Tummy Tuck Recovery: What to Expect, Timeline, Tips and More

Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Peter Felice, M.D., discusses everything you need to know when recovering from tummy tuck surgery.

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Tummy Tuck Resources

Have a question about tummy tuck surgery or another cosmetic treatment? Leave a comment or contact us by clicking on the link above. ▲

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Timestamps:

0:00:25​ - How do you feel immediately after tummy tuck surgery?
0:00:39​ - Do I have to stay overnight following surgery?
0:00:59​ - What happens to my abdominal muscles during tummy tuck surgery?
0:01:32​ - Will my stitches dissolve after tummy tuck surgery?
0:01:45​ - Do I need to wear a compression garment following surgery?
0:02:15 - When will I be mobile again following surgery?
0:02:45 - What preparations should I make at home for my tummy tuck recovery?
0:02:45 - What happens if I become pregnant after having a tummy tuck?

[annemarijkee]

Oh wow, I stayed in hospital for four days after my TT. I’m glad I had the doctors and nurses to look after me as I was experiencing a lot of pain due to the drainages. Could not have imaged to go home after a couple of hours.

[loveyourfitnessevolution]

Two & half weeks post op and I’m up and going. Still hunched over but feeling great!!

[joanlynch]

This is a very good explanation of what to expect, thanks 👍

[jill]

Where is your facility located, ? An thank you for explaining that, ,really great information

[jean]

A week or two is not reasonable. I followed that tip and by doing more normal daily chores (still very light) I got a huge seroma from friction and had an entirely new and second surgery to correct this 8 weeks after my first surgery! My incision was completely opened and the lining roughed up to help with drainage. I woke up with two more drains in severe pain almost worse than the first time I am just past three weeks and still a long way from feeling like my old self so this doctor is very misleading!

[kingcxson]

Been talking to a Surgeon and have considered getting one, what would the ETA be before you think someone should wait before resuming weight lifting.

[Meeza]

Are u in Canada I wanted to do mine can u tell me the cost

[TheMobster]

Doctor: I just had my tummy tuck 3 days ago and now I developed a hydrocele. Is this a common thing that can happen in males?

[sunflowerhippie]

Funny that a man is stating how long this recovery is. Realistically it's 5 weeks until you will poop again, sleep on your side, or be able to sit on the floor.. it will take 2 weeks before you can even stand up on your own.

[roxxpole]

I had a question, so Ive had 3 c-sections, would you say the recovery and pain level are close to the same with a tummy tuck? Im scheduled to get my tummy tuck in 6 weeks and a bit nervous about what to expect pain wise. My last c-section was exactly two years ago and I had healing complications with my incision that made me stay on bedrest for 3 months. Im just wondering if a tummy tuck is quite similar if anyone could answer Id appreciate it!