflammatories can thin the blood and cause clotting problems, which is why it is essential to ask your surgeon when you can to safely begin taking these medications after surgery.
Anti-inflammatories are also known as NSAIDs. They work by reducing prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that trigger inflammation. NSAIDs work quickly to reduce pain and inflammation, however long term use is not recommended. They can also cause bleeding, which is why it is important not to take them too soon after surgery. Dr. Beldholm will advise you on when it is okay to begin taking over-the-counter NSAIDs after surgery.
It is vital to following your surgeon’s instructions on this. Failure to do so can cause serious complications. While you may be anxious to reduce swelling, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Can I sleep on my side 1 week after tummy tuck
Tummy tuck can be a great way to shift unwanted excess skin from your abdomen when diets and exercise don’t seem to work. But, as a major surgical intervention, tummy tucks can affect how you sit down, stand up, and most importantly, sleep.
Tummy tucks offer a range of advantages. These include feeling more confident about the way you look, not having to carry around so much excess weight, being more athletic, and removing skin that has lost its elasticity. But because tummy tucks involve removing a significant amount of tissue, it’s vital that you do everything you can to ensure a speedy recovery. Tummy tucks are a significant surgical event that requires proper consideration.
Sleeping After Tummy Tuck
After a tummy tuck, you need sleep to recover. During sleep, your body will repair the affected area and finish off the job that the surgeon started, helping you to achieve a beautiful, natural-looking midsection. The way you sleep after a tummy tuck, however, will have a profound effect on the rate and quality of your recovery. Sleeping in the wrong position could compromise your results and prevent you from getting the rest you need.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at how to sleep after a tummy tuck. The advice is straightforward, but you’ll still need to spend a little time making preparations ahead of the operation.
Use A Recliner To Sleep
Performing a tummy tuck involves making a long, thin incision between the hip bones and just above the pubic mound. The surgeon will make the cut, remove excess fat from the abdomen, and then pull down the skin from above over the incision line. Excess skin is removed, and then the stomach stitched back up, leaving a tight, flat finish.
As you can imagine, laying flat on your back after surgery might not be a good idea. Laying flat stretches out the abdomen, putting a strain on the freshly-stitched skin, leading to pain and potential damage to the sutures. When you go to sleep, therefore, experts recommend that you sleep in a slightly bent position that avoids pulling on the stitching. Instead of sleeping flat on your bed (like you would usually), surgeons suggest using a recliner.
A recliner (a type of chair that folds in the middle) provides you with a comfortable and safe way to sleep while maintaining a bend in the middle of your body. The recliner gives you the ability to get a restful night’s sleep without the risk of tossing and turning or damaging the stitching. A good recliner should allow you to adjust the amount of bend in your body, depending on your needs.
How long do you need to sleep on a recliner (or in a reclined position)? The length of time that you need to sleep on a recliner depends on the type of tummy tuck that you had performed. Recovery from a “miniature tummy tuck” – one in which the incision does not run from hip to hip – takes about one to three weeks. Recovery from a full tummy tuck – where the incision runs from one hip to the other – takes about four weeks. (Exercise should be limited for six weeks). Thus, if you’ve had a full Tummy Tuck Recovery, you’ll want to sleep in a reclined position for a couple of weeks while the tissues heal. Most surgeons recommend maintaining a bent position for at least the first week, whether lying down, standing or doing anything else.
Lying Down On A Bed After A Tummy Tuck
Because the tissues of the lower abdomen are stretched tight after a tummy tuck, it’s critical to maintain a “bent” or “jackknifed” body shape, whether walking, standing or climbing into bed.
When going from a standing to lying down position, pay particular attention to the shape of your body. Ideally, you’ll want to maintain a bent shape throughout the process, ensuring that you do not put any undue strain on the stitching.
Before getting into a lying down position, make sure that the bed or recliner is the right shape to accommodate a bent posture. Next, sit on the side of the bed with your knees facing outward, maintaining the flexion in your core. Next, swivel your legs onto the bed so that they face in front of you. Finally, lower your torso down. You should not have to lower yourself over too far a distance if you are sleeping on a recliner or a bed that raises.
Practice Sleeping On Your Back
If you’re a front or side sleeper, sleeping on your back after a tummy tuck can feel unnatural. It’s a good idea, therefore, to practice sleeping on your back for a few weeks before the surgery so that once you’ve had the operation, you’re better able to get the shut-eye you need. Being able to sleep will help the recovery process, allowing you to get back on your feet sooner.
Sleeping Options After A Tummy Tuck
In general, you’ve got two sleeping options after a tummy tuck. The first is to modify your bed with pillows to provide a raised-up section for your torso so that you can maintain a bent posture during sleep. This has the advantage of being a simple solution – all it requires is a few extra pillows. But there are disadvantages, namely the fact that when you’re sleeping on a bed, you’re free to toss and turn. Moreover, the pillows supporting your torso to maintain a bent posture can slip out from underneath during the night, putting your stitching at risk.
The alternative is to sleep on a recliner. Recliners hold your body in position and discourage turning during the night. Some recliners can be set to raise both your head and feet, maintaining a comfortable V-shape throughout. Of course, if you don’t have a recliner already but want the benefits, then you’ll have to go out and buy one which could be expensive.
Wear Compression Garments While You Sleep
Compression garments are items of clothing that support your midriff and temporarily and offer support to the abdominal muscles after surgery. There are many different kinds of compression garments you can use – everything from binders to girdles. Where possible, follow the advice of your surgeon and wear compression clothing according to their instructions. Compression clothing should be worn at all times of day, including during sleep.
Following surgery, you are likely to experience a degree of inflammation in your abdomen. Compression clothing helps to support your stomach while it is inflamed, assisting the recovery process.
How To Get Out Of Bed
Because of the nature of the incision after a tummy tuck, patients need to be careful when getting out of bed not to over-stretch the skin of the lower abdomen. When getting out of bed, roll onto your side, maintaining flexion at the hips, and then use your hands to push yourself up into a seated position. Once in the seated position, rock forwards and use the muscles in your legs to help you stand.
Maintaining a bent position at all times is essential. Not only will this prevent damage to the incision site, but it will also help to reduce the appearance of the scar once all the stitching is removed.
How To Improve Sleep After A Tummy Tuck
Tummy tucks involve removing a large amount of tissue. The natural reaction of the body is to send inflammatory markers to the site of the operation, which can result in swelling and pain. It can be difficult, therefore, to get quality, restful sleep after a tummy tuck. So what can you do to ensure that you get the rest that you need to recover?
Take Pain Medications
Pain medications can be taken before bed to help ease discomfort as you try to sleep for the first few days after receiving a tummy tuck. Avoid using painkillers which contain stimulants as these may prevent you from sleeping.
Make Getting Into Bed A Ritual
Much of what our brains do is unconscious, including getting ready for sleep. It’s a good idea, therefore, to train your mind to be prepared for rest as soon as you hit the sack. You can do this by turning the process of getting into bed into a ritual. Before you undergo surgery, start sleeping in a recliner, or a reclined position. Train yourself to expect sleep once in this position by turning off the lights and electronic devices.
Talk To Your Surgeon
Your surgeon will likely have a lot of experience helping patients sleep after a tummy tuck. Speak to them about your options and how you can sleep better during the most critical phases of the recovery process.
How do you feel 2 weeks after a tummy tuck
Two weeks after a tummy tuck surgery, you can expect to still be in the initial phase of your recovery. While everyone’s experience may be slightly different, here are some common things you may feel or experience at this stage:
- Reduced pain and discomfort: By this point, you may notice a significant reduction in pain and discomfort. You will likely still experience some degree of soreness or tenderness, but you should be able to manage these symptoms with over-the-counter pain medication.
- Decreased swelling: Swelling in the abdominal area should begin to subside around two weeks after the surgery. However, some degree of swelling is still to be expected during this stage of your recovery.
- Improved mobility: You should be able to move around more comfortably than you did during the first week of recovery. However, it is still important to avoid any strenuous activities or heavy lifting.
- Continued use of compression garments: You will still need to wear compression garments during this stage of your recovery to help support your abdominal area and reduce swelling.
- Drains removal: If your surgeon placed drains during your tummy tuck surgery, they may be removed around the two-week mark, depending on how much fluid is draining.
- Follow-up appointments: You will likely have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon around two weeks after your tummy tuck surgery. During this visit, your surgeon will monitor your healing progress and ensure that you are recovering as expected.
Overall, two weeks after a tummy tuck surgery, you should feel a bit more comfortable and have an improved range of motion. However, it is still important to follow your surgeon’s instructions closely and take things slow to ensure a successful recovery.