What is the abdominoplasty recovery period like?

The recovery period after an abdominoplasty varies from patient to patient. Each patient’s general level of health and fitness at the time of the surgery will influence the recovery time. The type and extent of the performed abdominoplasty procedure on a particular patient will also have an impact on the length of the recovery period. The patient’s adherence to the surgeon’s post-op instructions will also help to ensure a smooth and trouble-free recovery.

Even though recovery time is an individual matter, generally, patients are up and about the very next day after the surgery. However, if the skin has been made very tight, it might take a patient a few days to bend or stand erect with ease. To be on the safe side, the patient should not lift more than 10 pounds of weight during the first week, 20 pounds during the second week, and 30 pounds during the third week, and so on.

Where getting back to work is concerned, most patients are ready to go back to a desk job within a week following the surgery. However, for more strenuous jobs, it is advisable for patients to wait for 10 days to two weeks before resuming normal work duties.

First week after the surgery

In the first few days following an abdominoplasty, some patients may experience slight discomfort, swelling and pain that can be relieved with medication. But it is recommended to begin walking and doing normal activities at home in order to achieve better and faster healing. This kind of gentle physical exercise reduces the chances of blood clot formation and/or any other post-op complications.

The next few weeks

Some surgeons may provide the patients with an “abdominal binder” to be worn for a few weeks following the surgery. This is a compression garment that assists the healing process. In some cases, the patient may also be advised to wear elastic stockings for a brief period during the recovery in order to reduce the chances of blood clot formation in the legs.

Most experienced surgeons agree that a regular routine of light physical exercise should be started about a week after surgery, resulting in faster healing. Walking is one of the best exercises following surgery, though some patients may also be ready for other forms of light aerobic exercise. However, it is important that such an exercise plan be approved by the surgeon who knows the patient’s actual physical condition. Strenuous exercise is not recommended for at least six weeks following the surgery.

Back to tummy tuck home page