It is important to have friends or family that will support your social and emotional health as you heal. You will need someone at home that can help you after your tummy tuck surgery—for at least a couple of days, but ideally much longer. Some of the reasons include:
difficulty moving around when you return home from surgery. Walking, standing for a long time, bending, and lifting may all be a challenge.
bending quickly or lifting too much—even a small child—can stretch or reopen your incision and prolong bleeding and swelling.
not being able to drive for two weeks after surgery.
When Can You Drive After A Tummy Tuck
Before you drive or return to work, it’s best to get your surgeon’s approval at a follow-up visit. In general, you should not drive until you’ve been off of your prescription pain medication for at least 24 hours and can safely operate a vehicle in traffic.
You may be able to drive and return to a desk job as early as two weeks after a tummy tuck. If your work requires heavy lifting or strenuous activity, you will need to wait at least four to six weeks.
DAILY ACTIVITIES AFTER TUMMY TUCK
Drain Care
During your tummy tuck, we will place small drainage tubes near your incision to stop fluid from building up in that area while you heal. You will need to empty your drains several times a day. We will show you how to do this before you leave the hospital. Your drains will remain in place until we remove them in a follow-up visit around one to two weeks after surgery.
Scar Care
You will be able to start scar massage and use scar tapes or creams to minimize the appearance of your scar at least three weeks after surgery.
What to Wear
After your tummy tuck procedure, you will have a light bandage over your incisions (cuts). You will also wear a compression garment around your abdomen to prevent fluid buildup and to support you while you heal. You should always wear your compression garment except when showering or washing it. You can stop wearing it shortly after your drains are removed around one to two weeks after surgery.
Initially, you will want to avoid clothing that digs into your waist. You may be most comfortable wearing loose-fitting pants, such as drawstring pajama pants or dresses.
Showering & Bathing
You can resume a daily shower two days after surgery. Do not soak in a bathtub, pool, or hot tub until your incisions heal or your surgeon says it’s okay.
Physical Activity & Exercise
- Walking: Expect to spend plenty of time resting the first few days after your tummy tuck, with the exception of walking around the house to maintain healthy circulation. After three weeks, you should be able to walk normally, but not forcefully.
- Bending and squatting: For six weeks after surgery, you should avoid or ease into these positions as they may be strain your incision line.
- Lifting: For the first four to six weeks, you should not lift anything over 10 pounds.
You can gradually start increasing your physical activity six weeks after your tummy tuck. However, you should avoid any strenuous activity or motion with excessive force until three months after surgery.
How to Sleep
For the first few days after surgery, you should sleep on your back or side and place pillows under your knees to take the pressure off of your abdominal muscles. When you get out of bed, you should turn on your side first and/or have someone support your back. You can also try to sleep in a recliner, if you have one, to maintain the proper position.
How Soon After Tummy Tuck Can I Go Back To Work
The tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, requires approximately two weeks off work for full recovery. Most people can work at a computer after about four to five days, but plastic surgeons usually recommend two weeks to avoid any unnecessary stress on the body. A mini tummy tuck requires less time at home than a fully tummy tuck with muscle repair. Patients can expect to return to complete mobility by the end of the first week after the procedure.
Worst Days After Tummy Tuck
The worst days after your tummy tuck will be the first one to three days. You may experience some discomfort, bloating, pressure, and swelling, but these symptoms are normal and will resolve themselves. It’s important to rest as much as you can during this time, with short five minutes walks around the room or house every hour to keep your blood circulating. To help ease discomfort during these days, it is recommended to sit up in a reclined position or according to your surgeon’s directions.
Ensure you are well-hydrated and staying on a consistent pain schedule with your medication to help you relax and sleep, as this is when your body does its most healing.
How Long Will I Be on Bed Rest After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
A week of bed rest is typically required after a tummy tuck. After three days of strict bed rest, if you feel comfortable, you can start taking short walks around your home, out to the mailbox, or around your yard, as long as no stairs are involved and with the supervision of your caretaker. These short walks will help with circulation and muscle atrophy and regain your strength. Pay close attention to how you’re feeling. If you feel lightheaded upon standing, sit back down immediately and eat some small before attempting to walk again. If you feel any sharp pain or tugging that doesn’t feel normal, rest for a while until the pain has subsided and try again.
After the first week, you should feel strong enough to leave bed rest, but listen to your body. Some patients require 10-14 days before they feel strong enough to leave bed rest completely.
How Long Should I Take Off Of Work After A Tummy Tuck?
The amount of time required to remain off of work depends on the extent of the procedure, the patient’s occupation, the patient’s age, and overall health. In general, a tummy tuck requires approximately two weeks off work for a full recovery. Most patients can work at a computer after about four to five days, but Dr. Zochowski usually recommends patients wait two weeks to avoid any unnecessary stress on the abdomen.
How Long Will I Walk Bent Over After A Tummy Tuck?
It’s normal for patients after a tummy tuck procedure to have a slight hunched-over posture. You should never force yourself into an upright position even if your back starts to protest, as this can pull or stretch your incisions. Dr. Zochowski recommends patients avoid standing straight for at least a week after their tummy tuck to avoid unwelcome strain on their surgical incisions.