Īfter all that, of course patients wish they could see results right away. Not to mention, the cost of tummy tuck surgery. After all, it took a lot of time and effort finding the right surgeon, taking time off work, arranging rides to doctor appointments, etc. It is no wonder that they feel both excited and anxious to see the results of surgery. Getting a tummy tuck is a big landmark in many patients’ lives. How long until I see the results of a tummy tuck? Subscribe to our Podcast on iTunes "Body Contouring with Dr Bernard Beldholm" Click Here Clothes will fit better now, and you will start feeling more like yourself as you get used to your beautiful, flat tummy. Remember, just a few months ago you had a totally different body with loose skin and unwanted fat that made you feel pretty low. It’s amazing to see the transformation that takes place. As the swelling settles, your tummy tuck results will become more visible. In the weeks and months that follow, you will notice swelling reduce even more. It can take a long time for surgical scars to mature. The scars will still be red at this stage. There shouldn’t be any pain or discomfort at this stage and you will be completely independent. Some swelling will still be present, but it will be substantially less than it was a few weeks ago. Beldholm’s patients say they really start feeling “back to normal”. Week 9: You’ve made it to the 3-month mark. You’ll also be able to handle lifting heavy objects like groceries without assistance, which makes life easier. It not only shows how far you have come physically, but exercise can also improve your tummy tuck results by keeping you fit and healthy. Most patients can resume a full exercise routine at the 8-week mark.Įxercising after tummy tuck is beneficial. The worst of the swelling will start going away 1 to 2 months after surgery. You will be amazed at how far you have come in such a short time. It also helps patients feel good knowing they are back in a familiar routine, so you will start to feel more “normal” again. Returning to work signals how far you have made it in recovery. Week 4: Most patients return to work around 4 weeks post-op. Numbness usually subsides within 3 months as the nerves repair themselves. That’s because the sensory nerves in the skin were damaged during surgery (this is normal, after all, you just had surgery). The lower tummy will most likely still be numb and feel a bit “alien” for the time being. Swelling, discomfort and bruising will decrease greatly by this stage. By now, you should be feeling a lot better overall. You’ll still need assistance carrying heavy groceries, etc. Now that you can drive, it frees you up to have a lot more independence. Week 3: Congrats! Most patients are allowed to start driving after a tummy tuck at 2 to 3 weeks. Hang in there!ĭownload our short guide: “Preparing for your Tummy Tuck Surgery Checklist” By day 10, most patients will start walking upright. Your tummy still feels tender, so you will likely still need help around the house from friends, family members or an aid. Numbness in the lower abdomen is also normal. You’ll still have some discomfort, but it will decrease day by day. Click here to learn the benefits of PICO negative pressure dressings. Even just a few minutes every few hours can help.ĭriving is off limits for the first 2-3 weeks.Īt the 7 day mark, you will come in for a follow-up appointment. You’ll be walking bent over at this point, and will be spending most of your time resting from the comfort of your bed or sofa. Don’t worry – these feelings are normal and this, too, shall pass. Tummy tuck pain, swelling and even bruising are common.You may even regret having a tummy tuck. Week 1: This is no doubt the most difficult part of tummy tuck recovery. Now that we’ve said that, let’s dive into a typical tummy tuck recovery timeline that you may find useful as you prepare for tummy tuck surgery: For example, a mini tummy tuck is far less invasive than an extended Sculpt tummy tuck, which means a shorter recovery time. Again, keep in mind the extent of your surgery can vary. Tummy tuck recovery stagesīelow, you’ll find a handy timeline for what to expect after tummy tuck surgery. Keep reading to find out more about what to expect as you recover from abdominoplasty. But even at this stage, there is ongoing swelling and the scar is still red. Beldholm ’s experience, patients often say they start feeling “normal” again by three months post-op. The bigger the operation the more time it will take to get back to normal. There are many types of tummy tucks, and the recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the surgery.Įvery patient is different, and so is every tummy tuck surgery. Let’s be honest…A tummy tuck is a big operation and you can expect it to take a couple of months before you get back to normal. When Will I Feel Normal After a Tummy Tuck?
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