Tummy tuck recovery times are shorter than ever

Tummy tuck recovery is an important part of the transformation process. To ensure the best possible results, preparing for the recovery period is a crucial part of planning. That being said, modern body contouring now requires less downtime than ever.

Most of the speed in recovery of modern procedures is thanks to the tumescent technique. This technique, developed by Dermatologist Jeffrey Klein, MD and others, affords the opportunity to perform liposuction both safely and gently. When applied to procedures such as tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts and even face lifts, breast augmentation, and breast lifts, there is minimal blood loss, much less pain, significantly less risk of infection and faster recovery times.

Following surgery, it is common to experience some swelling and discomfort. The incisions will be dressed with paper tape, which substantially reduces scarring.  A compression garment must be worn for six weeks following the procedure. Most patients are able to wean off narcotic pain medication after about 72 hours.

Beginning the day after surgery, patients are required to walk around for 30 minutes three times per day. This transitions to normal activity after two weeks. When appropriate, surgeons will remove the bandages; sutures are removed gently after 10-14 days.

I prefer to see my patients once or twice in the first week, and again at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year following surgery, with regular checkups every year thereafter. As we have many out-of-town surgery and destination surgery clients, many of these appointments can be managed over the phone.

During these appointments, we discuss resuming exercise and provide advice on how to prepare for upcoming events and occasions. Two weeks is the minimum amount of time required to see results. With all cosmetic procedures, final results are seen by one year; however, most patients are thrilled after just 12 weeks, and often even the first time they see their garment come down to reveal a flatter abdomen.