A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that reconstructs the abdominal wall. During the procedure, excess tissue and skin are removed, and, if required, abdominal muscles are tightened.
Recovery from surgery takes a little time, so if you’re considering abdominoplasty, it’s vital to understand what it actually entails so you can be as prepared (and relaxed) as possible.
Your recovery from an abdominoplasty journey is a significant time that warrants careful consideration. Recovery varies from person to person and will also depend on the type of surgery you’ve had, as some procedures are more invasive than others. Typically, though, it takes approximately three months to feel as though you’re ‘back to normal’ and completely recovered.
The majority of healing will take place in the first couple of weeks, so you must delay work commitments, physical activities, household chores and any other commitments during this time. If you live alone, we recommend you have someone stay with you for the first few days.
Below, we explain the two main tummy tuck procedures, outline the recovery timeline in more detail, and provide basic guidelines to follow.
Types of abdominoplasty
At Chelsea Cosmetics, Dr Attalla performs the traditional tummy tuck (full abdominoplasty), reversed abdominoplasty, the mini tummy tuck and the modified mini abdominoplasty.
Traditional tummy tuck (full abdominoplasty)
A traditional tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the entire abdominal area — both the upper and lower regions. A horizontal incision is created from hip to hip, and another small incision is created around the navel.
During the procedure, excess fat deposits (both deep and superficial) are removed using high-definition liposuction. Excess skin and tissue are removed, and, if required, muscle tissue is tightened. The incisions are then closed with stitches.
Reversed abdominoplasty
This type of abdominoplasty is considered in patients after massive weight loss. These patients often require a breast lift and tummy tuck at the same time. We remove the excessive upper abdominal skin with the excessive breast skin through an upper abdominal incision, then remove the lower abdominal skin and excessive thigh skin through a lower abdominal incision.
Mini tummy tuck
A mini tummy tuck is reserved for individuals who have concerns only in the abdominal area below the navel. The area above and around the navel does not require attention. Typically, there may be a small amount of loose skin under the navel. This surgical procedure requires a horizontal incision directly above the pubic bone that is only slightly larger than a cesarean scar. During the procedure, the area is liposuctioned to remove small fat deposits. Then, all excess skin and tissue are removed before the incision is closed with stitches.
Modified mini tummy tuck
A modified mini tummy tuck is reserved for individuals who have moderate laxity of the skin in the upper abdomen. We tighten the upper abdominal skin by moving the stalk of the umbilicus through lower abdominal incision, then insert it at a lower level without cutting the navel skin. This technique is a modified way to achieve tighter abdominal skin and avoid a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).
Your recovery journey
Waking After Surgery
Dr Attalla performs all surgeries in a registered private hospital with the patient under general anaesthesia. Usually, a full abdominoplasty procedure takes around 3 to 4 hours. When you wake from the procedure, you will experience the following:
You will first be in a recovery room where you are monitored closely before being transferred back to your room.
You may feel some pain in your abdomen. However, your anaesthetist will provide you with pain medications to help alleviate these sensations.
We use a new device for pain control called the Pain Buster. It controls pain in the first 3 days by using a special pump. The pump releases local anaesthesia under the skin, providing comfort after surgery.
Your bed head will be elevated, and pillows will be placed under your knees to keep your hips flexed, preventing any tension in the abdominal area.
You’ll be wearing a compression garment to help minimise swelling and provide support to the area.
One or two drains will come out from, or be just below, your wounds. These drains help remove fluid from the surgical area.
A catheter will be in place, so you don’t have to get up to go to the toilet.
A drip will supply you with intravenous fluid, antibiotics and pain medication.
A massage device will gently stimulate your legs to help minimise the risk of leg vein clots.
You’ll be wearing an oxygen mask, which will help you breathe more easily.
Week 1
Most patients stay in the hospital overnight after surgery. Depending on the extent of your surgery and your individual response, you may be required to stay in surgery for several days. This will be discussed with you before your procedure.
Regular walks: You’ll be encouraged to take small walks, even a few steps, to encourage circulation. Keep your body slightly hunched over to avoid unnecessary stress on the abdominal area.
Pain & discomfort: Any pain and discomfort will peak during this time; it is important to take your pain medication as prescribed.
Drips & drains: Your IV drip, drains and catheter will be removed before you leave the hospital.
Showering or bathing: You may prefer to take sponge baths for the first couple of days. When you are comfortable enough, you can take brief showers, as your wounds will be covered with waterproof dressings. You may consider placing a plastic chair in the shower so you can remain seated while showering.
Home activities: Once you return home, you must rest as much as possible during the first week, besides taking small, regular walks around the house. Delegate all housekeeping tasks to someone else (e.g., cooking, cleaning, and washing).
Week 2
All swelling and bruising will peak during this time.
Your stitches are under the skin, so removal will not be required.
Continue taking walks around the house to improve circulation.
Depending on your surgery and how you feel, you may consider driving after two or three weeks and resuming home office work.
Weeks 4-6
By this stage, the results of your surgery will begin to show.
Much of the bruising and swelling would have subsided.
Any feelings of tightness in the abdominal area will decrease.
Normal sensations in the abdominal area will begin to improve.
You may resume more normal activities and exercise. However, abstain from vigorous physical activities, such as lifting weights, bicycling, power walking, gym workouts, and running, for at least six weeks.
General recovery tips following abdominoplasty
- Wear your compression garment
- Use ice packs to minimise swelling
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat fibre-rich food to avoid constipation
- Rest often
- Try to avoid laughing, coughing or sneezing
- Avoid staying in one position too long
- Avoid smoking for at least two months after the procedure
- Take short walks around the house to keep your circulation going
- Take pain medication as directed
General guidelines
Returning to driving after abdominoplasty
Most people can get behind the wheel two or three weeks after surgery. However, there are several reasons why you shouldn’t drive soon after surgery.
An abdominoplasty procedure requires general anaesthesia, which can cause tiredness and confusion. You will not be able to operate a car or any heavy machinery for at least a couple of days. Additionally, surgery will cause exhaustion and discomfort, so you should not drive in this state. This is why you must have someone drive you home from the hospital.
For the first couple of weeks following your procedure, you’ll be very tender in the abdominal area, so even small movements required when driving, like looking over your shoulder or opening the car door, will be surprisingly difficult. You’ll also have delayed reaction times (due to recovering from the surgery and your pain medications), making it very unsafe to be behind the wheel.
If, after two or three weeks, you would like to drive again, first ask yourself whether you can get in and out of the car comfortably (including opening and shutting the door), turn the wheel without pain, wear a seatbelt, and twist and look over your shoulder. If you are confident doing these things, then you may consider recommencing driving.
Swimming & bathing
You must avoid baths for at least four weeks after surgery. As a general rule, you should avoid swimming in the ocean or swimming pools for at least 6 to 8 weeks. This is because both the ocean and swimming pools harbour many germs and bacteria, and while your incision is not fully healed, it is vulnerable to infection.
Swimming can also strain your incision sites, compromising healing. What’s more, exposure to the sun should be strictly avoided as UV rays can compromise the appearance of your scars.
Sexual activity
Following surgery, your abdominal area will be very tender. The muscles have been tightened, various tissues removed, and your skin stitched together. Therefore, you must allow time to heal and avoid stressing the area with any sexual activity.
Your healing time will depend on the extent of your surgery and your individual response; however, you should generally wait at least four weeks before engaging in intimacy.
Exercising
We want you to become mobile after surgery to improve circulation and promote healing. However, we don’t want you to overexert your body before time as this can compromise healing and increase the risk of complications.
For the first few weeks after surgery, you mustn’t put strain on your incisions and sutures. Avoid lifting weights and heavy objects. Also, avoid all gym workouts and strenuous activities for six weeks. This includes cycling, running, jogging, power walking and weightlifting. After this time, you can slowly recommence your gym workouts, being mindful that your body will now be quite out of shape after taking over six weeks off.
Time off work
If you work from home performing office duties, you can usually return to work after two weeks. If you work in an office, it may take you three or four weeks to return, depending on the surgery you’ve had and your individual healing response. More physically demanding jobs, such as hospitality or retail, typically require four weeks away from work. If your job requires heavy physical exertion, you will need six to eight weeks before returning to work.
Follow-up appointments
Approximately one week after surgery, you’ll be required to return to the clinic for your first post-surgical checkup with Dr Attalla. This allows Dr Attalla to check your wounds, change your dressings, chat to you about your initial recovery and answer any questions. He will usually ask you to see him again in another six weeks for a follow-up appointment.
