A tummy tuck procedure involves getting rid of fat around the belly and tightening the surrounding abdominal muscles for a flatter and tighter look. Many women will have this procedure done after they have gone through one, or multiple pregnancies, and are left with stretched and sagging skin. It is also common for people who have experienced massive weight loss to have excess skin left over, which cannot be eliminated through diet and exercise. When other treatments don’t seem to be doing the trick, a tummy tuck may be the only procedure to get the satisfaction you desire.

How Long Is The Recovery Process?

The recovery process after an abdominoplasty can take anywhere from six to eight weeks. However, each patient is different, and several factors like age, general health, type of tummy tuck, and how you take care of yourself post-op can play a role in how quickly you recover. Immediately following a tummy tuck you will have limited mobility and must abstain from lifting anything heavy. You will also have to stay away from any vigorous exercise for at least three weeks. Normal, light activities, like driving, can be resumed after a week or two. In total, recovery can take up to four months. Some ways to enhance your recovery include:

Fluids And Exercise

It is important to stay hydrated as much as possible. You should drink anywhere between six to eight glasses of water everyday. Your body mass and how much water you are getting from your daily diet will also determine how much water you should be drinking each day. While you will not be able to do any intense exercising, it is important to get your body moving in order to kick start your circulatory system. Going out and taking a light walk is a great way to incorporate some activity into your recovery. The goal is to get your circulatory system to deliver nutrients throughout your body which will help your incisions heal.

Eat A Well-Balanced Diet

Proper nutrition is also a big part of the recovery process. You need to consume the proper amount of vitamins and nutrients to produce an adequate amount of collagen. Stay away from unhealthy foods that will damage collagen production like processed sugars and fried foods.

Don’t Rush Your Recovery

After the tummy tuck procedure, you will experience some swelling, inflammation, and slight pain. It will usually take about three or four months for the swelling to completely subside and your new shape to show. Keep in mind, it can take up to a whole year to see the final results. Other factors can play a role like genetics. In most cases, people are very pleased with the outcome of their tummy tuck, even if they had to wait a while to see the results. If you have any issues with the recovery process, you should reach out to your plastic surgeon immediately.

Schedule a Consultation

To find out more about the tummy tuck procedure and to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Lorraine Golosow, please call us at 239-330-6448 or fill out our online contact form. We are excited to help patients in Fort Myers, FL, and Cape Coral, FL, start their aesthetic journeys.