Atlanta Residents Ask: What Is The Recovery Time For A Tummy Tuck? Astra Plastic Surgery

Do you have unwanted areas of fat deposited on your abdomen that stubbornly remain even with a consistently healthy diet and exercise? If so, you can likely benefit from an abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as the tummy tuck in Atlanta. The tummy tuck has a reputation for being a long, intense process, but what exactly should you expect after a tummy tuck procedure and what does recovery look like?

WHAT TO EXPECT FOLLOWING SURGERY

Once you awake from your tummy tuck procedure, your Atlanta plastic surgeon or a nurse will prepare you with details of the recovery process. You will be prepped on topics, such as:

• Physical activities to limit or avoid during the recovery process
• How to care for your incisions and drain tubes
• When and how to wear the abdominal pressure garment
• How to avoid infection and maintain overall health
• When to schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon

You should arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure and continue to care for you over the next few days. Your surgeon will likely prescribe one or more medications such as an antibiotic, an anticoagulant, pain medication, and/or topical medication to apply to the skin. Take all prescribed medications as instructed and avoid any medicine containing aspirin. Avoid any form of nicotine for at least six weeks as this can complicate the healing process.

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR RECOVERY?

The first thing to consider when answering this question is that recovery differs for everybody and, therefore, the timeline for recovery varies from person to person as well. Factors that influence this are your age, body weight, overall health, and the type of tummy tuck you choose to undergo. It is natural to want to bounce back quickly after surgery, but be sure to allow yourself a conservative timeline free from any obligations that may hinder your healing process. Your drains will be left in for a few days following the surgery and you should expect to wear an abdominal binder for about six weeks. In general, most patients can resume normal activities, including more strenuous exercise after at least the six-week mark.

WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?

Initial swelling following the surgery may make it difficult to see any immediate results. As the healing process continues, however, swelling will slowly subside and you can begin reaping the aesthetic benefits of your tummy tuck procedure. Dr. Christopher Killingsworth and his staff provide tummy tuck procedures and more at our primary location in Atlanta, GA. For more information or to schedule a consultation for your tummy tuck, contact us today.