Tummy tuck
(abdominoplasty)
Early Recovery Period After Tummy Tuck Surgery
Immediately after the tummy tuck surgery you will be taken to the recovery room. Once you have recovered from anesthesia, are alert, comfortable and drinking fluids, you will be sent home. Some of our patients who have tummy tucks choose to stay overnight at the facility. During the first 24-48 hours we recommend bed rest with knees and hips flexed to take the tension off the newly tightened abdominal wall. You will empty the drain tubes every 12 hours and record the output. Short walks around the house to the bathroom or to meals are encouraged, even the day after the tummy tuck surgery, although initially you will need to walk with your chest at your waist. These activities will become much more comfortable on the subsequent days. After your tummy tuck, climbing steps within reason is acceptable. You will be encouraged not to lift over 5 pounds for the first 6-8 weeks. Oral pain medication will be prescribed for your pain relief. Often a long-acting local anesthetic agent is injected prior to the completion of the tummy tuck surgery to provide hours of pain relief. Driving will be restricted for at least the first week.