When Can I Walk Straight After Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck can remove loose, excess skin and fat, and tighten weak fascia. A tummy tuck may also remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen below the bellybutton. However, a tummy tuck won’t correct stretch marks outside of this area.
After surgery, it’s important not to panic and to allow your body to heal at its own natural pace. The first week or two can be challenging, especially when it comes to bathing. It’s recommended to opt for sponge baths or use a chair while showering during this time. By following these precautions, you can ensure a smooth recovery process. After two weeks, you will start to notice improvements and be able to walk straight again. Remember to be patient with yourself and listen to your body as it heals.
Worst Days After Tummy Tuck
| Aspect | Details |
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| Worst Days Post-Surgery |
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| Discomfort Management |
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| Risks of Tummy Tuck |
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| Preparation Steps |
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| Post-Surgery Walking |
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| Standing Straight |
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| Tips for Standing Straight |
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| Bending Over |
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| Factors Affecting Healing |
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When will my stomach feel normal after tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a significant surgery that can take several months to return to normal. The recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the surgery, and a typical timeline for recovery includes the following stages:
Week 1: Pain, swelling, and bruising are common, but these feelings are normal and will pass. Walking every day is vital for recovery, and driving is off limits for the first 2-3 weeks. At the 7-day mark, patients will come in for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Beldholm to change PICO dressings.
Week 2: Discomfort decreases day by day, and swelling and numbness in the lower abdomen are normal. Most patients will start walking upright by day 10. Week 3: Most patients are allowed to start driving at 2 to 3 weeks, freeing up more independence but still needing assistance carrying heavy groceries.
Week 4: Most patients return to work around 4 weeks post-op, signaling progress and helping patients feel good knowing they are back in a familiar routine. Week 5-8: Each day becomes easier and the worst of swelling starts going away 1 to 2 months after surgery. Most patients can resume a full exercise routine at the 8-week mark.
Week 9: Most patients say they really start feeling “back to normal,” with some swelling still present but less than a few weeks ago. There should be no pain or discomfort at this stage, and the scars will still be red. In the weeks and months that follow, swelling reduces even more, and the tummy tuck results become more visible. Clothes will fit better now, and you will start feeling more like yourself as you get used to your beautiful, flat tummy.
It takes 12 to 18 months to see the final results of a tummy tuck surgery, but you will feel “normal” again by the 3-month mark. Tummy tuck scar fading is usually what takes the longest. Laser Genesis can be used to reduce scar redness faster.
Although there are medical and functional benefits to be gained through a tummy tuck, it is not typically covered by insurance. Some related procedures, such as the panniculectomy, may be covered by insurance in certain cases.
Many patients choose to combine their tummy tuck with other procedures to maximize the results of their transformation and cut down on expensive surgical fees in the long run. After weight loss, patients may choose to have a tummy tuck, arm lift (brachioplasty), and thigh lift all performed simultaneously. An example of a combined procedure is the mommy makeover, which can be highly beneficial for women who have had children or those who haven’t. Some of the most commonly combined procedures as part of a mommy makeover include breast augmentation, breast lift, and Brazilian butt lift (BBL).
