A tummy tuck is major elective surgery, and you should expect a more intensive recovery process and longer healing time. Even though you’ll see dramatic results immediately after your surgery, you’ll need to wait a little while before you see the best results. This could be a matter of months, but it’s worth being patient!

Once you’ve been taken into the Recovery Room of the hospital or clinic, you won’t be able to see your sutures because it will be covered with dressings or bandages. Your condition will be monitored by the surgeon, anesthetist and nurses until you’re fit to be discharged home, where you’ll be able to continue your recovery with the assistance of your selected caregiver.

At Home
You and your caregiver will be provided with a complete list of care instructions – make sure you follow them closely to facilitate the healing process. A compression garment will also be provided that you’ll need to wear for a few weeks (usually close to 2 months or less) to help control swelling and provide the necessary support.

Don’t be alarmed with the amount of fluid that drains from your incisions – this is normal. A narrow tube may be placed by your surgeon under the skin to facilitate this draining process. This tube will be removed in a couple of days.

Your care instructions will include a number of things, for example how to bathe, what to do to avoid infection, what medications you may be able to take, what foods to eat and what exercises you can do to reduce swelling (amongst other things).

You should expect to be in discomfort following your surgery, with limited mobility. You can minimize discomfort with prescribed medication.

It is important to keep an open line of communication with your surgeon while you recover, especially in the days immediately following your date of surgery. Your surgeon will want to know any concerns you may have so that they may be addressed. If you think that something is questionable, please contact your surgeon as soon as possible. This is vital for your safety.

You may need to take one or two weeks off of work, and dramatically limit the amount of physical activity you do.