What is the Recovery Time for a Tummy Tuck?

Are you interested in experiencing the stomach-flattening powers of a tummy tuck, but not exactly sure how much time you need to take off for it? Take a look at our recommended recovery time for a tummy tuck, including things to keep in mind for a more successful tummy tuck recovery.

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What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure that’s designed to repair abdominal walls that may have been damaged by pregnancy, weight gain, or just getting older. Also known as an abdominoplasty, the main goal of the tummy tuck is to create a smoother and flatter stomach, thus eliminating the look of any pooch that won’t respond to diet and exercise alone.

What is the Downtime for a Tummy Tuck?

Although every patient is different, you should expect to take at least two to three weeks off from work during your tummy tuck recovery. That’s because the tummy tuck is a major abdominal surgery, which requires plenty of rest in order to heal. If you rush back to work or everyday life too quickly, you could end up undermining the healing process.  

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Keep in mind that during the first month of your recovery, you’ll need to avoid lifting heavy objects off of the floor. “Heavy” here means anything over five pounds, so if you have small children, plan to have someone around full-time who can help with your childcare needs. You should be able to return to work after the second or third week, based on your plastic surgeon’s recommendations. You may not be able to exercise until about four to six weeks after surgery, as your abdomen will still be doing a lot of healing beforehand. You’ll begin to see results about eight to twelve weeks after surgery, with your final results materializing anywhere from six months to one year later.