Tummy Tuck RecoveryConveniently located to serve St. Petersburg and Tampa
If you are considering a tummy tuck, it’s important that you understand all phases of the procedure, including recovery. In general, people take two to three weeks off from work after a tummy tuck and avoid strenuous activity for up to three months. Results should be visible immediately, and with appropriate maintenance may be permanent.
This page contains general information for people considering a tummy tuck. If you are a current patient with questions about your recovery, you should consult your postsurgical instructions or call our office at 727-895-1515. After hours, you will be provided with Dr. Gayoso’s cell phone number for urgent questions. If you are considering a tummy tuck in Tampa or elsewhere in Florida and want to get your tummy tuck questions answered in person, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Antonio J. Gayoso.
The Day of Your Surgery
After your tummy tuck procedure, you will be taken to our recovery room where you will be monitored to ensure you are fully recovered from anesthesia. Even though you will likely feel fine, you need to have a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. Before you leave, we will review the postoperative instructions with you and your driver and give you a copy to take home.
The first day you should focus on recovery. Rest and sleep as much as possible. You can eat and you are encouraged to drink to keep hydrated and to get up to walk to the bathroom to help limit the chance of developing blood clots in your legs from inactivity.
The First Weeks of Recovery
The day after your tummy tuck, you should get up and walk around. Starting with short walks you should gradually increase your level of activity. You should avoid strenuous activity, especially any activity that may strain your abdominal muscles. You should take your medications as instructed and be aware of the signs of rare but serious complications:
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid breathing or inability to catch your breath
If you experience these, call us immediately.
After your first week, you will have a follow-up visit. Dr. Gayoso will evaluate the state of you healing after the tummy tuck. He may clear you to return to work or advise you to take some more time to recover.
Full Recovery and Final Results
Although you will likely feel back to normal within a couple weeks, your healing will still be progressing. It may take up to 12 weeks for your abdominal muscles to be fully healed. However, by this time you will be able to enjoy your final results from the procedure: a smooth, slim abdomen. If you follow a healthy diet and a reasonable level of exercise, the results from your tummy tuck can be permanent.
To learn more about tummy tuck recovery, abdominoplasty procedure or learn how it can help you, please contact Gayoso Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation.