Major body changes after having children or losing weight can affect your midsection. Sometimes, diet and exercise are not enough to rid your body of stretched skin, unwanted fat, and a permanent belly bulge. Getting a tummy tuck to correct those issues is a big decision, and you may feel especially anxious about the recovery process. In this blog post, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions so you can better prepare for your tummy tuck recovery.
How Should I Sleep After a Tummy Tuck?
You will want to sleep on your back with your upper body elevated to create a bent angle. This position prevents you from straining your incisions and is often the most comfortable position at first. Sleeping in the wrong position after an abdominoplasty can affect your results and prevent you from getting the rest your body needs. Using pillows or sleeping in a recliner can help you achieve the best post-op sleeping position. To prevent rolling onto your side or stomach in your sleep, you can roll up towels or use extra pillows to place under your arms and knees.
When Can I Lay Flat After a Tummy Tuck?
About 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, your incisions should be healed enough that you can sleep flat on your back if desired. Be sure to check with your surgeon before making that change, however. Your tummy skin may still feel very tight, so you may want to ease into a flat position gradually over a few days. Don’t push yourself to return to a flat position until it’s truly comfortable. As long as you’re cleared by your surgeon, you can set the pace for returning to a flat sleeping position.
When Can I Lay on My Stomach After Tummy Tuck?
Wait at least 6 weeks before trying to sleep on your stomach. Again, let your plastic surgeon be your guide here. It is important to follow their postoperative instructions about sleeping positions and get their clearance before sleeping on your stomach.
Will I Have Visible Scars?
In short, yes, you will have scarring after tummy tuck surgery. However, Dr. Wright makes an incision very low on the abdomen, placing it where it can be hidden by low-slung clothing, underwear, and bikini bottoms or swim trunks.
Your scarring will likely appear pink or brown for the first few months, fading over time with proper care. Your scar is vulnerable to sun damage as it heals, so protect it from the sun and follow your surgeon’s postoperative and scar care instructions. With this care, you should notice that your scar starts to fade and flatten after a year or so. Learn more about minimizing tummy tuck scars in our related blog post.
How Long Do I Have To Take Off Work for a Tummy Tuck?
Most patients return to nonstrenuous work after 2 to 3 weeks. You will spend the first couple of weeks after surgery resting and taking short, frequent, and gentle walks around your house to keep blood circulating and prevent blood clots. If you have a physically strenuous job, you may need several more weeks of recovery before your surgeon clears you.
When Can I Get My Drains Out After a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck drains are usually removed 7 to 10 days after surgery. They are initially placed in the incision or near the ends of the incision to prevent fluid buildup, which is called a seroma.
Can You Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck procedure should not interfere with your ability to get pregnant. However, we recommend waiting until you are finished having children before pursuing tummy tuck surgery. Pregnancy will stretch the skin tightened during a tummy tuck, potentially jeopardizing your results and requiring a second tummy tuck. If you do get pregnant after a tummy tuck, let your OB-GYN know that you’ve had an abdominoplasty.
Do You Lose Weight Faster After a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck isn’t a weight loss procedure, so it won’t directly help you lose weight—fast or otherwise. That said, many patients find it easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery, as they feel more confident and motivated. It’s important to know that losing or gaining weight after your surgery will affect your results, so it’s best to be at a stable, maintainable weight before scheduling your tummy tuck.
If you have isolated pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise, however, talk with your surgeon about combining your tummy tuck with liposuction. Liposuction reduces stubborn fat deposits to enhance your tummy tuck results.
When Will I See the Final Results?
Residual swelling may linger as your body heals, but most patients are very close to seeing their final results within 6 months after tummy tuck surgery.
If you are ready to discuss your tummy tuck options or ask further questions about tummy tuck recovery, request a consultation at our Little Rock practice or call us at (501) 575-0088 to schedule an appointment. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Wright has helped countless patients achieve their body goals by removing stubborn fat deposits and tightening saggy skin with tummy tuck surgery.
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