
Immediately after surgery: Although exercise is necessary to lead a healthy life after the surgery, patients must start slow and see how the body copes before starting rigorous exercise. How Soon Can I Exercise After a Mini Tummy Tuck?Īfter your mini tummy tuck, the degree to which you can exercise will depend on which step of the recovery process you are experiencing. The best thing for patients to do is take plenty of rest and keep the compression garment on during the healing process. Immediately after the operation, patients can expect a tugging sensation accompanied by swelling, numbness, pain, and bruising around the wounds or sutures. Recovery after a tummy tuck can take several weeks. Dressings are then put on the incision and a post-operative compression garment is put on to help with healing and to keep the swelling down.
MINI TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY WEEK BY WEEK SKIN
Recovery After Your Mini Tummy TuckĪt the end of the mini tummy tuck, sometimes plastic tubes are placed under the skin to help drain out fluid or blood that might collect. The excess skin and fat is removed, and the incision is closed with stitches. If the muscles have stretched out during pregnancy or the aging process, they are repaired using internal sutures to tighten and firm the abdomen. Tissues are then lifted, and the abdominal musculature is examined. Because the tissue changes are all made below the belly button, no other incisions will be needed. The Mini Tummy-Tuck ProcedureĪn incision is made horizontally along the lower abdomen, between the belly button and the pubic hairline. First, let’s discuss the details of the procedure.

If you’re interested in a mini tummy tuck, you may be wondering how long it will be before you can exercise normally again. The mini tummy tuck involves only the abdominal region below the belly button. Typical tummy-tuck patients include women after pregnancy, people who have lost a lot of weight, and people who have developed excess tissues due to normal aging and heredity. Michael Jazayeri, call the number on the top of your screen or visit our contact page.Tummy-tuck surgery is a procedure in which excess fat and skin are removed from the abdomen, leading to a fit and trim appearance. Michael Jazayeri Today!įor more information about tummy tuck surgery or any other services offered by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Results will become more visible by week 12 but may not be fully visible for several months following surgery. Patients should gradually resume regular exercise but continue to avoid abdominal exercises until fully healed (around week 24).īy week 12, soreness, fatigue, and swelling will gradually resolve. The compression garment may still need to be worn if recommended by the surgeon.īy week 4, patients may resume a regular diet, but it’s important to continue with a nutrient-dense diet to foster continued recovery. Continue to increase activity while avoiding any abdominal exercises. Soreness will continue but swelling should begin to subside. Many patients will be back at work and can resume most activities by week 4.

Most patients will be able to return to work by the end of week two and can start gradually incorporating brief walks into their days to promote healing. Continue to wear the compression garment and rest in a semi-reclined position. Although swelling will remain, discomfort and bruising should significantly decrease. Week 2īy week two, the drains will likely be removed. Rest in a semi-reclined position and gradually increase light activity to promote circulation. Discomfort is usually addressed with medications.Īvoid driving, physical activity, and smoking to allow for proper rest and recovery.

The most common symptoms during this period are soreness, swelling, and fatigue. Patients should eat a protein-rich, low sodium diet to promote healing and reduce swelling. A compression garment will be provided and should remain on at all times to reduce swelling and produce the desired outcome. Immediately following surgery, patients usually have drains placed near the incision sites to remove excess fluid. The following is a week-by-week glance at what the recovery process looks like for a standard tummy tuck procedure. Understanding the tummy tuck recovery process is important for anyone seriously considering an abdominal contouring procedure.
