Life After a Tummy Tuck

Once you decide to get a tummy tuck, your thoughts immediately turn to the future you, and it can feel frustrating to wait for your final results. 

We want to alleviate some of your frustration by filling you in on the post-tummy-tuck recovery process. Frederick H. Watkins, MD, has been expertly performing abdominoplasties — tummy tucks — for women and men throughout McLean, Virginia, and Rockville, Maryland, for many years and is one of the area’s leading plastic surgeons. 

Although his skill and years of experience ensure a successful tummy tuck, he believes that quality aftercare plays a big role. Here’s a guide to tummy tuck recovery outlining what to expect from life after abdominoplasty.

Waking up after a tummy tuck

When Dr. Watkins wraps up your tummy tuck procedure, he inserts small tubes in and around your incision to drain any fluid accumulation, but don’t worry; it doesn’t hurt. He also covers your abdomen with a surgical dressing. 

When the anesthesia wears off, you’ll notice the tubes and dressings, but you won’t feel any pain. Expect to feel groggy at first — just go with it, and sleep all you can.

At-home tummy tuck care

Ideally, you’ll have arranged for assistance during the initial days after your tummy tuck surgery. For starters, you can’t drive yourself home from the hospital, so enlist a family member or friend.

Also, you’ll have limited mobility and need prescription pain medication for a few days, so plan to line up an “assistant” who can help you get around. Having someone available to lend a helping hand can make a significant difference in your recovery.

While you’re recuperating, rest at an angle and carefully follow Dr. Watkins’ instructions to avoid blood clots.

Day-to-day tips for tummy tuck recovery

Before you leave the hospital, we give you all the necessary instructions on caring for your incision and drainage tubes, but we know questions often arise once you’re home. Never hesitate to call us; we want your recovery to go smoothly, and we’re here to help. Here are a few tips to ensure a successful outcome.

• If we prescribe antibiotics, take them as directed and use them all
• Use the topical cream we give you for your incision area
• Keep your dressing on until we tell you it’s safe to remove it
• Use the support garment we give you for the full recommended time
• Don’t smoke — smoking hinders healing 
• Don’t drink — alcohol hinders healing too

The first three months following your tummy tuck are crucial for your recovery and can influence the quality of your final results. 

Getting back to normal after a tummy tuck

Bending, twisting, and heavy lifting are off-limits for the first few months following your tummy tuck. You want to avoid any activity that can open your incision, stretch your skin, or damage the repairs deep within. 

Dr. Watkins lets you know when it’s safe to get back to a modified daily routine that includes driving, shopping, and light cooking, usually after a week or two. You can go back to work in about a month, but not if your job calls for heavy lifting or other strenuous activities. 

Life beyond a tummy tuck

At around the three-month mark, most people notice that the swelling and discoloration have subsided, and their body looks significantly different in the best way. Your sagging skin is gone, your abs are tighter, and your clothes fit beautifully. 

Your incision scar will be prominent for months but will fade over time. Soon, you won’t think twice about your tummy tuck and can concentrate on enjoying life with a slimmer, trimmer, flatter stomach. 

To learn more about tummy tucks or our other body-enhancing plastic surgeries, call us at either Frederick H. Watkins, MD, location, or book an appointment online today.