What to Expect During Tummy Tuck Recovery: Week-by-Week Guide
- Posted on: Mar 15 2025
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a lasting, effective way to get the flat, toned tummy you want. But there is a healing process that comes before your final results are fully noticeable. Here’s a week-by-week breakdown of what you can anticipate during tummy tuck recovery.
Dr. David Altamira, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, is known for his meticulous approach to patient care, ensuring each individual is well-prepared and informed before undergoing procedures like tummy tuck surgery. With his extensive training and passion for achieving natural, beautiful results, Dr. Altamira provides comprehensive post-surgical guidance to support optimal healing and long-term success.
Week 1: Rest and Initial Healing
The first week after surgery is the most critical for healing. You’ll likely experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, but your prescribed pain medication will help manage it. Drains may be utilized to prevent fluid buildup, and your surgeon will advise you on how to care for them. You’ll need to rest, avoid standing upright, and walk slightly bent to minimize strain on your incision. Light walking is encouraged to improve circulation and prevent blood clots.
Week 2: Gradual Mobility Increase
By the second week, your discomfort should begin to subside, and you can start moving around more. Most patients can begin standing upright and walking short distances. However, you’ll still need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities. Many people return to light, sedentary work at this stage, depending on the extent of their procedure. Your surgeon will guide you on when to remove or adjust any compression garments.
Weeks 3-4: Returning to Daily Activities
During this period, much of the swelling will start to go down, and you’ll notice an improvement in your mobility. Light exercises like walking can be increased, but avoid core exercises or any activity that strains the abdomen. Many patients return to work by the third or fourth week, but following your surgeon’s instructions regarding activity limitations is essential.
Weeks 5-6: Resuming Normal Routine
Most patients feel significantly better by week six and can resume many normal activities. Swelling may persist but will continue to improve. You may be ready for light exercise but should still avoid intense workouts or core-focused exercises unless your surgeon approves.
Months 2-3: Long-Term Healing and Results
By the two-to-three-month mark, you’ll see more defined results as swelling subsides. Scars will continue to fade over time, especially with proper scar care. Maintaining a generally healthy lifestyle will help preserve your results.
Love Your Slim, Toned Midsection with a Tummy Tuck in Houston, TX
Remember, recovery varies from patient to patient. Always follow your surgeon’s personalized advice to ensure optimal healing and long-lasting results. Ready to take the first step? Call us at 713-271-9000 to schedule a consultation to discuss your tummy tuck options today.
Posted in: Tummy Tuck
