“The recovery from a tummy tuck may vary from patient to patient depending on their age, general health, type of surgery, and post-op care!”

  • It is inevitable to give some time to your body to heal properly after a tummy tuck.
  • You will likely be prescribed to take an antibiotic and an anticoagulant while your drains are in place.
  • It is advisable to wear a pressure garment for about six weeks to help with swelling and discomfort during recovery.
  • The patient should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least three months post-surgery.

Tummy tuck surgery or abdominoplasty is one of the top five common plastic surgery procedures performed for men and women. Many patients interested in a tummy tuck in Bangalore ask questions related to recovery, results, risks, and benefits. Therefore, it is important to outline some details to make people aware of the benefits of a tummy tuck, including the recovery guidelines to heal perfectly and avail the best results possible.

Dr. Karishma Kagodu, MS, M CH., who heads Dr. Karishma Aesthetics in Bangalore, India, noted that despite the popularity of tummy tucks, many people often don’t know what to expect during the healing period. Tummy tuck recovery is different for everyone because every case is different based on the extent of the issue, health status, age, and the type of surgery being performed. However, there is nothing direct to say about the recovery timeline except the healing steps every patient goes through. 

What to expect during the recovery period?

1. Immediate after surgery:

  • Directly following a tummy tuck surgery, your abdomen will be covered with dressings.
  • Antibiotics and an anticoagulant will be prescribed while your drains are in place.
  • A thin tube will be placed around your incision to drain any fluids that build up around it.
  • You will be advised to rest at an angle for the first few days of recovery to prevent blood clots.
  • Bed rest will be recommended for the first two days after your tummy tuck procedure.
2. Tummy tuck recovery day-by-day timeline:
  • Drains are removed about five days after surgery.
  • A compression garment should be worn 24/7 during the first week following the surgery and at least twelve hours a day for the next six to eight weeks.
  • The patient should stay hydrated and maintain a low sodium diet during the recovery process.
  • Pain, bruising, swelling, and feeling of tightness in the operating areas should begin to fade during week two of your recovery.
  • Most patients resume work within 7-10 days.
  • You can start heavy exercise in about four to six weeks.
  • Most patients enjoy their permanent results within three to six months.
  • Activities, diet, and care:
  • Most patients resume normal daily activities seven days following tummy tuck surgery.
  • It is recommended to take brief walks a few times a day to get your blood flowing.
  • You should avoid vigorous exercises, smoking, and drinking alcohol for about six to eight weeks after surgery to heal properly.
  • You may resume your regular diet the second week after tummy tuck surgery.
  • Limiting sodium and drinking plenty of water is advisable for a speedy recovery.
  • Light massage is recommended for treated areas to accelerate speedy recovery.
  • You may advise applying vitamin E, silicone sheets, Scar Guard or BioCornium to minimize the scar.
Tummy Tuck 3-6 Months Post-Op Results:

The recovery timeline for each patient may vary, but most patients resume normal activities within 3-6 months after their tummy tuck surgery.

While the tummy tuck recovery process is a careful and evaluating task, the highly skilled surgeon, Dr. Karishma Kagodu at Kaesthetics, Bangalore, provides you with the best possible results with minimal discomfort.

If you are interested in knowing more about tummy tuck surgery or want to discuss your options, call us at +91 8042036382, +91 9108969006, or +91 7624809006 to speak to our plastic surgeon. 

Request an Appointment
Request an Appointment