What to expect following a tummy tuck procedure

When you have a tummy tuck with us, you should expect to stay overnight at our state-of-the-art hospital where you’ll be well cared for by our experienced team. Any discomfort will be managed with painkillers which will be prescribed for you when you’re ready to go home.

Most people recover quickly from a tummy tuck if they allow themselves the time and space to rest and recuperate. This means planning your recovery in advance and enlisting help and support from good friends and family.

After surgery, it’s likely you’ll have dressings covering the incision site to protect and promote healing. These usually include surgical tape or adhesive strips applied directly over the incision site to hold the edges of the skin together and reduce tension on the incision. There may also be a gauze or bandage to absorb any drainage or fluid and protect the incision from contaminants.

You shouldn’t have to alter these dressings before your first follow-up appointment but before you leave hospital our team will explain the next steps in detail, so you don’t need to worry.

The best thing you can do is go home and get plenty of rest - here are some tips to help you recover:

1. Follow your surgeon’s instructions – we’ll give you specific post-operative instructions to help you heal properly. It’s important to follow these carefully as they can help minimise pain, swelling and the risk of complications.
2. Take time off work and other everyday activities. You will need to take time off work and other strenuous activities like exercise for several weeks to allow your body to help. Plan ahead and arrange for help with household chores and childcare, if necessary.
3. Wear compression garments, if required. These will be supplied before you leave hospital. Whilst you may find them a little uncomfortable it’s important that you wear them as instructed.
4. Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating a nutritious diet can help speed up the healing process and minimise the risk of complications. Avoid foods that are high in salt or sugar as they can cause inflammation and delay healing.
5. Avoid smoking and alcohol. These can interfere with the healing process and should be avoided for several weeks before and after surgery.
6. Get plenty of rest. Don’t overdo it!
7. Attend follow-up appointments so that we can monitor your healing and ensure a smooth recovery.

Many people are keen to know when they can begin to exercise again after a tummy tuck. The answer is: it depends. If your recovery is going well then you may be able to return to light exercise, such as walking, within 6-8 weeks. Something gentle like stretching or yoga are good options to help improve circulation and flexibility without putting too much stress on the abdominal area.

Vigorous exercise, like running, cycling or weight lifting, may need a little more time. The most important thing to do is listen to your body – don’t push yourself too hard, too soon. It will tell you when it’s ready to cope with more intense exercise.

Your follow-up appointments will be a good opportunity to discuss appropriate next steps in your recovery journey. Remember, most people enjoy a smooth recovery from tummy tuck but if you have any queries once you’ve returned home, we are always available to help you.