Tummy Tuck Recovery for Patients in Tampa, Trinity, Palm Harbor, Lutz, and Elsewhere throughout Florida – What to Expect

The tummy tuck recovery process can vary with every patient and the extent of every surgery, but you can prepare yourself for your recovery by learning a bit more about what to expect. Seeking out advice on ensuring successful healing can also be beneficial, and by educating yourself beforehand, you’ll know what to ask once when you see your surgeon for your consultation.

Your tummy tuck will be performed with general anesthesia, so you’ll likely feel groggy, tired, and nauseous once the anesthesia begins to wear off. This makes it especially important for you to arrange for someone else to drive you home after your surgery. Immediately after the procedure, you’ll be fitted with a compression garment to help your body adjust to its new contours. Any excess fluid will be removed through a special drain, which your doctor will remove a few days after your surgery.

During the first several days of your tummy tuck recovery, you will feel sore and tender, and it’s best to get as much rest as possible. You can expect reduced swelling and bruising within one to three weeks, but your surgeon will likely recommend that you wait six months before resuming exercise and other strenuous activities. Most surgeons also schedule follow-up appointments in these six months, and you’ll probably be able to see complete results after this time.

At the Bayside Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, esteemed plastic surgeon Dr. John Roach is happy to perform tummy tucks for residents of Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Clearwater, and beyond. You can learn more about tummy tuck surgery and recovery when you contact us. If you think you may need liposuction as part of your tummy tuck procedure, we can also tell you more about that option, as well the liposuction recovery process.